Interfaith

Christmas Stars Light Up Hindu Temples In Margao

December 25, 2009

Author: Rajeshree Nagarsekar

Source: The Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Christmas-stars-light-up-Hindu-temples-in-Margao/articleshow/5376519.cms

Even as church bells rang in the liturgical celebrations to mark Christmas, the sparkling star, signaling the birth of Jesus Christ, lit up a few Hindu temples in the commercial town of Margao. The stars...

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Why Is This Christmas Different From All Others?

December 25, 2009

Author: Jennifer Medina

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/26/nyregion/26convert.html?emc=tnt&tntemail0=y

She kept the tree, but decorated it exclusively in blue, white and silver. She invited friends for a festive dinner, but paused to light Sabbath candles.

For Charlotte Jett, this Christmas was unlike any other. For the first time, it was more her mother’s celebration than her own. Ms...

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Furor Erupts Over Atheist Display At State Capitol

December 23, 2009

Author: Adam Harrington

Source: CBS 2

http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/capitol.atheist.display.2.1387754.html

A conservative activist and Illinois comptroller candidate was escorted from the Illinois State Capitol building Wednesday when he tried to remove a sign put up by an atheist group. 

William J. Kelly, a Chicago Republican, announced Tuesday that he planned to take down the sign put up by the Freedom...

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Religious Discrimination Against Mesaba Settled

December 23, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Google News

Wire Service: AP

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hElFS86oCxzHGTzgPbDw4qMom_AAD9CP5TTG0

Mesaba Airlines, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines Inc., has to pay $130,000 in a settlement involving a religious discrimination lawsuit.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit in September 2008, claiming...

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A Quiet Christmas for Christians In Iraq

December 23, 2009

Author: Michael Hastings

Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/22/AR2009122203537.html

Christians in Iraq are preparing for a muted holiday season, with one bishop in the southern city of Basra calling for a ban on public festivities while other congregations across the country have canceled services and cautioned worshipers to keep their celebrations...

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For the Holidays, County Sikhs Meld Religious Celebrations With Christmas Traditions

December 23, 2009

Author: Erin Donaghue

Source: The Gazette

http://www.gazette.net/stories/12232009/bethnew184058_32563.php

To tree or not to tree? It's only one of the many dilemmas county Sikhs are faced with around the holiday season. And for followers of the faith, there seems to be just as many approaches to melding their own traditions with the Santas, reindeer, presents and elves that are pervasive in the communities in which they live.

For...

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Creche Returns to Northeastern Pa. Courthouse Lawn

December 21, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: The Times Leader

Wire Service: AP

http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=3460377

Santa, a snowman, an elf and other secular figures have joined a nativity scene at a northeastern Pennsylvania courthouse, resolving a controversy over the display of religious holiday symbols in a public space.

Luzerne County commissioners had removed the creche (CRESH') and menorah from the...

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Jews Angry After Pope Moves Pius XII Closer to Sainthood

December 21, 2009

Author: Francis X. Rocca

Source: The Pew Forum/Religion News Service

http://pewforum.org/news/display.php?NewsID=19330

Jewish leaders warned of new strains in Catholic-Jewish relations after Pope Benedict XVI moved his controversial wartime predecessor, Pope Pius XII, one step closer to possible sainthood.

Benedict signed a decree on Saturday (Dec. 19) recognizing Pius' "heroic virtues" and declaring him "venerable." That new status makes...

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Ban On Angels, Stars On County Christmas Trees

December 21, 2009

Author: Derek Moore

Source: The Press Democrat

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091221/NEWS/912219968?Title=Ban-on-angels-stars-on-county-Christmas-trees

Sonoma County's top official on Monday ordered the removal of stars, angels and other religious symbols from Christmas trees in county buildings after a complaint that the decorations violate constitutional protections.

...

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Neo-Nazis Protest Outside Synagogue

December 20, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/Los Angeles Times

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09354/1022372-84.stm

Congregants at Temple Beth El who had gathered to celebrate the last night of Hanukkah were met by a group of neo-Nazi demonstrators who waved red-and-black swastika flags outside the Reform synagogue in Riverside, Calif., on Friday evening.

Rabbi Suzanne Singer said she suspects that the demonstration -- the third such...

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