Breaking Religious News Around the World

[ELD] Jerusalem bishop visits Gaza five weeks after being denied entry by Israeli authorities

Today's Episcopal Life Daily includes: * TOP STORY - Jerusalem bishop visits Gaza five weeks after being denied entry by Israeli authorities Worldwide Faith News

Birth report bodes poorly for children, society

A spokeswoman from Concerned Women for America says the findings outlined in a new report on U.S. births in 2007 highlight a disturbing trend in American society.Agape Press

Religious tensions rise again in India
Bishop Felix Machado of Nasik invited Christians of India never to forget that their faith must be lived "in its integrity." "God can never become a negotiable item" in a pluralistic society.
Spero News

Science is my job - faith is my rock

This week, when Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, declined to discuss his Christian beliefs in the face of accusations that they were influencing his work, the fallout cast ...The Globe And Mail

Spanish scholar contradicts allegation over religious freedom in Tibet

A Spanish scholar published Thursday an article contradicting the Dalai Lama clique's allegation that Tibet "lacks freedom of belief." The complaint of the so-called Tibetan government in ex...People's Daily

Catholic Church faces obstacles in Africa

In Africa, some Roman Catholic priests have children and nuns counsel patients to use condoms against the scourge of AIDS. Faithful consult medicine men even though the church condemns that as witchcraft...The Seattle Times

Pope tells Muslims that religion rejects violence

YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Religion must reject violence, Pope Benedict XVI told Muslim leaders Thursday before celebrating an open-air Mass in front of thousands and delivering a message of hope for Africa...The China Post

Congregations Face Difficult Choices in Sour Economy

-- When Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Simpsonville, S.C., was planning a 10th-anniversary celebration dinner, the $15-per-person ticket price seemed reasonable -- until members started doing the ...Crosswalk

Coliseum Way of the Cross Echoes Plight of Christians in India [2009-03-19]
Zenit.org ).- Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, India, was chosen to prepare the meditations for this year's Way of the Cross that the Pope will pray on Good Friday at the Coliseum in Rome....Zenit

Only in Britain: Christ's Cross Too Scary for Church Kids

From Associated News

London, Jan 7 : The cross depicts the Christian faith all over the world, but a church in Britain has decided to remove it as it is too scary for kids and also puts people off.

Reverend Ewen Souter, of Horsham, West Sussex, decided to remove the crucifix in his church after he found it to be "a horrifying depiction of pain and suffering".

The 10ft sculpture was removed from St John's, and to the anger and bewilderment of some in his congregation, an ultra-modern stainless steel cross was placed.

"The crucifix is the oldest and most famous symbol of Christianity," the Mirror quoted one long-standing member of the church as saying."Pulling it down and putting up something that would look more at home on the side of a shopping centre is not the way to get more bums on seats. Next they'll be ripping out the pews and putting sofas in, or throwing out all the Bibles and replacing them with laptops. It's just not right," the member added.

But Rev Souter, who has been vicar at St John's since 2001, believes the modern new cross, which was designed by artist Angela Godfrey, will present "a positive message of hope".

"The crucifix expressed suffering, torment, pain and anguish. It was a scary image, particularly for children. Parents didn't want to walk past it with their kids, because they found it so horrifying," he said.

"It wasn't a suitable image for the outside of a church wanting to welcome worshippers. In fact, it was a real put-off.

"We're all about hope, encouragement and the joy of the Christian faith. We want to communicate good news, not bad news, so we need a more uplifting and inspiring symbol than execution on a cross," he added.

Update: a TV interview from the BBC -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/7816941.stm

Religious news: SUVs at Detroit Church Altar: Will God Save the Auto Industry?

DETROIT (Reuters) - With sport-utility vehicles at the altar and auto workers in the pews, one of Detroit's largest churches on Sunday offered up prayers for Congress to bail out the struggling auto industry.

