Holy Relics

Tensions between rival Shiite factions are running high, following two days of clashes in the holy city of Karbala that left at least 50 dead and more than 200 wounded. The violence in Karbala sparked clashes in several other Shiite towns in southern Iraq.

Tensions between rival Shiite factions are running high, following two days of clashes in the holy city of Karbala that left at least 50 dead and more than 200 wounded. The violence in Karbala sparked clashes in several other Shiite towns in southern Iraq.

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A federal appeals court, dividing sharply over the use of biblical quotations in the jury room, reinstated a Los Angeles man’s death sentence Monday for the murder of a student librarian nearly 30 years ago. read more…

In 1956, 16-year-old Pennsylvania schoolboy Ellery Schempp decided to protest his public school’s mandatory prayer and Bible-reading period by reading silently from the Koran. He was ejected from class and then sued the school district. The case eventually went to the Supreme Court.

In 1956, 16-year-old Pennsylvania schoolboy Ellery Schempp decided to protest his public school’s mandatory prayer and Bible-reading period by reading silently from the Koran. He was ejected from class and then sued the school district. The case eventually went to the Supreme Court.

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Most Americans believe the nation’s founders wrote Christianity into the Constitution, and people are less likely to say freedom to worship covers religious groups they consider extreme, a poll out today finds. read more…

On one side of the riots in the Shiite-dominated city of Karbala is the Badr Brigade — affiliated with the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council. On the other is the Mahdi Army — affiliated with cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. According to scholar Vali Nasr, both groups have had close ties to Iran in the past.

On one side of the riots in the Shiite-dominated city of Karbala is the Badr Brigade — affiliated with the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council. On the other is the Mahdi Army — affiliated with cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. According to scholar Vali Nasr, both groups have had close ties to Iran in the past.

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Thousands are walking the streets of Baghdad, performing an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of a much-loved Shiite Imam, or saint. Because many Shiite observances were suppressed under Saddam Hussein, the pilgrimage is an important part of Shiite identity but dangerous.

Thousands are walking the streets of Baghdad, performing an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of a much-loved Shiite Imam, or saint. Because many Shiite observances were suppressed under Saddam Hussein, the pilgrimage is an important part of Shiite identity but dangerous.

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Tags: holy relics, Buddist, Islam, Hindu

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Young Imam Serves as Islam’s Face to Community
Sheikh Rashid Lamptey, the new imam at the Dar Al Noor mosque in Virginia, plays a dual role: He’s the face of Islam to his congregation and to Americans who might be wary of Muslims.

Sheikh Rashid Lamptey, the new imam at the Dar Al Noor mosque in Virginia, plays a dual role: He’s the face of Islam to his congregation and to Americans who might be wary of Muslims.

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Source: www.npr.org

Can US Diplomacy Get Religion?
In much of the world, religion ? not ideology ? is the prime motivator propelling people and events, often leading to violence. Congress had a sense of that a decade ago when it began considering how the US might better promote religious freedom and tolerance in its foreign policy. It’s a subject worth revisiting.
Source: pewforum.org

Mission Field Dangerous for Church Workers
There are 21 South Korean hostages still in custody of the Taliban in Afghanistan. The group belongs to the same church near Seoul, and was taken hostage by the Taliban July 19. The incident highlights the hazards for the thousands of missionaries who head to danger zones every year.

There are 21 South Korean hostages still in custody of the Taliban in Afghanistan. The group belongs to the same church near Seoul, and was taken hostage by the Taliban July 19. The incident highlights the hazards for the thousands of missionaries who head to danger zones every year.

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Source: www.npr.org

Evangelicals Join Other Christian Groups in Push For Common Code of Conduct on Conversions
Evangelical groups have joined efforts spearheaded by Roman Catholic, Orthodox and mainstream Protestant churches to create a common code of conduct for religious conversions that would preserve the right of Christians to spread their religion while avoiding conflict among different faiths.
Source: pewforum.org

Romney Gets Lift in Iowa Straw Poll
Pots of money aside, one factor above all helped bring victory to Mitt Romney in Saturday’s informal Iowa “straw poll” of Republican presidential candidates – a reputation for competence.
Source: pewforum.org

Shiite Pilgrims Willingly Risk Lives for Faith
Thousands are walking the streets of Baghdad, performing an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of a much-loved Shiite Imam, or saint. Because many Shiite observances were suppressed under Saddam Hussein, the pilgrimage is an important part of Shiite identity but dangerous.

