Author: Staff Writer

Source: Balkan Insight

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/19083/

Macedonia’s main religious communities, Tuesday demanded the re-introduction of religion teaching in primary schools, through constitutional changes if necessary.

The heads of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, MPC, of the Islamic Religious Community, of the Catholic Church in the country, the Methodist church as well as of the Jewish community sent...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire

http://sev.prnewswire.com/publishing-information-services/20090520/DC2073920052009-1.html

This morning, Moroccan women religious counselors visiting the US shared personal experiences and perspectives with American Muslim and Jewish women leaders at an interfaith forum in Washington, DC, to discuss how advancing women's rights is building stronger families and...

Author: Maria Wiering

Source: The Catholic Spirit

http://thecatholicspirit.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1807&Itemid=50

It’s decidedly out-of-place. A bundle of twigs, tree trunks and roots, the 6-foot-tall natural material sculpture leans against a wall in the Basilica of St. Mary’s gallery space. Tree roots reach out in all directions, their delicate fibers starkly juxtaposed with the...

Author: Ann Rodgers

Source: The Buddhist Channel/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=60,8188,0,0,1,0

Leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh have unanimously voted against permitting a diocese in Michigan to consecrate a bishop who is also a practicing Zen Buddhist.

A spokesman for the diocese said the decision was not based on Bishop-elect Kevin Thew Forrester's Zen practices, but on changes he...

Author: Lys Anzia

Source: Women News Network

http://womennewsnetwork.net/2009/05/18/pcw812/

During the recent days of battle in the northwest region of the Swat Valley, minority groups are leaving as quickly as possible. Although the majority of religious minorities in the Swat Valley are ethnic Pushtuns, with Sunni religious beliefs, Christian minority women and their families are also part of the fleeing force of refugees.

As violence...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: NewsOn6.com

Wire Service: AP

http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=10384343

Gov. Brad Henry on Monday signed a bill to permit a Ten Commandments monument to be placed on the grounds of the state Capitol.

Henry signed the bill over arguments it violated provisions of the state and U.S. constitutions that prohibit laws expressing a religious preference.

The Ten...

Author: Polly Manser

Source: Buckinghamshire Advertiser

http://beaconsfield.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk/2009/05/christains-and-pagans-join-to.html

Leaders of 11 faiths travelled to Beaconsfield to dedicate the largest woodland burial park in the country yesterday.

Set in ancient woodlands off the A40, the £3.2 million Chilterns Woodland Burial Park at Potkiln Lane opened in October and so far...

Author: Susan Essoyan

Source: Star Bulletin

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/20090515_Islam_Day_draws_heat_for_isles.html

Hawaii already designates April 8 as Buddha Day and March 21 as Baha'i New Year's Day. Good Friday is even enshrined as an official state holiday, with public offices closed.

So state Rep. Lyla Berg thought that marking Sept. 24 as Islam Day would not be out of line in Hawaii, with its...

Author: Paul Schemm

Source: Connecticut Post

Wire Service: AP

http://www.connpost.com/ci_12368251

Iraq has lost more than half the Christians who once called it home, mostly since the war began, and few who fled have plans to return, The Associated Press has learned.

Pope Benedict XVI called attention to their plight during a Mideast visit this week, urging the international community to ensure the survival of "the ancient...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: ITN

http://itn.co.uk/3e70c9e40a5a6888d01a2d506623f4cb.html

Pope Benedict joined Muslims and Jews in singing a peace song during a trip to Nazareth.

At the end of a meeting involving representatives from different faiths, a rabbi announced he had composed a song using Arabic, Hebrew and English phrases about peace.

A Vatican spokesman said the Pope did not expect to be invited to sing the song but...

Author: Elizabeth Bryant

Source: Religion News Service

http://www.religionnews.com/index.php?/rnstext/muslims_struggle_to_erect_minarets_next_to_steeples/

The dusty patch of weeds and litter may not look like much now, but the site nonetheless carries the hopes and a sense of sweet victory for Muslims in this hardscrabble Paris suburb.

The short story of the construction site is of a years-...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: UCA News

Religious harmony prevailed in a farming village in central Sri Lanka as Catholics and Buddhists joined hands to celebrate the Buddhist festival of Vesak (Vesakh).

Devotees of both faiths offered meals and refreshments at a dansala (alms-giving center) in Hammalawa village on May 9, as thousands of Buddhists flocked to temples and thronged village streets decorated with lights, lanterns and religious flags.

Hammalawa is a sub-parish of Kuliyapitya parish in...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Chillicothe Gazette

http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20090514/NEWS01/905140302/1002/rss01

Southeastern High School graduates will not have a clergyperson delivering an invocation and benediction at their ceremony.

Superintendent Brian Justice explained Wednesday he and the board are not anti-prayer, but are obliged to follow the law.

"We will not violate the laws...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Indian Catholic

http://www.indiancatholic.in/news/storydetails.php/12104-1-1-Hindus-praise-Pope%E2%80%99s-espousal-of-interfaith-dialogue

Welcoming Pope Benedict’s reported affirmation of the importance of interreligious dialogue in the pursuit of peace in Jerusalem yesterday, Hindus have urged him to take the lead in organizing one.

...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8047537.stm

The BBC's appointment of a Muslim as head of religion and ethics is insulting to Christians, an Ulster Unionist assembly member has said.

Retired Presbyterian minister Dr Robert Coulter said the appointment of Aaqil Ahmed was "a juvenile gimmick".

"According to the Church of England 70% of the UK are Christian, 3% are...