DRAMA!
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian Orthodox leaders on Saturday approved the creation of a unified church independent of the Moscow Patriarchate and elected a leader to head that new church — a move that could exponentially raise tensions with neighboring Russia.
The vote, held at a closed-door synod in Kiev's St. Sophia Cathedral, is the latest in a series of confrontations between Ukraine and authorities in Russia, including President Vladimir Putin's government. Ahead of the vote, the Russian Orthodox Church called on the United Nations, the leaders of Germany and France, the pope and other spiritual leaders to protect Orthodox believers in Ukraine.
The leader of the new autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church will be Metropolitan Epiphanius, a 39-year-old bishop from the Kiev Patriarchate.
"G-d heard our appeals and gave us this anticipated unity," Epiphanius told a crowd of thousands who had gathered outside the cathedral on Saturday to hear the news. He stressed that the new church's doors would be open to all, and encouraged Ukrainians to rally behind it.
Still spiritual leaders attending Saturday's synod couched their efforts to create an independent church in patriotic rhetoric. Father Sergei Dmitriev said — given Ukraine's ongoing conflicts with Russia — "we should have our own church, not an agent of the Kremlin in Ukraine."
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who has made the creation of a new church a key campaign issue, attended the synod Saturday as a non-voting observer.
"Ukraine was not, is not, and will not be the canonical territory of the Russian church," Poroshenko told the gathering, adding that creating an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church was now a matter of national security.
"This is a question of Ukrainian statehood," Poroshenko said. "We are seizing spiritual independence, which can be likened to political independence. We are breaking the chains that tie us to the (Russian) empire."
Representatives of Ukraine's three Orthodox Churches attended the synod in Kiev, but only two from the branch loyal to Moscow showed up. One Russian bishop — Metropolitan Hilarion in Volokolamsk — on Saturday compared those two representatives of the Moscow-backed church to Judas, the biblical betrayer of Jesus.
The newly formed community is expected to receive independence from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Istanbul-based institution considered the so-called "first among equals" of leaders of the world's Orthodox Churches.
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Sunday, November 12, 2017
White Red Power: Nationalist protesters disrupt Poland independence day events
Warsaw, Poland (CNN) Tens of thousands of nationalist protesters disrupted Poland's independence day events Saturday, waving flags and burning flares as they marched down the streets of Warsaw.
Demonstrators carried banners that read "White Europe, Europe must be white," and "Pray for an Islamic Holocaust."
Some wore masks and waved red and white Polish flags, chanting "Death to enemies of the homeland," and "Catholic Poland, not secular."
Police estimate that 60,000 people took part in the nationalist demonstration. While the vast majority were Poles, other protesters came from all over Europe.
One of the lead organizations behind the nationalists march is the National Radical Camp, which has previously taken to the streets to protest against Muslim immigration,gay rights, the EU and anything it considers undermines Polish Catholic values.
While support for the group remains small, its critics argue that the Polish government, which has struck a nationalistic tone and linked immigrants to crime and disease, has fostered an atmosphere of intolerance and xenophobia that has emboldened it.
Earlier on Saturday, the Polish capital had seen a far smaller demonstration by groups condemning the protesters' hijacking of Polish independence day, which falls on November 11.
The day celebrates the re-birth of Poland in November 1918, 123 years after the Prussian, Habsburg and Russian empires carved up Poland among themselves and erased it from the map of Europe.
But in the past few years, the holiday has been overshadowed by the far-right march and fears of violence.
Polish President Andrzej Duda led the formal celebrations of Polish independence day in central Warsaw. After laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier, he told the crowd to remember the price of freedom and independence.
Demonstrators carried banners that read "White Europe, Europe must be white," and "Pray for an Islamic Holocaust."
Some wore masks and waved red and white Polish flags, chanting "Death to enemies of the homeland," and "Catholic Poland, not secular."
Police estimate that 60,000 people took part in the nationalist demonstration. While the vast majority were Poles, other protesters came from all over Europe.
One of the lead organizations behind the nationalists march is the National Radical Camp, which has previously taken to the streets to protest against Muslim immigration,gay rights, the EU and anything it considers undermines Polish Catholic values.
While support for the group remains small, its critics argue that the Polish government, which has struck a nationalistic tone and linked immigrants to crime and disease, has fostered an atmosphere of intolerance and xenophobia that has emboldened it.
Earlier on Saturday, the Polish capital had seen a far smaller demonstration by groups condemning the protesters' hijacking of Polish independence day, which falls on November 11.
The day celebrates the re-birth of Poland in November 1918, 123 years after the Prussian, Habsburg and Russian empires carved up Poland among themselves and erased it from the map of Europe.
But in the past few years, the holiday has been overshadowed by the far-right march and fears of violence.
Polish President Andrzej Duda led the formal celebrations of Polish independence day in central Warsaw. After laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier, he told the crowd to remember the price of freedom and independence.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Germany marks 500th anniversary of Protestant Reformation
dw.com - Germany is celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation on Tuesday with a national holiday and ceremonies in the eastern city of Wittenberg, where Martin Luther began a split in the Catholic Church that transformed Christianity and Europe.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Saxony-Anhalt state Premier Reiner Haseloff will attend several ceremonies in Wittenberg — starting with an afternoon church service in the city's Castle Church and ending with a ceremony in the city hall in the evening.
They will be joined by other German politicians and numerous international guests.
Ahead of the anniversary, Merkel said in a podcast that Tuesday's ceremonies provide "the opportunity to reflect on what changes resulted from the Reformation."
Luther, a theology professor and priest, questioned the Catholic Church's teachings and challenged the Vatican's authority through his "95 Theses." He is believed to have nailed the theses to the door of Wittenberg's Castle Church on October 31, 1517.
Performances by musicians and comedians will also take place in Wittenberg's historic city center, which has been styled to recreate the medieval era in which Luther lived.
Visitors can also attend a modern art exhibition in the city as well as a light show.
Read more: How Martin Luther became the first Christian pop star
Several other events, exhibits and church services are also taking place across Germany to mark the anniversary.
