Author: Corey Williams

Source: The Washington Post

Wire Service: AP

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/16/AR2011011600143.html

The cleric who became the public face of efforts to build an Islamic center near ground zero in New York began a national speaking tour Saturday night by urging Muslims to help "depoliticize" their faith and play a role in shaping...

Author: Helen Gray

Source: The Kansas City Star

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/01/14/2584481/kcs-faith-leaders-expect-challenges.html

The Rev. Canon Susan Sommer of Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral recalls arriving in downtown Chicago on a commuter train on Sept. 11, 2001.

Police turned the train back, fearing the Sears Tower would be next after the New York tragedy earlier that day...

Author: Barack Obama

Source: The White House

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/14/presidential-proclamation-religious-freedom-day

Our Nation was founded on a shared commitment to the values of justice, freedom, and equality. On Religious Freedom Day, we commemorate Virginia's 1786 Statute for Religious Freedom, in which Thomas Jefferson wrote that "all men shall be free to profess,...

Author: Chris Stedman

Source: The Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-stedman/my-new-years-resolution-c_b_808023.html

It may be mid-January, but I'm still thinking of Christmas.

The week between Christmas and New Year's Eve just might be my favorite of the year. It is the one time that my entire family gets together. We spend several days eating our favorite foods, catching up and...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Google News

Wire Service: AP

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gaQpoZKMwW0Ga11CHNXhsvS4kcjw?docId=681e18aff069448ab6c2d28233982eef

In this Muslim-majority country, it's OK to be Christian, Buddhist or Hindu. But not Shiite.

Malaysian religious police raided a three-story shop-house last...

Author: Staff Writer

Original Source: The San Francisco Chronicle/Vocus/PR Web

https://www.benzinga.com/...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Hindu America Seva Charities

http://www.hinduamericanseva.org/Press-release/january-14-2011

Today, more than ever, we all need to advance peace and harmony. UtsavSeva, the signature program of Hindu American Seva Charities, supported by Hindu and Dharmic faith based and secular leaders, is promoting the understanding of ShantiSeva—or peace and harmony—across the United States—through...

Author: Kate Shellnut

Source: The Houston Chronicle

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/7380511.html

Decades after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, his message of equality, freedom and liberation for the oppressed continues to inspire Americans across religious traditions, including Muslims, who will join in this year's parade Monday in Houston.

Author: Staff Writer

Source: My San Antonio/ The Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wire Service: AP

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Hawaii-Senate-may-end-religious-invocations-952810.php

Hawaii Senate leaders are recommending that the chamber end religious invocations before floor sessions.

The change is meant to respect each individual's religious...

Author: Martha Elson

Source: The Buddhist Channel/The Courier-Journal

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=61,9822,0,0,1,0

The coat closet at the former Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall on Hubbards Lane in St. Matthews was full of shoes recently, signaling the big change that has taken place there.

Author: Rose French

Source: The Minneapolis Star Tribune

http://www.startribune.com/blogs/113302224.html

A number of religious groups in the Twin Cities and beyond are renewing their efforts to help aid Haiti in light of the first anniversary of the earthquake that devastated the impoverished country.

Author: William K. Alcorn

Source: Vindy

http://www.vindy.com/news/2011/jan/10/habitat-home-will-be-interfaith-effort/

One of the four homes that Mahoning County Habitat for Humanity plans to build this year will be a collective effort involving Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Baha’i groups.

“We hope to build our first interfaith home, the House of Abraham, this year,” said Monica...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: National Public Radio

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/10/132809627/concrete-ways-to-live-a-compassionate-life

From Confucius to Oprah, people have preached compassion for centuries. But how often is it put into practice? Karen Armstrong believes religion, which should advocate for compassionate living, is often part of the problem. In Twelve Steps To A Compassionate Life, she describes ways to...

Author: Lauren Markoe

Source: The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life

Wire Service: RNS

http://pewforum.org/Religion-News/RNS-Institute-probes-religion-s-role-in-peace-making.aspx

Just steps from the Lincoln Memorial, the new building -- topped by a translucent white roof that resembles the wings of a giant dove -- is puzzling tourists and commuters alike.

Author: Daniel Burke

Source: The Huffington Post

Wire Service: RNS

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/10/religious-leaders-call-fo_n_807037.html

Tucson Bishop Gerald Kicanas was thousands of miles away from the shooting rampage that rocked his Arizona diocese on Saturday (Jan. 8), but the emotional shock hit him hard.