"We have never seen as midnight an hour as we face this week," the Rev. Charles Ellis told several thousand congregants at a rousing service at Detroit's Greater Grace Temple. "This week, lives are hanging above an abyss of uncertainty as both houses of Congress decide whether to extend a helping hand."

Local car dealerships donated three hybrid SUVs to be displayed during the service, one from each of the Big Three. A Ford Escape, Chevy Tahoe from GM and a Chrysler Aspen were parked just in front of the choir and behind the pulpit.

Ellis said he and other Detroit ministers would pray and fast until Congress voted on a bailout for Detroit's embattled automakers. He urged his congregation to do the same.

Other Detroit-area religious leaders -- including Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders convened by Cardinal Adam Maida -- have urged Congress to approve an auto aid package.

But the service dedicated to saving Motown's signature industry at Greater Grace Temple was the highest profile effort to mobilize support yet.

Read the rest of the story here…

All Clergy Should Undergo HIV Tests, Says UN Adviser

CHURCH LEADERS should con­sider being tested for HIV to help banish the stigma attached to testing, an expert at UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS) has said in advance of World AIDS Day next Monday.

A Lambeth Palace spokeswoman, responding on Wednesday, said that African bishops had already had themselves tested as an example to others, and that the Archbishop of Canterbury believed that church leaders should take a lead in educat­ing people about the issues.

In part of a statement expected on Monday, Dr Williams will say: “Recognizing that people living with HIV is us not them, whether its leaders and congregations, congrega­tions and ‘outsiders’, it’s us. It’s all of our business . . . church leaders and church congregations taking responsi­­bilities for educating the wider public.”

Sally Smith, the Geneva-based UNAIDS partnership adviser who called for the testing, said: “This is an important way for religious and community leaders to break down the stigma often associated with HIV and testing.”

Everyone should know their HIV status, to make informed health decisions, she said in an interview published in full on the Church Times website today.

Read the rest of the story here…

Nashville Nativity Best in the Nation

Two Million Sparkling Lights Will Be On Display at Gaylord Opryland Resort's A Country Christmas
Nashville, TN

(Vocus) November 21, 2008 –

The outdoor Nativity display (http://www.christmasatgaylordopryland.com/) on the iconic Magnolia Lawn of the Gaylord Opryland Resort for this year's 25th Anniversary of A Country Christmas (http://www.christmasatgaylordopryland.com/) is surrounded by two million sparkling lights.

Nowhere does the meaning of Christmas shine more brightly than at the resort a Travel Channel program calls "The Most Christmassy Hotel in the Nation." The outdoor Nativity is comprised of 50 white statues, some of which are eight-feet tall, that depict the story of the legendary trip to Bethlehem made by Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The tale is narrated for all those who stroll along the nearby path. But that is only one of The Four Greatest Nativities at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

A second glistening Nativity is located in ICE!, which in 2008 is a theater full of 2 million pounds of giant ice sculptures telling the story of the How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Suess. The main theme may change from year to year, but each year thousands return to ICE! just to see the grand finale, a 9æF room where a larger-than-life Nativity scene is carefully displayed with special theatrical lighting, all hand-carved from massive blocks of sparkling clear ice. Here, guests stop for longer than the temperature would seem to allow, listening to the story of Christmas as the sculptures are lighted one by one, including a 15-foot tall ice angel.

Read the rest of the story here…

Holy Global Warming! Pope Goes Green in Vatican

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 21, 2008 (Zenit.org).-

The Vatican will be taking a step toward promoting a greener culture next week as it inaugurates new solar panels on the roof of Paul VI Hall.

The inauguration will take place Wednesday at the headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a Vatican communiqué reported today.

The 2,400 solar panels replace the deteriorating concrete roof panels, and the photovoltaic cells will convert sunlight into electricity, and generate enough power to light, heat or cool the 6,000-seat hall. The Vatican says the solar panel project is one of the "concrete and tangible initiatives" of the Vatican to promote the protection of the environment.