Last night, members of Berlin's protestant youth organization nailed their own theses to the doors of around 300 churches in the German capital. Berlin state youth pastor Sarah Oltmanns told protestant news angency EPD that the youths prepared their church reform suggestions for two years in workshops and other events. (ontinueReading
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Saxony-Anhalt state Premier Reiner Haseloff will attend several ceremonies in Wittenberg — starting with an afternoon church service in the city's Castle Church and ending with a ceremony in the city hall in the evening.
They will be joined by other German politicians and numerous international guests.
Ahead of the anniversary, Merkel said in a podcast that Tuesday's ceremonies provide "the opportunity to reflect on what changes resulted from the Reformation."
Luther, a theology professor and priest, questioned the Catholic Church's teachings and challenged the Vatican's authority through his "95 Theses." He is believed to have nailed the theses to the door of Wittenberg's Castle Church on October 31, 1517.
Performances by musicians and comedians will also take place in Wittenberg's historic city center, which has been styled to recreate the medieval era in which Luther lived.
Visitors can also attend a modern art exhibition in the city as well as a light show.
Read more: How Martin Luther became the first Christian pop star
Several other events, exhibits and church services are also taking place across Germany to mark the anniversary.
Last night, members of Berlin's protestant youth organization nailed their own theses to the doors of around 300 churches in the German capital. Berlin state youth pastor Sarah Oltmanns told protestant news angency EPD that the youths prepared their church reform suggestions for two years in workshops and other events. (ontinueReading
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Rights group accuses Myanmar of crimes against humanity
The U.N. refugee agency called for a redoubling of international aid for the 480,000 refugees - 60 percent of them children - who have fled to Bangladesh since Aug. 25 to escape the violence.
A Myanmar government spokesman rejected the accusation of crimes against humanity, saying there was no evidence.
Myanmar has also rejected U.N. accusations that its forces are engaged in ethnic cleansing against Rohingya Muslims in response to coordinated attacks by Rohingya insurgents on the security forces on Aug. 25.
Refugees arriving in Bangladesh have accused the army and Buddhist vigilantes of trying to drive Rohingya out of Buddhist-majority Myanmar.
“The Burmese military is brutally expelling the Rohingya from northern Rakhine state,” said James Ross, legal and policy director at New York-based Human Rights Watch.
“The massacres of villagers and mass arson driving people from their homes are all crimes against humanity.”
Myanmar, also known as Burma, says its forces are fighting terrorists responsible for attacking the police and the army, killing civilians and torching villages.
The International Criminal Court defines crimes against humanity as acts including murder, torture, rape and deportation “when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack”.
Human Rights Watch said its research, supported by satellite imagery, had found crimes of deportation, forced population transfers, murder and rape. (ontinueReading
Monday, August 14, 2017
As India marks 70 years of partition, memories fresh of border bloodshed
- AMRITSAR, India (Reuters) - India's independence from British colonial rule coincided with the partition of the subcontinent into two separate countries, setting off unprecedented communal carnage on both sides of the hastily created border.
A mass migration followed, marred by violence and bloodshed, as about 15 million Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, fearing discrimination, swapped countries in an upheaval that cost more than a million lives.
During the chaotic transition, train cars full of bodies arrived at railway stations in the twin cities of Lahore and Amritsar in the province of Punjab, which was split roughly down the middle at partition on Aug. 14, 1947.
As India prepares to mark 70 years of independence on Aug. 15, families who witnessed the death and destruction during partition recalled the tales of horror.
Brothers Santa and Niranjan Singh were lucky to survive the crossing from their village of Bhasin on the Pakistani side of the new border to their current home in Sarangra in India.
Santa, then aged 15 or 16, says everyone was baying for blood. People were running around with knives, swords and guns.
Up to a dozen people from their village were killed in the madness, Santa recalls, saying they carried an injured brother across the border after he was shot through the head.
"The bullet went in from one side and went out from the other side of his head," said Santa, reminiscing at a gathering of his extended family. "We carried him all the way and he died after reaching this side."
His younger brother, Niranjan, was barely 5 years old but still remembers the sight of houses being burnt and people being massacred, and hearing stories of women and girls being raped.
Now the brothers live with their children and grandchildren, tending their lush green farmland located just three kilometers from the troubled border.
The separation based on border lines created by the British at the end of their colonial rule came into effect at the stroke of midnight on the eve of Aug. 14, 1947.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since 1947, and relations remain tense, particularly when it comes to the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, which both claim in full but rule in parts.
Even as the rawness of the carnage that marked partition fades into history, the nuclear-armed neighbors re-enact their hostilities in ritual form in a colorful flag ceremony staged as the sun is setting over the Wagah border post that lies midway between Amritsar and Lahore.
Thousands of supporters from each country come to witness a parade of patriotism from their border guards who, in a mock confrontation, goose-step up to each other, stomp their feet and shout their lungs out during their daily retreat.
"Amazing, amazing feeling about my country, about my army," said Phalguni Zaveri, who came from Mumbai with her husband Rahul to witness the parade.
"I am so happy and obliged for making us feel safe." (ontinueReading
Related:
Independence Day Live: India's Stature In The World Is Rising, Says PM Modi
India Independence Day 2017 – how are Pakistan and India celebrating the 70th anniversary of the end of British rule?
Independence Day 2017: 70 things that only Indians do
A mass migration followed, marred by violence and bloodshed, as about 15 million Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, fearing discrimination, swapped countries in an upheaval that cost more than a million lives.
During the chaotic transition, train cars full of bodies arrived at railway stations in the twin cities of Lahore and Amritsar in the province of Punjab, which was split roughly down the middle at partition on Aug. 14, 1947.
As India prepares to mark 70 years of independence on Aug. 15, families who witnessed the death and destruction during partition recalled the tales of horror.
Brothers Santa and Niranjan Singh were lucky to survive the crossing from their village of Bhasin on the Pakistani side of the new border to their current home in Sarangra in India.
Santa, then aged 15 or 16, says everyone was baying for blood. People were running around with knives, swords and guns.