Thousands are walking the streets of Baghdad, performing an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of a much-loved Shiite Imam, or saint. Because many Shiite observances were suppressed under Saddam Hussein, the pilgrimage is an important part of Shiite identity but dangerous.

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Source: www.npr.org

Church Group to Discuss Guidelines for Conversion
Rev. Dr. Hans Ucko of the World Council of Churches talks to Rebecca Roberts about the creation of a code of conduct for Christian conversion and the work of missionaries. The WCC meets this week in Toulouse, France.

Rev. Dr. Hans Ucko of the World Council of Churches talks to Rebecca Roberts about the creation of a code of conduct for Christian conversion and the work of missionaries. The WCC meets this week in Toulouse, France.

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Source: www.npr.org

In Afghanistan, a Jewish Community of One
Some scholars estimate that 4,000 Jews lived in Afghanistan a half-century ago. Today, 47-year-old Zabolon Simantov is believed to be the country’s only remaining Jewish resident.

Some scholars estimate that 4,000 Jews lived in Afghanistan a half-century ago. Today, 47-year-old Zabolon Simantov is believed to be the country’s only remaining Jewish resident.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: hebrew, religious artifacts, metaphysics, Hindu

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The high political anxiety that gay rights can provoke in Democratic presidential aspirants broke out into the open early in this campaign, as the party’s two leading candidates both stumbled when asked to give unrehearsed answers on morality and homosexuality. read more…

Emerging rapprochement between evangelicals and environmentalists has also begun to transform how the two groups define themselves. read more…

Norma Gabler, who, along with her husband Mel, exerted huge influence over the U.S. textbook industry as a watchdog for material they considered anti-family, has died.

Norma Gabler, who, along with her husband Mel, exerted huge influence over the U.S. textbook industry as a watchdog for material they considered anti-family, has died.

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The Democratic presidential candidates have begun to aggressively court gay and lesbian voters, with unprecedented outreach to match a major shift in policy positions among the major 2008 hopefuls. read more…

A federal appeals court has refused to consider whether Missouri’s lethal injection method of capital punishment is constitutional, leaving it unclear whether executions will resume in the state. read more…

There are 21 South Korean hostages still in custody of the Taliban in Afghanistan. The group belongs to the same church near Seoul, and was taken hostage by the Taliban July 19. The incident highlights the hazards for the thousands of missionaries who head to danger zones every year.

There are 21 South Korean hostages still in custody of the Taliban in Afghanistan. The group belongs to the same church near Seoul, and was taken hostage by the Taliban July 19. The incident highlights the hazards for the thousands of missionaries who head to danger zones every year.

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Tags: hebrew, Buddist, religious products, religious artifacts

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The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

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Rep. Keith Ellison made a weekend trip to Iraq, where a pair of sheiks urged Congress’ only Muslim lawmaker to help in countering al-Qaeda’s vision of Islam. read more…

The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

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When George Romney ran for the 1968 Republican presidential nomination, his Mormon heritage was mostly a footnote. It was scarcely mentioned in news accounts of the day. But for son Mitt Romney, the family religion presents a formidable political hurdle. read more…

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to settle hundreds of lawsuits from people who claim they were abused by Roman Catholic clergy. The settlement is the largest in the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to settle hundreds of lawsuits from people who claim they were abused by Roman Catholic clergy. The settlement is the largest in the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

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Tags: Islam, wiccan, metaphysics, Hindu

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‘Time’ Poll: Romney, Obama of Strongest Faith
A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

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Source: www.npr.org

Ellison Returns from Trip to Iraq
Rep. Keith Ellison made a weekend trip to Iraq, where a pair of sheiks urged Congress’ only Muslim lawmaker to help in countering al-Qaeda’s vision of Islam.
Source: pewforum.org

