"Suspected Religious Sect Threatens Independence Anniversary"
By Catherine Agbo ("Leadership Nigeria", October 2, 2009)
Abuja, Nigeria - An incident that threatened the peaceful celebration of the 49th Independence Anniversary occurred at the Eagle Square venue of the occasion in the nation's capital, as two youths stormed the VIP podium with a copy of the Holy Bible and swore that "until the leaders of the country speak for the truth, hell fire will be their portion."
Asia/Pacific:
By Catherine Agbo ("Leadership Nigeria", October 2, 2009)
Abuja, Nigeria - An incident that threatened the peaceful celebration of the 49th Independence Anniversary occurred at the Eagle Square venue of the occasion in the nation's capital, as two youths stormed the VIP podium with a copy of the Holy Bible and swore that "until the leaders of the country speak for the truth, hell fire will be their portion."
Asia/Pacific:
"After 2000 years Kashmir hosts Buddhist Conference"
By Ajmer Alam Wani ("Kashmir Watch", October 5, 2009)
Srinagar, India - It was earlier during the rein of Kanashika and now after a gape of 2000 years; the Kashmir Valley which is known world over for varied reasons (like nature, beauty and the militancy) hosts international Conference on Indian Society for Buddhist Studies.
By Ajmer Alam Wani ("Kashmir Watch", October 5, 2009)
Srinagar, India - It was earlier during the rein of Kanashika and now after a gape of 2000 years; the Kashmir Valley which is known world over for varied reasons (like nature, beauty and the militancy) hosts international Conference on Indian Society for Buddhist Studies.
"Buddhist sect decries lack of religious freedom in communist Vietnam"
By Simon Montlake ("The Christian Science Monitor", October 5, 2009)
Bangkok, Thailand - A Buddhist sect led by a world-renowned Vietnamese monk has been driven out of a monastery in Vietnam's southern highlands in what sect members say is an official crackdown.
By Simon Montlake ("The Christian Science Monitor", October 5, 2009)
Bangkok, Thailand - A Buddhist sect led by a world-renowned Vietnamese monk has been driven out of a monastery in Vietnam's southern highlands in what sect members say is an official crackdown.
"Christian literature distributed to resort workers"
By Maryam Omidi ("Minivan News", October 4, 2009)
Male, Maldives - A Swiss tourist was discovered to be distributing Christian literature to employees at Reethi Beach resort yesterday.
By Maryam Omidi ("Minivan News", October 4, 2009)
Male, Maldives - A Swiss tourist was discovered to be distributing Christian literature to employees at Reethi Beach resort yesterday.
"Mosque locked after clash in Kendrapada"
("TNN", October 2, 2009)
Kendrapada , India
("TNN", October 2, 2009)
"Synagogue-dweller is Afghan Jewry's last gasp"
(AP, October 4, 2009)
Kabul, Afganistan - Zebulon Simentov lives, eats and prays alone - the last known Jew in a country dominated by conservative Muslim culture.
(AP, October 4, 2009)
Kabul, Afganistan - Zebulon Simentov lives, eats and prays alone - the last known Jew in a country dominated by conservative Muslim culture.
"In Jerusalem, clashes over Temple Mount, Al Aqsa Mosque"
By Ilene R. Prusher ("The Christian Science Monitor", October 4, 2009)
Jerusalem, Israel - Israeli police shut down access to key Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday, spurring Palestinian protesters to throw rocks and bottles in protest – marking the second consecutive Sunday of disturbances near the city's overlapping points of prayer for Jews and Muslims.
By Ilene R. Prusher ("The Christian Science Monitor", October 4, 2009)
Jerusalem, Israel - Israeli police shut down access to key Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday, spurring Palestinian protesters to throw rocks and bottles in protest – marking the second consecutive Sunday of disturbances near the city's overlapping points of prayer for Jews and Muslims.