Up to a dozen people from their village were killed in the madness, Santa recalls, saying they carried an injured brother across the border after he was shot through the head.
"The bullet went in from one side and went out from the other side of his head," said Santa, reminiscing at a gathering of his extended family. "We carried him all the way and he died after reaching this side."
His younger brother, Niranjan, was barely 5 years old but still remembers the sight of houses being burnt and people being massacred, and hearing stories of women and girls being raped.
Now the brothers live with their children and grandchildren, tending their lush green farmland located just three kilometers from the troubled border.
The separation based on border lines created by the British at the end of their colonial rule came into effect at the stroke of midnight on the eve of Aug. 14, 1947.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since 1947, and relations remain tense, particularly when it comes to the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, which both claim in full but rule in parts.
Even as the rawness of the carnage that marked partition fades into history, the nuclear-armed neighbors re-enact their hostilities in ritual form in a colorful flag ceremony staged as the sun is setting over the Wagah border post that lies midway between Amritsar and Lahore.
Thousands of supporters from each country come to witness a parade of patriotism from their border guards who, in a mock confrontation, goose-step up to each other, stomp their feet and shout their lungs out during their daily retreat.
"Amazing, amazing feeling about my country, about my army," said Phalguni Zaveri, who came from Mumbai with her husband Rahul to witness the parade.
"I am so happy and obliged for making us feel safe." (ontinueReading
Related:
Independence Day Live: India's Stature In The World Is Rising, Says PM Modi
India Independence Day 2017 – how are Pakistan and India celebrating the 70th anniversary of the end of British rule?
Independence Day 2017: 70 things that only Indians do
Monday, March 13, 2017
Satair?:Texas men would face fine for masturbating, need rectal exam for Viagra under "proposed" law
*The following contains strong sexual language
DallasNews - If state Rep. Jessica Farrar has her way, men in Texas will pay a $100 fine for "unregulated masturbatory emissions" and undergo a digital rectal exam to get a vasectomy, a colonoscopy or a Viagra prescription.
Farrar's proposed legislation, filed last week, calls on the Department of State Health Services to explain the rules in an illustrated booklet titled "A Man's Right to Know."
Sound familiar? The Houston Democrat's bill is a satirical version of a Texas law passed in 2011 that requires women to have a sonogram and hear a detailed description of the fetus before getting an abortion. Those rules are outlined in a booklet produced by the state called "A Woman's Right to Know."
"A lot of people find the bill funny," Farrar told the Houston Chronicle. "What's not funny are the obstacles that Texas women face every day, that were placed there by legislatures making it very difficult for them to access health care."
Farrar's bill penalizes masturbatory emissions outside a vagina or a medical facility, describing them as "an act against an unborn child" that fails to preserve "the sanctity of life."
Fines collected under the measure would be funneled to the Department of Family and Protective Services for the care of children.
The lawmaker proposes that the state keep a registry of private hospitals and organizations that counsel men to stay "fully abstinent," offer physicians to supervise masturbation and store semen for future conception.
Men seeking a vasectomy, a colonoscopy or a Viagra prescription would first undergo a "medically unnecessary" digital rectal exam and magnetic resonance imaging of the rectum, per Farrar's bill. After the exam, men would have to wait at least 24 hours before they could get the procedure or the prescription they wanted.
These provisions of the Democrat's bill echo the 2011 Texas law requiring women to take two trips to a clinic to get an abortion. The bill also calls on the state to include medically accurate and objective information in its booklet for men.
The "Woman's Right to Know" pamphlet that Texas women must receive 24 hours before an abortion has been criticized for listing refuted research linking abortion to a higher risk of breast cancer. (ontinueReading
* * * *
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Vatican worried about Trump immigration order
Reuters - The Vatican said on Wednesday (Feb. 1) it was worried about U.S. President Donald Trump's moves on immigration, in the Holy See's first comment since his executive order banning travel into the United States by citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries.
"Certainly there is worry because we are messengers of another culture, that of openness," the Vatican's deputy secretary of state, Archbishop Angelo Becciu, told an Italian Catholic television station in answer to a question about Trump's order.
Becciu, who ranks third in the Vatican hierarchy, was asked about the executive order as well as Trump's promise to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico.
"Pope Francis, in fact, insists on the ability to integrate those who arrive in our societies and cultures," he told TV2000.
Some Roman Catholic leaders in the United States have criticized Trump's executive order. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago said on Sunday it was "a dark moment in U.S. history" and that it was "contrary to both Catholic and American values".
Last February, while returning from a trip to Mexico, Pope Francis said then-candidate Trump's view about building walls was "not Christian". (ontinueReading
"Certainly there is worry because we are messengers of another culture, that of openness," the Vatican's deputy secretary of state, Archbishop Angelo Becciu, told an Italian Catholic television station in answer to a question about Trump's order.
Becciu, who ranks third in the Vatican hierarchy, was asked about the executive order as well as Trump's promise to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico.
"Pope Francis, in fact, insists on the ability to integrate those who arrive in our societies and cultures," he told TV2000.
Some Roman Catholic leaders in the United States have criticized Trump's executive order. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago said on Sunday it was "a dark moment in U.S. history" and that it was "contrary to both Catholic and American values".
Last February, while returning from a trip to Mexico, Pope Francis said then-candidate Trump's view about building walls was "not Christian". (ontinueReading
Monday, January 30, 2017
Oh Canada: Quebec City "terrorist attack" on mosque kills 6, injures 8
Possible psy-op or just a distraction?
globalnews.ca - Six people ranging in age from 35 to about 70 years old were killed and 8 more injured, including several children, during a shooting at a Quebec City mosque on Sunday night, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) said.
Police and public officials are treating the incident at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec as an act of terrorism.
Two men have been arrested, but SQ spokesperson Christine Coulombe told reporters Sunday it’s too early to determine any motive.
Thirty-nine people survived the attack, she added.
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard repeatedly called for solidarity in a news conference on Sunday Jan. 29.
In a message to Quebec’s Muslim community he said, “We are with you, this is your home, we are all Quebecers.”
Couillard added that he doesn’t expect further terrorist attacks, but that people need to be prepared.