L.A. Church to Settle Abuse Cases in Record Deal
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to settle hundreds of lawsuits from people who claim they were abused by Roman Catholic clergy. The settlement is the largest in the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to settle hundreds of lawsuits from people who claim they were abused by Roman Catholic clergy. The settlement is the largest in the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

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Source: www.npr.org

Fewer See Balance in Court’s Decisions
About half of the public thinks the Supreme Court is generally balanced in its decisions, but a growing number of Americans say the court has become “too conservative” in the two years since President Bush began nominating justices, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Source: pewforum.org

The Younger Generation Finds Religion
Recent articles have reported that young adults are turning to religion to the surprise — and sometimes chagrin — of their less-observant parents. Guests discuss God and the generation gap, and why parents aren’t always thrilled when their children become more observant.

Recent articles have reported that young adults are turning to religion to the surprise — and sometimes chagrin — of their less-observant parents. Guests discuss God and the generation gap, and why parents aren’t always thrilled when their children become more observant.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: religious products, Buddist, hebrew, holy relics

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As ‘08 election nears, party weighs a more nuanced line on issue that divides U.S. read more…

A new sanctuary movement, which puts undocumented immigrants in protective custody, may revive the religious left. read more…

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

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Having left U.S., stem cell researcher finds British view is music to his ears. read more…

The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

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Tired of being seen by religious voters as too secular or even hostile toward religion, the Democrat party and its presidential candidates have launched an all-out effort to win their votes. read more…

Tags: christianity, religious products, Hindu, holy relics

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Victim of Church Abuse Shares His Story
Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

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Source: www.npr.org

Vatican Pledges to Fight Pedophilia
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church’s sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church’s sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned.

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Source: www.npr.org

Obama Says He Would Look into Court Nominees’ Hearts
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) sent a strong signal yesterday that he would appoint pro-abortion rights Supreme Court justices but stopped short of endorsing a litmus test.
Source: pewforum.org

Cambodia Limits Christian Activities
Cambodia’s government issued a directive preventing Christians from promoting their religion in public places, or using money or other means to persuade people to convert, officials said Tuesday.
Source: pewforum.org

Pope Benedict Eases Restrictions on Mass
Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: wiccan, religious products, hebrew, Hindu

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Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

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Many pundits have said that presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith will be a hindrance to his 2008 bid, but a new poll shows that voters believe he is more religious than any of the other contenders out there. read more…

Report charts human rights abuses that Hindus in and outside of India dealt with in ‘06. read more…

Many pin the blame for a church coverup on the former Cardinal Ratzinger — now Pope Benedict XVI. There are no records on clerical sex abuse in Italy and those who want cases investigated often face the wrath of the Vatican as a result.

Many pin the blame for a church coverup on the former Cardinal Ratzinger — now Pope Benedict XVI. There are no records on clerical sex abuse in Italy and those who want cases investigated often face the wrath of the Vatican as a result.

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The recent attacks in Britain have renewed debate about banning an Islamist group there. But Hizb ut-Tahrir — which seeks to end Western-style government in Islamist countries and return to the form of government set out in the Koran — says its methods are peaceful.

The recent attacks in Britain have renewed debate about banning an Islamist group there. But Hizb ut-Tahrir — which seeks to end Western-style government in Islamist countries and return to the form of government set out in the Koran — says its methods are peaceful.

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A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

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Tags: religious artifacts, christianity, Buddist, religious products

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An Outsider’s Look Inside Amish Community
Writer Joe Mackall gained unprecedented access to one of the most conservative Amish communities through his neighbor Samuel. In his new book, Plain Secrets, Mackall chronicles the tightly knit society of Ohio’s Swartzentruber Amish.

Writer Joe Mackall gained unprecedented access to one of the most conservative Amish communities through his neighbor Samuel. In his new book, Plain Secrets, Mackall chronicles the tightly knit society of Ohio’s Swartzentruber Amish.