"Brazilian samba dancers anger Lebanon's Muslim scholars"
("EarthTimes", October 1, 2009)
Beirut , Lebanon - Lebanese Muslim scholars on Thursday expressed anger against a Brazilian dance group now touring Lebanon Lebanon
Europe :
("EarthTimes", October 1, 2009)
"Religious sect members jailed after attack on former members"
By Siba Matti ("Uxbridge Gazette", October 5, 2009)
Rickmansworth , UK
By Siba Matti ("Uxbridge Gazette", October 5, 2009)
"Overlooking religious minorities"
By Elizabeth H. Prodromou and Leonard Leo ("The Washington Times", October 4, 2009)
Washington , USA - Anyone taking public transportation in Washington Pennsylvania Avenue
By Elizabeth H. Prodromou and Leonard Leo ("The Washington Times", October 4, 2009)
"Monks convicted for refusing orders"
(AP, October 2, 2009)
Thessaloniki , Greece
(AP, October 2, 2009)
"Pope warns of 'new colonialism'"
(BBC, October 4, 2009)
Vatican City - Pope Benedict has warned that a form of colonialism continues to blight Africa .
(BBC, October 4, 2009)
"Pope chooses Bishop Bernard Longley to be new Archbishop of Birmingham"
By Ruth Gledhill ("The Times", October 2, 2009)
Birmingham , UK - One of the most popular Roman Catholic bishops in the UK
By Ruth Gledhill ("The Times", October 2, 2009)
"Austrian priest flooded with e-mail requests for pet blessings"
("EarthTimes", October 2, 2009)
Vienna, Austria - Austrian priest Franz Zeiger is getting hundreds of e-mails from pet owners around the world, as he said he is the world's only Catholic cleric offering virtual blessings for critters on World Animal Day on Sunday. Word has spread on the internet that the priest would put up all the photos of dogs, cats and other pets on a wall in his church inLinz
("EarthTimes", October 2, 2009)
Vienna, Austria - Austrian priest Franz Zeiger is getting hundreds of e-mails from pet owners around the world, as he said he is the world's only Catholic cleric offering virtual blessings for critters on World Animal Day on Sunday. Word has spread on the internet that the priest would put up all the photos of dogs, cats and other pets on a wall in his church in
"Papal advisor may lose German post over partnership"
("EarthTimes", September 30, 2009)
Cologne, Germany - A German theologian who was appointed a papal advisor last month must step down from his professorship after abandoning his vow of celibacy, according to the church Wednesday. Professor Michael Schulz had only just been appointed to the International Theological Commission, a top Vatican body. He teaches Catholic theology atBonn University
North America :
("EarthTimes", September 30, 2009)
Cologne, Germany - A German theologian who was appointed a papal advisor last month must step down from his professorship after abandoning his vow of celibacy, according to the church Wednesday. Professor Michael Schulz had only just been appointed to the International Theological Commission, a top Vatican body. He teaches Catholic theology at
"Judge allows FLDS raid evidence"
By Michael Kelly, ("Standard-Times", October 2, 2009)
San Angelo, USA - The rules of engagement are set for the first criminal trial to come out of the historic raid on the Yearning For Zion Ranch 18 months ago — and those rules will include the entire volume of evidence gathered at the ranch during the raid.
By Michael Kelly, ("Standard-Times", October 2, 2009)
San Angelo, USA - The rules of engagement are set for the first criminal trial to come out of the historic raid on the Yearning For Zion Ranch 18 months ago — and those rules will include the entire volume of evidence gathered at the ranch during the raid.
"Former Jewish sect distributes assets"
By Matthew Umstead ("The Herald-Mail", October 2, 2009)
Martinsburg, USA - Disc golf baskets, a new scoreboard and development of a skate park are among the public recreation projects in the Martinsburg area being funded with a $134,751 donation from the now-defunct Beth Jacob Congregation, the community’s once-prominent Jewish organization.
By Matthew Umstead ("The Herald-Mail", October 2, 2009)
Martinsburg, USA - Disc golf baskets, a new scoreboard and development of a skate park are among the public recreation projects in the Martinsburg area being funded with a $134,751 donation from the now-defunct Beth Jacob Congregation, the community’s once-prominent Jewish organization.