He also said numerous events would be held in Quebec City to “indicate our solidarity.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the attack cowardly and said his thoughts were with the victims and their families.
“Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country,” the prime minister said in a statement.
“Canadian law enforcement agencies will protect the rights of all Canadians, and will make every effort to apprehend the perpetrators of this act and all acts of intolerance.
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said he was deeply saddened by the loss, and that the government is closely monitoring the situation.
Labeaume said the city was in shock following the attack. (ontinueReading
globalnews.ca - Six people ranging in age from 35 to about 70 years old were killed and 8 more injured, including several children, during a shooting at a Quebec City mosque on Sunday night, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) said.
Police and public officials are treating the incident at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec as an act of terrorism.
Two men have been arrested, but SQ spokesperson Christine Coulombe told reporters Sunday it’s too early to determine any motive.
Thirty-nine people survived the attack, she added.
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard repeatedly called for solidarity in a news conference on Sunday Jan. 29.
In a message to Quebec’s Muslim community he said, “We are with you, this is your home, we are all Quebecers.”
Couillard added that he doesn’t expect further terrorist attacks, but that people need to be prepared.
He also said numerous events would be held in Quebec City to “indicate our solidarity.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the attack cowardly and said his thoughts were with the victims and their families.
“Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country,” the prime minister said in a statement.
“Canadian law enforcement agencies will protect the rights of all Canadians, and will make every effort to apprehend the perpetrators of this act and all acts of intolerance.
“Tonight, we grieve with the people of Sainte-Foy and all Canadians.”
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said he was deeply saddened by the loss, and that the government is closely monitoring the situation.
Labeaume said the city was in shock following the attack. (ontinueReading
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Samoan church leader calls for ban on Muslims
- A prominent Christian leader in Samoa has called for a ban on Muslims entering the republic.
Ma'auga Motu, secretary general of the Samoa Council of Churches, urged the government to ban Islam. He said he did not object in the least if people compared him to Donald Trump who last year suggested a ban on Muslims entering the United States.
Of the Samoan islands' population of about 200,000, just 0.03 per cent are currently Muslim. The rest are nearly all Christian.
The prime minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, recently called for review of religious freedom. He wants Samoa's constitutional law changed to be more explicitly Christian.
Motu said he thought this would not be enough.
He said that Malielegaoi should impose a total ban because he claimed Islam represented a threat.
He told RadioNZ: "We are not going too far, no. We are still wanting our own people to be prevented from this kind of influence. There are so many people who are good people but still there are some dangerous people among them who might come and threaten our peace."
Mohammed Bin Yahya, chief Imam of Samoa, said Christians should learn not to discriminate. He also warned that such a ban could severely damage trading relationships.
Samoa, in the South Pacific, has been independent since 1962 and was ruled by New Zealand from 1914. The islands were governed by Germany for 14 years before that. (Source)
Ma'auga Motu, secretary general of the Samoa Council of Churches, urged the government to ban Islam. He said he did not object in the least if people compared him to Donald Trump who last year suggested a ban on Muslims entering the United States.
Of the Samoan islands' population of about 200,000, just 0.03 per cent are currently Muslim. The rest are nearly all Christian.
The prime minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, recently called for review of religious freedom. He wants Samoa's constitutional law changed to be more explicitly Christian.
Motu said he thought this would not be enough.
He said that Malielegaoi should impose a total ban because he claimed Islam represented a threat.
He told RadioNZ: "We are not going too far, no. We are still wanting our own people to be prevented from this kind of influence. There are so many people who are good people but still there are some dangerous people among them who might come and threaten our peace."
Mohammed Bin Yahya, chief Imam of Samoa, said Christians should learn not to discriminate. He also warned that such a ban could severely damage trading relationships.
Samoa, in the South Pacific, has been independent since 1962 and was ruled by New Zealand from 1914. The islands were governed by Germany for 14 years before that. (Source)
* * * *
Related: Academic says Islam stance in Samoa 'reasonable'
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Satanic killings sweep Mexico, call for mass exorcism
(SPUTNIKNEWS) — Mexico is being swept by a wave of satanic ritual killings with exorcists saying there is an unprecedented demand for their services.
Father José Antonio Fortea, a leading Mexican exorcist, who once ordered the mass exorcism of the whole country, has warned of an increase in satanic ritual killings.
He said that “devil worship” stemmed from the so-called cult of Santa Muerte, depicted as a human corpse with all the flesh picked off the bones, and dressed like a bride for her wedding.
The name means “Holy Death” – and it harks back to the days when to be sacrificed to the Aztec gods was considered the greatest honor.
Read more at wnd.com
Father José Antonio Fortea, a leading Mexican exorcist, who once ordered the mass exorcism of the whole country, has warned of an increase in satanic ritual killings.
He said that “devil worship” stemmed from the so-called cult of Santa Muerte, depicted as a human corpse with all the flesh picked off the bones, and dressed like a bride for her wedding.
The name means “Holy Death” – and it harks back to the days when to be sacrificed to the Aztec gods was considered the greatest honor.
Read more at wnd.com
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Pope Francis seeks Protestant forgiveness for past persecution
(christiantoday.com) Pope Francis asked Protestants and other Christian Churches for forgiveness for past persecution by Catholics as the Vatican announced on Monday he would visit Sweden later in the year to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Speaking at an annual vespers service in St Paul's Basilica in Rome attended by representatives of other Churches, he asked "forgiveness for the un-gospel like behaviour by Catholics towards Christians of other Churches". He also asked Catholics to forgive those who had persecuted them.
The Vatican announced that on October 31 Francis would go to the southern Swedish city of Lund, where the Lutheran World Federation was founded in 1947, for a joint service with Lutherans to launch Reformation commemorations that will continue throughout the world next year.
Martin Luther, a German, is credited with starting the Protestant Reformation in 1517 with writing 95 theses – said to have been nailed to a church door in Wittenberg – criticising the CatholicChurch for selling forgiveness from sins for money.
Related: Pope Apologizes for Killing Protestants
Saturday, December 5, 2015
It’s Beginnning To Look A Lot Like Hanukkah!