Read the rest of the story here…

Tales of Terror…from the Bible

DES MOINES (AP) — Don't expect to hear these Bible stories at church.

Cannibalism, rape, a bear that mauls children — this is the Bible?

They're among six stories from the Old Testament acted out in "Terror Texts," a musical at Northwestern College in Orange City.

Adding to the shocking nature of the stories are the theatrics, with actors decked out in Goth attire, a rock band and a mosh pit.

Theater professor Jeff Barker said the obscurity of the stories belies their value.

Read the rest of the story here…

Latest News: Michael Jackson Becomes a Muslim

From Big Network News

Troubled pop star Michael Jackson has converted to Islam and changed his name to Mikaeel.

The Sun.co.uk reports that Jackson, 50, was dressed in the Islamic garb as he pledged his allegiance to the Koran at a friend's house in Los Angeles. He sat on the floor as an Imam was called to officiate the ceremony.Jackson, who was raised a Jehovah's Witness, decided to convert after discussing religion with a music producer and songwriter on his new album -- both of them converts to Islam.

'They began talking to him about their beliefs and how they thought they had become better people after they converted. Michael soon began warming to the idea. An Imam was summoned, and Michael went through the shahada, which is the Muslim declaration of belief,' a source was quoted as saying.

Mikaeel is the name of one of Allah's angels.

Calvinists Blamed for outdoor Sex and HIV increase in Scotland

John Knox must be rolling in his grave...or in the hay....

Calvinist attitudes in Scottish Highlands account for HIV increases

Paranoia Replaces Faith in 21st Century

London, Oct 20: Faith and trust are a thing of the past, according to British scientists, who claim that the 21st century is the "age of paranoia."

After researching paranoia for over a decade Dr Daniel Freeman, a clinical psychologist from King's College London, conceded that levels of paranoia and mistrust are skyrocketing in today's date.

"These days, we daren't let our children play outside. We're suspicious of strangers. Security cameras are everywhere," The Telegraph quoted him as saying.

Read the rest of this story here…

Religious News: Creationist Biologist Quits Post at Royal Society

From BBC News

Creationist Biologist Quits Post at Royal Society

Professor Michael Reiss has quit as director of education at the Royal Society following the controversy over his recent comments on creationism.

Last week Prof Reiss - a Church of England minister - said creationism should be discussed in science lessons if pupils raised the issue.

He was criticised by other scientists - though misquoted as saying creationism should be "taught" in science classes.

The society said some of his comments had been "open to misinterpretation".

This had damaged its reputation.

"As a result, Professor Reiss and the Royal Society have agreed that, in the best interests of the society, he will step down immediately as director of education - a part-time post he held on secondment," it said in a statement.

"He is to return, full time, to his position as professor of science education at the Institute of Education."

Read the rest of this story here…

Religious News: Nigerian Preacher has 86 Wives

From BBC News: Africa

A Nigerian man with 86 wives, Mohammadu Bello Abubakar, has been arrested by an Islamic court for refusing to divorce all but four of them.

He was picked up in a pre-dawn raid on his house in Bida, Niger state and charged with "insulting religious creed" and "unlawful marriages".

A Sharia court judge denied him bail until another hearing on October 6.

Last week he won a court injunction preventing authorities banishing him if he refused to divorce his wives.

Mr Bello Abubakar, an Islamic preacher, has more than 170 children.

Read the rest of this story here…

Mickey Mouse under threat of Fatwa

Islamic theologian says Mickey Mouse must die

Sunday, 14th September 2008. 7:47pm By: George Conger.

Mickey Mouse must die for the good of Islam, a leading Saudi cleric said last month in a broadcast on al-Majd TV.

On Aug 27 Sheikh Muhammad Al-Munajid told viewers of a religious affairs programme that mice were agents of Satan and that Sharia law called for the extermination of all mice: from the common house mouse (Mus musculus) to cartoon mouse (Mickey Mouse).