"Texas judge OKs evidence collected in raid on sect"
By Michelle Roberts (AP, October 3, 2009)
San Angelo, USA - A Texas judge ruled Friday that prosecutors could use thousands of documents seized during a weeklong raid of a polygamist sect's West Texas ranch in upcoming criminal trials even though search warrants were prompted by faked reports of abuse.
By Michelle Roberts (AP, October 3, 2009)
San Angelo, USA - A Texas judge ruled Friday that prosecutors could use thousands of documents seized during a weeklong raid of a polygamist sect's West Texas ranch in upcoming criminal trials even though search warrants were prompted by faked reports of abuse.
"Why religious schools shine"
By Nicole Warburton ("Deseret News", October 2, 2009)
Pleasant Grove, USA - Given the economy, you would think enrollment would be down this year at schools such as the Liahona Preparatory Academy in Pleasant Grove. Parents are already paying with their taxes for public schools. Why spend even more for a religious-based school that doesn't benefit from those monies?
By Nicole Warburton ("Deseret News", October 2, 2009)
Pleasant Grove, USA - Given the economy, you would think enrollment would be down this year at schools such as the Liahona Preparatory Academy in Pleasant Grove. Parents are already paying with their taxes for public schools. Why spend even more for a religious-based school that doesn't benefit from those monies?
"Guard has trouble finding chaplains"
(AP, October 2, 2009)
Topeka , USA
(AP, October 2, 2009)
"Tribe denies group's plan for dormitory"
(AP, October 2, 2009)
Fort Hall , USA
(AP, October 2, 2009)
"Detroit church blesses pets"
BySantiago Esparza ("The Detroit News", October 3, 2009)
Detroit , USA
By
"Bible study fliers cause flap in Roseville"
By Charles E. Ramirez ("The Detroit News", October 2, 2009)
Roseville, USA - It was a mistake and it won't happen again, Roseville Community Schools officials said Thursday about allowing permission slips for a Bible study class to be given to students.
By Charles E. Ramirez ("The Detroit News", October 2, 2009)
Roseville, USA - It was a mistake and it won't happen again, Roseville Community Schools officials said Thursday about allowing permission slips for a Bible study class to be given to students.
"Court won't block release of sex abuse papers"
(AP, October 5, 2009)
Washington, USA - The Supreme Court refused on Monday to block the release of documents generated by lawsuits against priests in Connecticut for alleged sexual abuse.
(AP, October 5, 2009)
Washington, USA - The Supreme Court refused on Monday to block the release of documents generated by lawsuits against priests in Connecticut for alleged sexual abuse.
"Court refuses to get involved in church dispute"
(AP, October 5, 2009)
Washington, USA - The Supreme Court won't get involved in a dispute between breakaway Episcopalians and their former national church over who owns a California church and its property.
(AP, October 5, 2009)
Washington, USA - The Supreme Court won't get involved in a dispute between breakaway Episcopalians and their former national church over who owns a California church and its property.
"Bishop faces child pornography charges"
By Ruth Gledhill ("The Times', October 2, 2009)
Antigonish, Canada - A Roman Catholic bishop in Canada, who resigned after child pornography was discovered on his computer, has handed himself into the police, according to reports last night.
Russia
By Ruth Gledhill ("The Times', October 2, 2009)
Antigonish, Canada - A Roman Catholic bishop in Canada, who resigned after child pornography was discovered on his computer, has handed himself into the police, according to reports last night.