(Chron) - Hanukkah is a wonderful celebration capturing the attention and imagination of more Jews than any other Jewish celebration of the year. Historically, Hanukkah celebrates the re-taking of Jerusalem from Syrian control and the ancient Temple from the hands of a priestly aristocracy committed to Hellenizing Jewish ritual. All of this by a small band of Jewish traditionalists known as the “Maccabees.” According to ancient tradition, the first act in re-claiming the Temple was to re-kindle the 7-branch menorah. Unfortunately, the Maccabees discovered there was only enough oil for one night. The miracle of Hanukkah was the oil lasted for eight days giving way to the current 8-day celebration.
Beginning Sunday evening, December 6, 2015, the first candle of Hanukkah will be lit in Jewish homes worldwide. Then, for each of the next 8 evenings an additional candle will be lit. The holiday will culminate with the lighting of eight candles on the evening of December 13. The lighting of candles are accompanied by songs and Hanukkah goodies such as sufganiyot(jelly-filled donuts).
Hanukkah, also referred to as the “Festival Of Lights”, is more than just a story or great victory. The word “Hanukkah” means dedication. The Maccabees fight was not just against a foreign army but a dedication to religious freedom. This celebration of “Light” stands in marked contrast to the darkness of threats against those who don’t conform to the religious beliefs or practices of others. Though Hanukkah is particularly Jewish, its message is universal.
One of the scriptural readings during Hanukkah is taken from the book of Zechariah, who writes, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit alone, says God, [shall all people live in peace].” (Full Text)
* * * *
Related:
Hanukkah: Still Meaningful as Ever
Beginning Sunday evening, December 6, 2015, the first candle of Hanukkah will be lit in Jewish homes worldwide. Then, for each of the next 8 evenings an additional candle will be lit. The holiday will culminate with the lighting of eight candles on the evening of December 13. The lighting of candles are accompanied by songs and Hanukkah goodies such as sufganiyot(jelly-filled donuts).
Hanukkah, also referred to as the “Festival Of Lights”, is more than just a story or great victory. The word “Hanukkah” means dedication. The Maccabees fight was not just against a foreign army but a dedication to religious freedom. This celebration of “Light” stands in marked contrast to the darkness of threats against those who don’t conform to the religious beliefs or practices of others. Though Hanukkah is particularly Jewish, its message is universal.
One of the scriptural readings during Hanukkah is taken from the book of Zechariah, who writes, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit alone, says God, [shall all people live in peace].” (Full Text)
* * * *
Related:
Hanukkah: Still Meaningful as Ever
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Pew study: More Americans reject religion, but believers firm in faith
(washingtonpost.com) 11/03/2015 - Americans as a whole are growing less religious, but those who still consider themselves to belong to a religion are, on average, just as committed to their faiths as they were in the past — in certain respects even more so.
The 2014 U.S. Religious Landscape Study, released Tuesday (Nov. 3) by the Pew Research Center, also shows that nearly all major religious groups have become more accepting of homosexuality since the first landscape study in 2007.
The new study may provide some solace to those who bemoan the undeniable rise in America of the “nones” — people who claim no religious affiliation.
“People who say they have a religion — which is still the vast majority of the population — show no discernible dip in levels of observance,” said Alan Cooperman, director of religion research at Pew.
“They report attending religious services as often as they did a few years ago. They pray as often as they did before, and they are just as likely to say that religion plays a very important role in their lives,” he continued. “On some measures there are even small increases in their levels of religious practice.”
More religiously affiliated adults, for example, read Scripture regularly and participate in small religious groups than did so seven years ago, according to the survey. And 88 percent of religiously affiliated adults said they prayed daily, weekly or monthly — the same percentage that reported such regular prayer in the 2007 study.
“We should remember that the United States remains a nation of believers,” said Gregory A. Smith, Pew’s associate director of research, “with nearly 9 in 10 adults saying they believe in G-d.”
That said, overall, belief in God has ticked down by about 3 percentage points in recent years, driven mainly by growth in the share of “nones” who say they don’t believe in G-d. But even among Christians — 98 percent of whom say they believe in G-d — fewer believe with absolute certainty: 80 percent in 2007 compared to 76 percent in 2014.
And now 77 percent of adults surveyed describe themselves as religiously affiliated, a decline from the 83 percent who did so in Pew’s 2007 landscape study. (FULL TEXT)
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
'Wiccan Ritual Killing' Leaves Family of Three Dead in Pensacola: Police
Florida.
(nbcnews.com) - A triple homicide in Florida is suspected to be a "Wiccan ritual killing" related to the "blue" moon, police said Tuesday.
The three victims, all from the same family, were found after a welfare check on Friday, July 31, said Escambia County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Andrew Hobbes.
"It appears that this might be connected to some type of Wiccan ritual killing and possibly tied to the blue moon," Hobbes told NBC News.
A "blue" moon is what it's called when there are two full moons in the same calendar.
Voncile Smith, 77, and her two sons, Richard, 49, and John, 47, were discovered when one of the son's employers realized he hadn't shown up for work.
Voncile and John both died of blunt force trauma and had their throats cut, police said. Richard was shot in the ear, "as he came into the house," and had his throat cut, Hobbes said. Police believe a claw hammer was used to commit the murders, Hobbes said.
No evidence of a forcible entry was found and, while police have spoken with a person of interest in the case, no arrests have been made, Hobbes said.
When asked how the evidence suggests these are ritualistic or Wiccan killings Sgt. Hobbes said, "The injuries to the victims, the positions of the bodies and also the person of interest right now is also a practitioner."
According to Hobbes, Richard Smith worked for Homeland Security and a supervisor contacted the sheriff's office, who dispatched a unit to check the home at 4605 Deerfield Drive in Pensacola. Full Story
Friday, May 15, 2015
Indiana: Muslim Bakery Refuses To Make American Flag Cake For Returning War Veteran
- Baahir’s Bakery, a Muslim bakery located in South Bend Indiana is the midst of a media firestorm after they refused to make an American flag sheet cake for a returning Iraq war veteran’s welcome home party.