A former diplomat attached to the Islamic Affairs Department at the Saudi embassy Washington, al-Munajid appears regularly on Saudi television to discuss religious and ethical topics. On Aug 10 he denounced the Beijing Olympics as the “bikini Olympics,” saying the immodest dress of women athletes was “satanic” and earlier issued a fatwa, or religious edict, against women’s participation in the Olympics as the games were also “satanic”.

Al-Munajid’s aversion to sports is not new. In 2005 he denounced soccer, saying the short pants worn by players “reveal nakedness.” He called for a ban on women’s sports and public exercise as to do so would require them to don “tight fitting, short” tunics that were offensive to Muslim decorum.

Read the rest of this article here....

Charles Darwin to Receive Apology from Church

Charles Darwin is to receive an apology from Church of England -126 years after his death

The Church of England is to officially apologise to Charles Darwin for misunderstanding his theory of evolution - 126 years after his death.

The Church the will address its contrition directly to the Victorian scientist himself.It will concede in a statement that it was over-defensive and over-emotional in dismissing Darwin's ideas, calling "anti-evolutionary fervour" an "indictment" on the Church.

The apology has been written by the Rev Dr Malcolm Brown, the Church's director of mission and public affairs.The statement says that Christians, in their response to Darwin's theory of natural selection, repeated the mistakes they made in doubting Galileo's astronomy in the 17th century, reports Telegraph.

An article to be posted on the Church's website will say: "Charles Darwin: 200 years from your birth, the Church of England owes you an apology for misunderstanding you and, by getting our first reaction wrong, encouraging others to misunderstand you still. We try to practise the old virtues of 'faith seeking understanding' and hope that makes some amends."

Opposition to evolutionary theories is still "a litmus test of faithfulness" for some Christian movements, the Church will admit. It will say that such attitudes owe much to a fear of perceived threats to Christianity. The apology will be made on Monday 15 Sept.

Only in India: Cell Phone Brides

KOLKATA, India - An Indian Muslim couple exchanged wedding vows by telephone after the groom, who lives abroad, said he did not have money to return home to get married, a cleric said on Friday.

Muslim clerics married Irin Biswas, 18, to Safikul Islam, who is employed as a labour supervisor in Kuwait.

The entire village in Murshidabad, West Bengal, watched as the clerics put a mobile phone on speaker mode, enabling them to hear the wedding vows. "

They said qubul (I do) thrice and the marriage was complete," Maulana Alamgir, a cleric who solemnised the marriage said by telephone. He said modern ceremony was not against Islamic laws.

Read the rest of the story here

Religious News: two American Preachers Accused of Hate Crime in Britain

Ministers Arthur Cunningham and Joseph Abraham were handing out Gospel leaflets in a Muslim area in the city of Birmingham, UK, when they were stopped by a passing Community Police Officer. He allegedly became aggressive and told the preachers to stop talking to local youth. The two preachers were accused of trying to convert Muslims and, because they were Americans, the community police officer ranted to them about the Iraq war. He also allegedly warned them that they would be “beaten up” if they returned to evangelize in the area.

The two preachers have complained to West Midlands Police and are seeking an apology. The Police Force, however, have stated that the officer merely intervened to defuse a row between the preachers and the youths.

Article source from the Sun

Pray Today - Pass Tomorrow?

So long as students have to take exams, there will always be prayer in our schools. But how effective are those prayers? And what if a special written prayer could reduce stress, bring calmness, and help a student focus during the hours of an exam? Would it help the student to pass the test?

The Church of England has come with a novel idea of internet prayers for high school, college, and university students to recite before they enter exam rooms. The prayers are also available for teachers who tend to worry about their students during exams. After all, the outcome of the final grades is also used to measure the effectiveness of a teacher’s ability.