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Source: www.npr.org

Urbanization Hasn’t Pushed Religion Aside, U.N. Says
Predictions that increased urbanization around the world would lead to a more secularized society are unfounded — in fact, the opposite may be true, according to a report from the U.N. Population Fund.
Source: pewforum.org

Now a Sir, Salman Rushdie Still Causing a Stir
Author Salman Rushdie is now Sir Salman Rushdie. The Indian-born writer received a knighthood from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth last week for his services to literature. Many Muslims are protesting the Queen’s decision to honor Rushdie, who spent years in hiding after a fatwa was issued calling for his death.

Author Salman Rushdie is now Sir Salman Rushdie. The Indian-born writer received a knighthood from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth last week for his services to literature. Many Muslims are protesting the Queen’s decision to honor Rushdie, who spent years in hiding after a fatwa was issued calling for his death.

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Source: www.npr.org

Bush Nominee Runs into Crossfire
Homosexual advocacy groups are objecting strongly to President Bush’s nominee for surgeon general, but Dr. James W. Holsinger Jr. also faces questions from conservative groups about his views on human cloning and embryonic-stem-cell research.
Source: pewforum.org

Op-Ed: Window Into ‘Hearts and Minds’ of Muslims
A recent poll by the non-partisan Pew Research Center showed that Muslims in America are “largely assimilated, happy with their lives, and moderate with respect to many of the issues that have divided Muslims and Westerners around the world.” In other words, exactly what American Muslims have been saying all along.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: christianity, Buddist, wiccan, holy relics

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South Dakota to Execute 1st Prisoner in 60 Years
South Dakota is preparing for its first execution in 60 years, nearly a year after the governor delayed an execution over legal concerns about the lethal injection mixture prison officials planned to use.
Source: pewforum.org

Father vs. Father: Two Traditions Square Off
Tony Gargagliano’s father came to New York from Italy as a teenager in 1908. But he held on to many of his Old World ways — much to the aggravation –and the delight — of his son. For instance, there was the day they went to get his father’s third marriage annulled.

Tony Gargagliano’s father came to New York from Italy as a teenager in 1908. But he held on to many of his Old World ways — much to the aggravation –and the delight — of his son. For instance, there was the day they went to get his father’s third marriage annulled.

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Source: www.npr.org

Giuliani Support Hints at Shift
He is a pro-choice, thrice-married New Yorker. So why is Rudy Giuliani the leading presidential candidate in a Republican Party long dominated by pro-life, family-values voters in the South and West?
Source: pewforum.org

Romney Faces Uphill Battle for Evangelical Voters
Nearly a half-century after John F. Kennedy broke the Catholic barrier to the presidency, Mitt Romney is attempting a similar feat.
Source: pewforum.org

British Suspect’s Beliefs Drove Him, Friends Say
The Iraq war hardened a doctor detained in the bomb plots. He rejoiced at attacks on the troops.
Source: pewforum.org

Germans Split Over a Mosque and the Role of Islam
Plans for what would be one of Germany’s largest mosques are rattling an ancient city to its foundations.
Source: pewforum.org

Gay Mormons Grapple with Faith, Sexuality
For Ben Jarvis, the tension between Mormon teachings and his sexuality led him to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. But Affirmation, a support group for gay, lesbian and bisexual Mormons, has helped Jarvis and others retain and share traditions, whether or not they are “officially” church members.

For Ben Jarvis, the tension between Mormon teachings and his sexuality led him to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. But Affirmation, a support group for gay, lesbian and bisexual Mormons, has helped Jarvis and others retain and share traditions, whether or not they are “officially” church members.

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Source: www.npr.org

U.K. Attacks Renew Calls to Ban Islamist Group
The recent attacks in Britain have renewed debate about banning an Islamist group there. But Hizb ut-Tahrir — which seeks to end Western-style government in Islamist countries and return to the form of government set out in the Koran — says its methods are peaceful.

The recent attacks in Britain have renewed debate about banning an Islamist group there. But Hizb ut-Tahrir — which seeks to end Western-style government in Islamist countries and return to the form of government set out in the Koran — says its methods are peaceful.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: metaphysics, Hindu, Buddist, christianity

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