The family of Joshua Lancaster, a 34 year old war veteran that served 4 tours in Iraq, was thrilled for their beloved soldiers return to his South Bend home on May 7th. Their excitement unfortunately had to take a backseat to the disappointment and frustration they felt upon finding out the local bakery that they had already paid to make an American flag sheet cake had made a last minute decision to refuse to fulfill the Lancaster family’s cake order.
According to the family, the soldier’s mother had arrived at Baahir’s Bakery around 9:00 AM on the day of the welcome home party (May 8th), and was devastated when the employee behind the counter informed her that they do not have the cake because the Bakery’s owner Baahir Ameen had refused to fulfill the order.
Though the bakery promptly produced a full refund for the family, the original order had been placed 5 days prior leaving the family to scramble in order to find a last minute solution. Due to the minimal time available, the only bakery that the family was able to find to fulfill the last minute request was located inside a local grocery chain. The family appreciates the grocery store for accommodating the last minute request; however claim the cake just wasn’t what they had originally hoped and planned for.
Upon receiving abundant criticism from sympathizers of the family, a representative from the bakery made the following statement to Indiana’s local FOX affiliate.
“In Indiana we are protected by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Islam is openly against American’s descendant ways; additionally for religious reasons, I firmly disagree with the war in Iraq, therefore, Baahir’s Bakery refuses to contribute to the celebration of these clear abominations. Thankfully we live in a state that allows us this freedom.”
According to Joshua’s sister Beth Lancaster, the reason the family decided to place the order at Baahir’s Bakery, was that in the past she had purchased several breads from the bakery and the family wanted to support a small business. Beth told reporters however, “Never again will that bakery see a penny from our pockets”.
- See more at: nationalreport.net
The family of Joshua Lancaster, a 34 year old war veteran that served 4 tours in Iraq, was thrilled for their beloved soldiers return to his South Bend home on May 7th. Their excitement unfortunately had to take a backseat to the disappointment and frustration they felt upon finding out the local bakery that they had already paid to make an American flag sheet cake had made a last minute decision to refuse to fulfill the Lancaster family’s cake order.
According to the family, the soldier’s mother had arrived at Baahir’s Bakery around 9:00 AM on the day of the welcome home party (May 8th), and was devastated when the employee behind the counter informed her that they do not have the cake because the Bakery’s owner Baahir Ameen had refused to fulfill the order.
Though the bakery promptly produced a full refund for the family, the original order had been placed 5 days prior leaving the family to scramble in order to find a last minute solution. Due to the minimal time available, the only bakery that the family was able to find to fulfill the last minute request was located inside a local grocery chain. The family appreciates the grocery store for accommodating the last minute request; however claim the cake just wasn’t what they had originally hoped and planned for.
Upon receiving abundant criticism from sympathizers of the family, a representative from the bakery made the following statement to Indiana’s local FOX affiliate.
“In Indiana we are protected by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Islam is openly against American’s descendant ways; additionally for religious reasons, I firmly disagree with the war in Iraq, therefore, Baahir’s Bakery refuses to contribute to the celebration of these clear abominations. Thankfully we live in a state that allows us this freedom.”
According to Joshua’s sister Beth Lancaster, the reason the family decided to place the order at Baahir’s Bakery, was that in the past she had purchased several breads from the bakery and the family wanted to support a small business. Beth told reporters however, “Never again will that bakery see a penny from our pockets”.
- See more at: nationalreport.net
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Obama to Call for End to ‘Conversion’ Therapies for Gay and Transgender Youth
(nytimes.com) 4/8/15 WASHINGTON — A 17-year-old transgender youth, Leelah Alcorn, stunned her friends and a vast Internet audience in December when she threw herself in front of a tractor-trailer after writing in an online suicide note that religious therapists had tried to convert her back to being a boy.
In response, President Obama is calling for an end to such therapies aimed at “repairing” gay, lesbian and transgender youth. His decision on the issue is the latest example of his continuing embrace of gay rights.
In a statement that was posted on Wednesday evening alongside aWhiteHouse.gov petition begun in honor of Ms. Alcorn, Mr. Obama condemned the practice, sometimes called “conversion” or “reparative” therapy, which is supported by some socially conservative organizations and religious doctors.
The petition has received more than 120,000 signatures in three months.
“We share your concern about its potentially devastating effects on the lives of transgender as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual and queer youth,” the statement, written by Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to Mr. Obama, says. “As part of our dedication to protecting America’s youth, this administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors.”
In an interview on Wednesday, Ms. Jarrett said Mr. Obama had been moved by the story of Ms. Alcorn’s suicide. But she said the problem went far beyond Ms. Alcorn. Full Story
Friday, April 3, 2015
‘Jesus Christ never existed at all,’ US historian claims
IT'S A ZIONIST CONSPIRACY!!
(Metro.co.uk) April 03/2015 = An atheist writer has tried to spoil the taste of everyone’s Easter eggs by claiming Jesus didn’t exist at all.
San Francisco-based David Fitzgerald claims that there are no mentions of Jesus – at all – in 125 different historical accounts of the period.
He says it makes no sense, as Jesus is supposed to have been a famous figure who wrought incredible miracles – but no contemporary writers had heard of him.
Fitzgerald, an atheist activist, says, ‘’There is a paradox that Jesus did all these amazing things and taught all these amazing things yet no one heard of him outside his immediate cult for nearly 100 years.
‘Or it means he didn’t do all these things at all.
‘Two billion people believe all these miracles happened yet there is no evidence they did.’
Fitzgerald believes that the writers of the gospels worked decades after Jesus’s death, and made up the idea of Jesus by combining information about several Jewish sect leaders from the period.
His upcoming book claims that Jesus Christ as we know him is a literary invention – and that there was no single ‘Jesus’ at all.
Fitzgerald writes, ‘I must conclude that Christ is a mythical character. “Jesus of Nazareth” was nothing more than urban (or desert) legend, likely an agglomeration of several evangelic and deluded rabbis who might have existed.’
