Author: Stephanie Fenton

Source: ReadTheSpirit Online

http://www.readthespirit.com/explore/2009-feb-23-to-mar-1.html

Food. Fasting. Festivities.

This week is shaped by a great assortment of global observances — including fasts in several traditions. Many Hindus are fasting in honor of Lord Shiva today. Many Christians eat in abundance through Shrove Tuesday (also known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday) — and then they...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: All Africa

http://allafrica.com/stories/200903020265.html

Another inter-religious prayer service for the nation has been organized for this Saturday as public frustration with the coalition government mounts.

The Inter-Faith Network will hold a procession and prayers to mark the first anniversary of the signing of the National Accord which created the coalition government on February 28 last year.

The...

Author: Drasko Djenovic

Source: Forum 18 News Service

http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1260

In its survey analysis of freedom of thought, conscience or belief in Serbia, Forum 18 News Service notes that the most serious remains violent attacks, especially on Jehovah's Witness and Adventist property. The numbers of these attacks have been declining, and a crucial factor in this has been positive changes in media portrayals of non-Serbian...

Author: Adelle M. Banks

Source: Religion News Service

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

In the wake of controversies that have roiled longtime Jewish-Catholic relations, leaders from both faiths announced the launch of a new permanent dialogue between Catholics and Jews in the United States.

The joint project of the Pope John Paul II...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Global Sikh News

[sikhsangat.org/1469/2009/02/interfaith-gets-first-sikh-woman-chief/]

Interfaith Conference (IFC), a Washington-based organisation that represents 11 religions, has elected former Chandigarh resident Amrit Kaur, as its first Sikh woman president.

Created in 1978, Interfaith aims to promote dialogue, understanding and a sense of community among people of diverse faith and work cooperatively for social and economic justice.

Amrit, a banker,...

Author: Jessica Nunez

Source: Columbia Missourian

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/media/multimedia/2009/02/26/media/Archive/index.html

When Katie Hurst moved to Columbia 10 years ago to study religion at MU, her intention was to work at a nonprofit or teach Christian education. She didn’t expect to have adopted an entirely new lifestyle and belief system by the time she graduated.

But that’s...

Author: Catherine Buday

Source: Wicked Local Hudson

http://www.wickedlocal.com/hudson/news/x1237123677/Local-Bahai-worry-about-Iran-repression

Nearly three decades ago, Monireh lived the good life in Iran, with a well-paying job at an oil company, a guaranteed pension, a home and money in the bank.

But at midnight one night in 1980, during the early days of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, soldiers...

Author: Joe Bjordal

Source: Episcopal Life Online

http://www.episcopal-life.org/81803_105480_ENG_HTM.htm

In Omaha, Nebraska, the children of Abraham are on a bold journey together. They are out to show the world that members of the three Abrahamic faiths -- Judaism, Christianity and Islam -- can work together, trust and accept each other, counter misunderstanding and fear, and even co-exist on an interfaith campus.

The TriFaith...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: The Financial

http://finchannel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30483&Itemid=16

A Muslim-Jewish hip hop collective are performing at LSE as part of an interfaith week which aims to bring out the common cultural links between religions.

According to LSE, the week of events is organised by the Three Faith Forum in conjunction with the Students’ Union and the LSE...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Zenit

http://www.zenit.org/article-25186?l=english

The slaying of another Christian in the Eastern Indian state of Orissa has rekindled fears among a population driven from their homes by a wave of persecution at the hands of Hindu extremists.

Hrudyananda Nayak, 45, was found dead last Thursday, showing signs of a violent end to his life, Aid to the Church in Need reported.

Ongoing Hindu-Christian tensions...

Author: Gayane Abrahamyan

Source: Eurasianet

http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insightb/articles/eav022409.shtml

Proposed amendments to a law on religion in Armenia are stoking an intense debate over religious freedom and church-state relations. Some critics contend that the wording of the draft law provides a basis for persecution of political dissenters and religious minorities. Others warn of a looming theocracy. But the...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: JTA

http://jta.org/news/article/2009/02/22/1003173/jewish-muslim-initiative-expanding-to-europe

Rabbis and imams from Great Britain will visit the United States to expand to Europe a program that pairs mosques and synagogues.

The Weekend of Twinning, an initiative started by Rabbi Marc Schneier and The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, last November paired 50 mosques...

Author: William Taylor

Source: The Advocate/WBRZ News 12

http://www.2theadvocate.com/features/39998292.html

The congregants came from diverse traditions, but spoke in unison of common purpose.

“From many lands and many traditions we come together to sing a new song,” the Rev. Clint Mitchell said, leading those gathered earlier this month at the Beth Shalom Synagogue.

“In many tongues we will sing a new song to...

Author: Meredith Moss

Source: Dayton Daily News

http://www.daytondailynews.com/l/content/oh/story/living/religion-faith/2009/02/21/ddn022109lifeinterfaith.html

Members of Miami Valley Baha'i are planning an interfaith prayer gathering on Monday, Feb. 23, in support of seven members of their religion who have been in prison in Iran for nearly a year.

The service will...

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Kurdistan Regional Government