"RUSSIA: 'You have the law, we have orders'"
By Geraldine Fagan ("Forum 18 News Service", October 2, 2009)
Kaliningrad, Russia - Two Baptist preachers in Russia's Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad have been fined after their community "sang psalms and spoke about Christ" in the street, they have told Forum 18 News Service. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source in theKaliningrad Russia
By Geraldine Fagan ("Forum 18 News Service", October 2, 2009)
Kaliningrad, Russia - Two Baptist preachers in Russia's Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad have been fined after their community "sang psalms and spoke about Christ" in the street, they have told Forum 18 News Service. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source in the
"AZERBAIJAN: Police chief deports local-born Baptist – with no documentation"
By Felix Corley ("Forum 18 News Service", October 1, 2009)
Yalama, Azerbaijan - Local Baptist Javid Shingarov (who holds a Russian passport) was cut off from his wife, father and children in his native village near Yalama in northern Azerbaijan when he was yesterday (30 September) deported to Russia. Yalama's police chief Gazanfar Huseinov – who punished him under the Administrative Code with a fine and deportation order for holding religious worship in his home – refused to tell Forum 18 News Service why he had refused to give his verdict in writing and why the Migration Service was apparently not involved. An official of the Human Rights Ombudsperson's office told Forum 18 that failure to give a verdict in writing is a violation of the law and that the Law on Migration puts responsibility for deportation decisions on the State Migration Service, not the police. The Christian books confiscated from Shingarov and others during raids on 9 September have not been returned, while a Baptist whose home was among those raided w as pressured to resign from his job as a school director.
By Felix Corley ("Forum 18 News Service", October 1, 2009)
Yalama, Azerbaijan - Local Baptist Javid Shingarov (who holds a Russian passport) was cut off from his wife, father and children in his native village near Yalama in northern Azerbaijan when he was yesterday (30 September) deported to Russia. Yalama's police chief Gazanfar Huseinov – who punished him under the Administrative Code with a fine and deportation order for holding religious worship in his home – refused to tell Forum 18 News Service why he had refused to give his verdict in writing and why the Migration Service was apparently not involved. An official of the Human Rights Ombudsperson's office told Forum 18 that failure to give a verdict in writing is a violation of the law and that the Law on Migration puts responsibility for deportation decisions on the State Migration Service, not the police. The Christian books confiscated from Shingarov and others during raids on 9 September have not been returned, while a Baptist whose home was among those raided w as pressured to resign from his job as a school director.
"TURKMENISTAN: Two more Jehovah's Witness conscientious objectors imprisoned"
By Felix Corley ("Forum 18 News Service", September 30, 2009)
Serdar, Turkmenistan - Two young Jehovah's Witnesses have joined two other Jehovah's Witnesses already incarcerated in the labour camp in Seydi after being sentenced in July for refusing compulsory military service on grounds of religious conscience, Jehovah's Witnesses told Forum 18 News Service. Shadurdi Ushotov, who is 21, received the maximum two-year term, while 19-year-old Akmurat Egendurdiev received an 18-month term. Both had their appeals rejected in their absence. Jehovah's Witnesses complain three of the four have been obstructed from lodging further appeals. Egendurdiev was tried after being summoned to Dashoguz town administration, where "three elderly men tried to persuade him to change his mind" about his refusal to serve in the army, Jehovah's Witnesses told Forum 18. Vyacheslav Kalataevsky, a former Baptist inmate of the Seydi camp, told Forum 18 it is in the desert and close to several chemical works, and conditions are not easy. "It is like somethin g from the Middle Ages."
By Felix Corley ("Forum 18 News Service", September 30, 2009)
Serdar, Turkmenistan - Two young Jehovah's Witnesses have joined two other Jehovah's Witnesses already incarcerated in the labour camp in Seydi after being sentenced in July for refusing compulsory military service on grounds of religious conscience, Jehovah's Witnesses told Forum 18 News Service. Shadurdi Ushotov, who is 21, received the maximum two-year term, while 19-year-old Akmurat Egendurdiev received an 18-month term. Both had their appeals rejected in their absence. Jehovah's Witnesses complain three of the four have been obstructed from lodging further appeals. Egendurdiev was tried after being summoned to Dashoguz town administration, where "three elderly men tried to persuade him to change his mind" about his refusal to serve in the army, Jehovah's Witnesses told Forum 18. Vyacheslav Kalataevsky, a former Baptist inmate of the Seydi camp, told Forum 18 it is in the desert and close to several chemical works, and conditions are not easy. "It is like somethin g from the Middle Ages."