(Metro.co.uk) April 03/2015 = An atheist writer has tried to spoil the taste of everyone’s Easter eggs by claiming Jesus didn’t exist at all.
San Francisco-based David Fitzgerald claims that there are no mentions of Jesus – at all – in 125 different historical accounts of the period.
He says it makes no sense, as Jesus is supposed to have been a famous figure who wrought incredible miracles – but no contemporary writers had heard of him.
Fitzgerald, an atheist activist, says, ‘’There is a paradox that Jesus did all these amazing things and taught all these amazing things yet no one heard of him outside his immediate cult for nearly 100 years.
‘Or it means he didn’t do all these things at all.
‘Two billion people believe all these miracles happened yet there is no evidence they did.’
Fitzgerald believes that the writers of the gospels worked decades after Jesus’s death, and made up the idea of Jesus by combining information about several Jewish sect leaders from the period.
His upcoming book claims that Jesus Christ as we know him is a literary invention – and that there was no single ‘Jesus’ at all.
Fitzgerald writes, ‘I must conclude that Christ is a mythical character. “Jesus of Nazareth” was nothing more than urban (or desert) legend, likely an agglomeration of several evangelic and deluded rabbis who might have existed.’
* * * *
I feel like the professor is referring to Catholicism & not Christianity which are 2 different things. Catholics make it too easy for anyone to challenge the religion.
I feel like the professor is referring to Catholicism & not Christianity which are 2 different things. Catholics make it too easy for anyone to challenge the religion.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Equality: Madison Wisconsin first in Union to pass ordinance protecting atheists
= As the current common council met for the last time Tuesday, members unanimously voted to make discriminating against atheism, and others who do not believe in g-d, illegal.
"This is important because I believe it is only fair that if we protect religion, in all its varieties, we should also protect non-religion from discrimination. It's only fair," ordinance sponsor District 18 Alderwoman Anita Weier said.
The vote amends the city's equal opportunity ordinance, adding atheism as a protected class in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations.
"There are many categories that are protected," Weier said. "And it did occur to me that if religion was then perhaps the opposite should be"
UW graduate student, and former Atheists Humanists and Agnostics president Chris Calvey was among the five atheists speaking in favor of the proposals.
They told the council stories of housing, employment, volunteer, community, and parental custody discrimination because of their non-belief in God, saying that fact has no bearing on their character, values or what type of job they do.
"It's actually something we're commonly very concerned about, just because atheism is viewed as such a taboo in this country. And there's such a stigma with it. That people in my student group for example are very hesitant to be honest about their lack of belief in God out of fear that they are going to be discriminated against in employment opportunities. If that came up in a job interview that's held against them," Calvey said.
"Having it on the books, where we're legally a protected class, that'll make things much easier for atheists," Calvey said. "And we'll be able to be confident that at least if we're honest about what we actually believe, then we have the law backing us up so we can't legally be discriminated against."
"It's really making a big statement that we're not going to put up with discrimination in the name of God. That being a believer doesn't mean you can discriminate," Freedom From Religion Foundation co-founder Annie Laurie Gaylor said.
No one spoke out against the proposal.
"This is important because I believe it is only fair that if we protect religion, in all its varieties, we should also protect non-religion from discrimination. It's only fair," ordinance sponsor District 18 Alderwoman Anita Weier said.
The vote amends the city's equal opportunity ordinance, adding atheism as a protected class in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations.
"There are many categories that are protected," Weier said. "And it did occur to me that if religion was then perhaps the opposite should be"
UW graduate student, and former Atheists Humanists and Agnostics president Chris Calvey was among the five atheists speaking in favor of the proposals.
They told the council stories of housing, employment, volunteer, community, and parental custody discrimination because of their non-belief in God, saying that fact has no bearing on their character, values or what type of job they do.
"It's actually something we're commonly very concerned about, just because atheism is viewed as such a taboo in this country. And there's such a stigma with it. That people in my student group for example are very hesitant to be honest about their lack of belief in God out of fear that they are going to be discriminated against in employment opportunities. If that came up in a job interview that's held against them," Calvey said.
"Having it on the books, where we're legally a protected class, that'll make things much easier for atheists," Calvey said. "And we'll be able to be confident that at least if we're honest about what we actually believe, then we have the law backing us up so we can't legally be discriminated against."
"It's really making a big statement that we're not going to put up with discrimination in the name of God. That being a believer doesn't mean you can discriminate," Freedom From Religion Foundation co-founder Annie Laurie Gaylor said.
No one spoke out against the proposal.
* * * *
Not sure what "god" they are using here. I assume it's the J*w/Christian god. But I am only guessing based on the article. They would only single out Xians & Xians only because they make it so easy.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Scientists Prove That All Religious Books Are Man-Made Nonsense
(dailysquib.co.uk) WASHINGTON DC – USA – Scientists at the Institute of Historical Research have finally released their findings after five years of dedicated research.
The scientists, headed by Doctor Julius Sanreso, welcomed the research findings and said that it would be in the interests of those who believe in such nonsense as organised religion or creationism to accept the fact that religious books were written by men as a control system.
“Just think for one second, if ‘G-d’ or a ‘messenger of G-d’ had written that particular religious book/bible, how come the writings only occur within a very limited period in human history? Also, consider the fact, that a human writing on a piece of paper, or a few pieces of paper, is not the word of ‘God’. If they were really written by a universal God or entity, the books would not be limited to some pre-medievel costume drama but would encompass all universality, history, the future and science. Language is something created by man, not an all-seeing, all encompassing entity. God would presumably be universal and timeless as well as all-knowing, as is the universe, therefore these man-written books and scriptures, are just that, man-written linguistically created nonsense used to control men and women thousands of years ago. Why would ‘God’ write anything anyway? One must consider the fact that, even now, there are religious zealots and ordinary people still entrenched in a control belief system that is so far removed from reality that it borders on madness. There is no rational or scientific way that organised religions can have a modicum of truth or factual reality because of the very reason that these books are entombed in the time that they were written. These books should therefore simply be viewed as limited parables and historical fiction, as well as a lesson in how millions of people can be so easily controlled.”