The Rev Janina Ainsworth, chief education officer for the Church of England has stated that the prayers were initially written for student gatherings or school assemblies. With a little tweaking, the prayers could be altered to suit an individual’s needs.

Leaving prayer to the last minute is more like wishful thinking, but taking time to sit down and really pray may help stressed out students calm down and give themselves a better opportunity of making their grades. The peace that passes all understanding may soon become the peace that passes every testing.

The prayers can be found at www.cofe.anglican.org/prayers

Only In America: Georgia Church Holds $500 Gas Card Raffle for Visitors

SNELLVILLE, Ga. - Praise the Lord and pass the petrol.

The First Baptist Church in Snellville, Ga., is fuelling its membership drive with a sign in front of its sprawling campus proclaiming "Free Gasoline."

There's a catch, of course. The offer is a not a giveaway.

By Greg Bluestein, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Instead, each time newcomers or members attend a church event during a Sunday-to-Wednesday revival they get a pink raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two $500 gas cards.

The church boasts a congregation of about 9,000, but church officials say only about 2,500 regularly attend Sunday services.

"We don't know how far it will go with these soaring (gasoline) prices," said Rusty Newman, the church's senior pastor. "But (winning) it may make someone's night."

The church, like others, has long relied on special dinners and giveaways to draw in members, but elders wanted something a little more timely.

They set up a sign advertising the offer outside the church's parking lot on a busy road near downtown Snellville, a traffic-clogged suburb northeast of Atlanta.

Read the rest of the story here…

Why I’m Boycotting the Olympics - Reason #3: Christians being targeted

Breaking news from China reveals that authorities are clamping down on Roman Catholics who wish to worship at a Marian shrine during the month of May. The xenophobic Chinese leaders fear Christians mingling together for worship because they are afraid that it might lead to protests.

Here’s what Bernardo Cervella had to write in yesterday’s edition of Spero News

There is a subtle war underway against pilgrimages to the Marian shrine of Sheshan, the national Chinese shrine that is typically visited during the month of May. The war is being waged by the government and by the Patriotic Association (PA). Both "recommend" (meaning: order) that people not visit Sheshan for the entire month of May.

The government cites safety problems, while the PA does not give any reason, but wants to block any mingling among official and underground Catholics, who meet each other every year at the shrine, above all on May 24, the feast of Mary Help of Christians, to whom the church of Sheshan is dedicated. Moreover, this year Benedict XVI has asked Chinese Catholics to celebrate May 24 as a Day of Prayer for the Church in China, praying for its unity and for its persecutors (cf. Letter to the Chinese Catholics, no. 19).

For the entire month of May, the local government of Shanghai has placed restrictions on traffic and the movement of the faithful on the roads to Sheshan, about 50 kilometres southwest of the city.

According to reports sent to AsiaNews, the authorities have also asked the various dioceses, especially Shanghai, Wenzhou, Ningbo - the dioceses closest to the shrine - not to go on pilgrimage this month.

Read the rest of the report here…

Muslim Cleric Says Christian Women Should Wear Veils.

Outspoken Muslim cleric Taj al-Din al-Hilali has claimed that the Bible "mandates" the wearing of the veil by Christian women. Writing in a new book, Sheik Hilali, who lost his job as mufti of Australia after comparing scantily clad women to uncovered meat, argues that the Bible and the Koran make similar demands of a woman's modesty.

Hilali, who remains the head of Australia's largest mosque in the south western Sydney suburb of Lakemba, says the purpose of the book is to show the commonalities of Islam with the Jewish and Christian faiths when it comes to women's modesty and clothing.

In the soon to be published The Legitimacy of the Veil for Women of the Scripture - Evidence of the Veil in the Bible, he points to references in the Old and New Testaments to women wearing a veil. "

Through this, I hope to raise awareness and understanding and eliminate apprehensions and misunderstandings about the veil," news.com.au quotes him, as saying.

Read rest of the story here…