"KAZAKHSTAN: Officials who raid religious communities 'merely fulfilling their duty'"
By Felix Corley ("Forum 18 News Service", September 29, 2009)
Semey, Kazakhstan - Murad Ashkhayanov, an officer of the Police's Department for the Struggle with Terrorism in Semey, defended the police raid on the town's Ahmadi Muslim community in which he participated. However, he refused to tell Forum 18 News Service why the community was twice raided, and members asked when and why they joined the community and how their beliefs differ from those of other Muslims. Likewise officials who took part in raiding two Baptist churches in Kostanai Region rejected suggestions these were raids, despite police questioning of participants, filming against their wishes, searches of the premises and pressure to write statements. Talgat Nagumanov of the Kostanai Regional Justice Department told Forum 18 he and his colleagues "were merely fulfilling their duty". One of the pastors was today (29 September) fined the equivalent of two months' average wages locally "if you didn't spend anything on food or clothes for your family".
By Felix Corley ("Forum 18 News Service", September 29, 2009)
Semey, Kazakhstan - Murad Ashkhayanov, an officer of the Police's Department for the Struggle with Terrorism in Semey, defended the police raid on the town's Ahmadi Muslim community in which he participated. However, he refused to tell Forum 18 News Service why the community was twice raided, and members asked when and why they joined the community and how their beliefs differ from those of other Muslims. Likewise officials who took part in raiding two Baptist churches in Kostanai Region rejected suggestions these were raids, despite police questioning of participants, filming against their wishes, searches of the premises and pressure to write statements. Talgat Nagumanov of the Kostanai Regional Justice Department told Forum 18 he and his colleagues "were merely fulfilling their duty". One of the pastors was today (29 September) fined the equivalent of two months' average wages locally "if you didn't spend anything on food or clothes for your family".
"TAJIKISTAN: 'It seems that reading the Bible together is now a criminal offence'"
By Felix Corley ("Forum 18 News Service", September 28, 2009)
Khujand, Tajikistan - Hamzaali Pulodov, the religious affairs official in the northern town of Khujand, has defended the criminal cases against up to 17 Jehovah's Witnesses on charges of inciting inter-religious hatred, which carry a sentence of between five and nine years' imprisonment. "When people break the law they are prosecuted," he told Forum 18 News Service. He says books confiscated during a June raid on a flat where they were meeting had "propagandised against the Constitution and incited enmity between citizens", but admitted he has not read them. Prosecutors and the secret police refused to say how many Jehovah's Witnesses face criminal charges and when cases will go to court. Zafar Rakhimov, who is among those facing prosecution, told Forum 18 he believes two or three of their leaders will be brought to court. "Prosecutor Muzaffarov told me that the accusation is based on the fact that we interpret the Bible differently from Protestants. It seems that rea ding the Bible together is now a criminal offence." Jehovah's Witnesses are banned inTajikistan
By Felix Corley ("Forum 18 News Service", September 28, 2009)
Khujand, Tajikistan - Hamzaali Pulodov, the religious affairs official in the northern town of Khujand, has defended the criminal cases against up to 17 Jehovah's Witnesses on charges of inciting inter-religious hatred, which carry a sentence of between five and nine years' imprisonment. "When people break the law they are prosecuted," he told Forum 18 News Service. He says books confiscated during a June raid on a flat where they were meeting had "propagandised against the Constitution and incited enmity between citizens", but admitted he has not read them. Prosecutors and the secret police refused to say how many Jehovah's Witnesses face criminal charges and when cases will go to court. Zafar Rakhimov, who is among those facing prosecution, told Forum 18 he believes two or three of their leaders will be brought to court. "Prosecutor Muzaffarov told me that the accusation is based on the fact that we interpret the Bible differently from Protestants. It seems that rea ding the Bible together is now a criminal offence." Jehovah's Witnesses are banned in
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