Author: Press Release

Source: Hindu American Foundation

http://www.hinduamericanfoundation.org/media_press_release_israel.htm

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) was represented in a delegation of Hindu spiritual and lay leaders that visited Israel last week to attend the Second International Hindu-Jewish Summit organized by the World Council of Religious Leaders (WCORL) in conjunction with the American Jewish...

Author: JEFFREY WEISS

Source: The Dallas Morning News

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/021908dnmetreligion.29309ac3.html

A major new measure of religious belief in the United States confirms trends shown in earlier polls: The percentage of adult Americans claiming no particular religion is at an all-time high. The percentage of Protestants is dropping. And the percentage of...

Author: Arthur J. Pais

Source: Rediff

http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/feb/25apology.htm

An unqualified apology from a Christian community to Hindus worldwide, which also denounced proselytisation by Christian missionaries, has triggered a debate among pastors across the United States.

The apology, tendered by Right Reverend J Jon Bruno, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, is arguably the first of its kind by a major Christian...

Author: ERIC GORSKI

Source: The Washington Post

Wire Service: AP

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/25/AR2008022501188.html

The U.S. religious marketplace is extremely volatile, with nearly half of American adults leaving the faith tradition of their upbringing to either switch allegiances or abandon religious affiliation altogether, a new survey finds.
...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Chicago Tribune

Wire Service: AP

...

Author: Jonathan Wynne-Jones

Source: The Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/24/nchurch124.xml

In his first interview since his controversial comments, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali vows not to be forced into silence.

The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, who received death threats for airing his views on Islamic issues, has vowed that he will continue to speak out.

His claim that...

Author: SEAN YOONG

Source: The Providence Journal

Wire Service: AP

http://www.projo.com/religion/content/LB_malaysian_church_02-23-08_N8935P1_v7.1d60d26.html

Malaysia’s churches are wading cautiously into politics by urging Christians to vote for candidates in next month’s general elections who champion religious freedom in the Muslim-majority society.

The...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Thaindian News

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/religious-leaders-in-us-stress-for-interfaith-dialogue_10020518.html

Two prominent religious leaders concluded that interfaith dialogue could bring lasting harmony and peace among the communities.

Rajan Zed, well known Hindu leader, and Reverend Alexander Joseph Brunett, Catholic...

Author: Adnaan Wasey

Source: PBS Press Release

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/science/jan-june08/evolution_02-22.html

The Florida Board of Education has approved new science standards that explicitly include the word 'evolution' for the first time, but last-minute revisions kindled controversy over religious and political tinkering in the science classroom.

The board voted 4-3 Tuesday to approve a broad set of...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: AFP

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jaagAk_W4--fhhzdOqLwq22CuDwg

Almost 20 years after the fall of communism, Bulgaria wants to reverse widespread ignorance about religion fostered under the old regime by making religious studies compulsory in schools.

The government's proposal, however, has churned up some stormy opposition to this long-time taboo.

Georgy Bakalov, who heads a team...

Author: Ruth Gledhill

Source: The Times

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article3412734.ece

Freedom from religion in Britain is becoming as important as freedom of religion, according to a United Nations investigation.

A 23-page report by Asma Jahangir, the UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, says that the 2001 census findings that nearly 72 per cent of the population is Christian can no...

Author: Ruth Gledhill

Source: The Times

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article3412722.ece

A diocese of the Church of England is giving an unprecedented £250,000 towards a multifaith building in which the largest amount of worship space will be reserved for Muslims.

The Guildford diocese is one of the wealthiest in the UK. The Bishop of Guildford, the Right Rev Christopher Hill, gave the £250,000 cheque...

Author: Jim DeBrosse

Source: Dayton Daily News

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Jerusalem Post/THE MEDIA LINE NEWS AGENCY

Author: FOSTER KLUG

Source: AP

A senior Chinese official is trying to calm U.S. misgivings ahead of Beijing's coming Olympic Games about what the Bush administration sees as religious intolerance.

In Washington, the director of China's religious affairs bureau met with U.S. officials and spoke at Georgetown University.

Ye Xiaowen told reporters Wednesday, after talks with Undersecretary of State Paula Dobriansky, that China's peaceful development depends upon its respect for human rights and...