The research paper also came to the conclusion that reward/punishment religions, as control systems, were losing their grip on most of the population of the world and only a few die-hard fanatics and delusional maniacs were carrying on with the flame of idiocy.
“The game is up for all religions, how long can this sham carry on, with their ridiculous outdated ceremonies? The priests are deceivers, and they need to come up with some pretty radical solutions to their thousand year old magic trick. People aren’t as dumb or easily swayed as they used to be thousands of years ago, they actually have reasoning powers and can see through the utter nonsense of organised control systems like religion.”
The problem for the world’s political leaders, is that slowly, humans who were controlled for so many years by fictitious writings, may suddenly lose their controlled ‘faith’. This could be quite dangerous, because it would mean that these people would suddenly wake up and realise that they have been fooled for so long by being communally hypnotised.
“We must ensure that the people who have been fooled for so long by fictitious belief systems utilised to control humans do not get too angry when they realise that what they believe in is nonsense written by humans utilising human created language. This could be dangerous for society, so we must either let them carry on believing their fiction or try to somehow support them when they realise the truth,” Dr Sanreso said.
The research paper will be published in its entirety in 2015.
The scientists, headed by Doctor Julius Sanreso, welcomed the research findings and said that it would be in the interests of those who believe in such nonsense as organised religion or creationism to accept the fact that religious books were written by men as a control system.
“Just think for one second, if ‘G-d’ or a ‘messenger of G-d’ had written that particular religious book/bible, how come the writings only occur within a very limited period in human history? Also, consider the fact, that a human writing on a piece of paper, or a few pieces of paper, is not the word of ‘God’. If they were really written by a universal God or entity, the books would not be limited to some pre-medievel costume drama but would encompass all universality, history, the future and science. Language is something created by man, not an all-seeing, all encompassing entity. God would presumably be universal and timeless as well as all-knowing, as is the universe, therefore these man-written books and scriptures, are just that, man-written linguistically created nonsense used to control men and women thousands of years ago. Why would ‘God’ write anything anyway? One must consider the fact that, even now, there are religious zealots and ordinary people still entrenched in a control belief system that is so far removed from reality that it borders on madness. There is no rational or scientific way that organised religions can have a modicum of truth or factual reality because of the very reason that these books are entombed in the time that they were written. These books should therefore simply be viewed as limited parables and historical fiction, as well as a lesson in how millions of people can be so easily controlled.”
The research paper also came to the conclusion that reward/punishment religions, as control systems, were losing their grip on most of the population of the world and only a few die-hard fanatics and delusional maniacs were carrying on with the flame of idiocy.
“The game is up for all religions, how long can this sham carry on, with their ridiculous outdated ceremonies? The priests are deceivers, and they need to come up with some pretty radical solutions to their thousand year old magic trick. People aren’t as dumb or easily swayed as they used to be thousands of years ago, they actually have reasoning powers and can see through the utter nonsense of organised control systems like religion.”
The problem for the world’s political leaders, is that slowly, humans who were controlled for so many years by fictitious writings, may suddenly lose their controlled ‘faith’. This could be quite dangerous, because it would mean that these people would suddenly wake up and realise that they have been fooled for so long by being communally hypnotised.
“We must ensure that the people who have been fooled for so long by fictitious belief systems utilised to control humans do not get too angry when they realise that what they believe in is nonsense written by humans utilising human created language. This could be dangerous for society, so we must either let them carry on believing their fiction or try to somehow support them when they realise the truth,” Dr Sanreso said.
The research paper will be published in its entirety in 2015.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Not just homosexuals: Oklahoma is banning atheists from getting married
(Metro.co.uk) March/17/2015- In what has been described as a not-so-covert attack on gay marriage, a bill banning non-religious people from marrying and requiring all marriage licences be approved by a member of the clergy has been passed in Oklahoma.
The bill, which was approved by the Oklahoma state House last week and will now go to the state Senate for consideration, would restrict marriage only to people of faith.
But while it might seem on the surface like an assault on atheism, critics are saying that it is same-sex unions that the bill is not-so-stealthily attacking. By making the clergy – not judges and court clerks – the sole marriage licence issuers, it will be more difficult for gay marriages to take place.
‘Marriage was not instituted by government,’ said Rep. Dennis Johnson, who backed the bill.
‘It was instituted by G-d. There is no reason for Oklahoma or any state to be involved in marriage.
Rep. Todd Russ, who sponsored the bill, told KSWO-TV that it stemmed from his personal opposition to marriage equality, saying same-sex marriage laws were ‘stuck down our throats’ by the Supreme Court despite Oklahoma voting ‘overwhelmingly’ against it.
Troy Stevenson, head of the LGBT advocacy group Freedom Oklahoma, said that the community would ‘fight back’ against the ‘discriminatory legislation’ – but added that there was a silver lining.
‘There are… 160 members of the clergy who have publicly declared their willingness to marry LGBT people [in Oklahoma],’ he said. Full Story
The bill, which was approved by the Oklahoma state House last week and will now go to the state Senate for consideration, would restrict marriage only to people of faith.
But while it might seem on the surface like an assault on atheism, critics are saying that it is same-sex unions that the bill is not-so-stealthily attacking. By making the clergy – not judges and court clerks – the sole marriage licence issuers, it will be more difficult for gay marriages to take place.
‘Marriage was not instituted by government,’ said Rep. Dennis Johnson, who backed the bill.
‘It was instituted by G-d. There is no reason for Oklahoma or any state to be involved in marriage.
Rep. Todd Russ, who sponsored the bill, told KSWO-TV that it stemmed from his personal opposition to marriage equality, saying same-sex marriage laws were ‘stuck down our throats’ by the Supreme Court despite Oklahoma voting ‘overwhelmingly’ against it.
Troy Stevenson, head of the LGBT advocacy group Freedom Oklahoma, said that the community would ‘fight back’ against the ‘discriminatory legislation’ – but added that there was a silver lining.
‘There are… 160 members of the clergy who have publicly declared their willingness to marry LGBT people [in Oklahoma],’ he said. Full Story
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