Clipmarks | Interfaith Clips

Patron Saint Medals Decked in Red, White and Blue

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:49:22 GMT

clipped by: fashionguy

Clip Source: jewelryreview.wordpress.com

Patron Saint Medals Decked in Red, White and Blue

The writer of the following article is a member of the Culver City Area Interfaith Alliance. While serving as the secretary of that organization, she has never written about the purchase of patron saint medals.

Neither has she written about any government objection to the sale within Culver City of patron saint medals. Indeed, a store not far from the writer sells literature about Catholic theology and about the various patron saints. For some reason, that same bookstore has been overlooked by a man who loves books, a man who was recently among the many candidates for the City Council.

Tags: jewelry, gifts, saint, catholic, faith, fashion, usa

Christians Join Pagans And Humanists To Open Woodland Burial Site

Mon, 18 May 2009 05:24:01 GMT

clipped by: wiccantexan

Clip Source: beaconsfield.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk

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 around 40 people are buried there.

The service was opened by Bishop of Buckinghamshire Rev Allan Wilson who said he was struck by how much nicer it would be to attend a service in a woodland setting than in a crematorium "with terylene curtains."

Also speaking were Father Francis Higgins of St Teresa's Church Beaconsfield and Professor Ann Floyd of Jordans Quakers, along with a Rabbi from Harlow, a Hindu leader from Watford, a Pagan, a humanist, a Buddhist, and a Reverend from the Interfaith Ministry which "embraces the universal truth at the heart of all religions."

Tags: religion, faith, belief, death, nature, christian, pagan

"The bishops vs the BBC"

Wed, 13 May 2009 17:37:06 GMT

clipped by: cakebelly
clipper's remarks: continues (more at source): The front runner for the job this time around was Aaqil Ahmed, a 39-year-old Muslim who had carved out a successful career at Channel 4 creating critically acclaimed and often controversial religious programming such as Inside the Mind of the Suicide Bomber and the Bafta-winning Saving Africa's Witch Children.

As someone with a long track record of encouraging interfaith dialogue, Dr Williams would have had no problem with a Muslim commissioner as long as he or she continued to cover the Christian faith adequately.

Clip Source: www.independent.co.uk

Aaqil Ahmed, the BBC's new head of religion, made critically acclaimed programmes for Channel 4

Two months ago, Mark Thompson, the director general of the BBC, made a short trip from the Beeb's headquarters in Shepherd's Bush to Lambeth Palace for a private meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Rowan Williams had a blunt message to deliver: the "Christian voice", the Archbishop suggested, risked being "sidelined" by the BBC and Mr Thompson needed to do something about it.

At the time there was increasing speculation over who would become the corporation's new head of religious programming. With one exception (the appointment of an agnostic, Alan Bookbinder, in 2001) the BBC's head of religion had always professed a Christian faith. But this time executives at the corporation – once famously described as being "hideously white" – were considering a radical departure from their usual tack.

Pope Benedict XVI pilgrimage to Israel - dogged by critics from all sides

Wed, 13 May 2009 04:28:37 GMT

clipped by: Efrain Alvarado

Clip Source: benedictinisrael.blogspot.com

Sheikh Taysir al Tamimi's disruption of the interfaith meeting and Rabbi Meir Lau's lukewarm review of Benedict's remarks at Yad Vashem weren't the only stories of the day -- controversy dogged the Pope's heels as the cranks and the critics emerged from the far-right fringes.

The Islamic Jihad condemned on Monday the visit of Pope Benedict XVI as a "gift to the Occupation," and said that his presence in Israel "ignores the suffering of the Palestinian people." (Jerusalem Post)

Extreme right wing activists Itamar Ben-Gvir and Baruch Marzel demanded on Monday that Pope Benedict XVI return looted Temple treasures in a criminal complaint they filed at the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court (YNet News):

MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) arrived at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, accompanied by his parliamentary assistant Itamar Ben-Gvir, carrying signs against Pope Benedict XVI.

Police move "far-right" anti-pope protesters from Jerusalem's Palmah Street.

Tags: pope, b16, middle east

Sheikh attacks Israel, pope walks out

Tue, 12 May 2009 03:04:17 GMT

clipped by: Efrain Alvarado

Clip Source: www.jpost.com

A leading Palestinian cleric commandeered an evening devoted to interfaith dialogue with Pope Benedict XVI on Monday to rant against Israel for "killing Gaza's children," "bulldozing Palestinian homes" and "destroying mosques."

In an impromptu speech, delivered in Arabic at the Notre Dame Pontifical Institute in Jerusalem, Sheikh Tayseer Tamimi, chief Islamic judge in the Palestinian Authority, launched a 10-minute tirade against the State of Israel for confiscating Palestinians' land and carrying out war crimes against the residents of Gaza.

He also called for the immediate return of all Palestinian refugees, and called on Christians and Muslims to unite against Israel.

Following the diatribe and before the meeting was officially over, the pope exited the premises. However, he shook Tamimi's hand before walking out.

The pope, speaking before Tamimi, discussed the importance of religion and truth for the advancement of humanity's mutual understanding.

Tags: middle east, peace, jewish, muslim, christianity

The problem with identity

Sat, 09 May 2009 19:14:07 GMT

clipped by: JohnWaterman

Clip Source: blog.newhumanist.org.uk

The new Gallup Coexist Index poll published yesterday, "A Global Study of Interfaith Relations:

With an in-depth analysis of Muslim integration in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom" (full PDF here) provided plenty for headline writers to get to grips with

the breadth of information the poll provides is highlighted by the fact that the Guardian could report it under the headline "Muslims in Britain have zero tolerance of homosexuality, says poll", while The Times ran with "British Muslims have more faith in UK than Britons, study finds

So what did the poll show?

did indeed find that on issues of gender and sexuality, the Muslims polled in Britain were far less liberal than non-Muslims, as well as less liberal than their counterparts in France and Germany

At the same time

British Muslims

identify more with Britain and have more confidence in its institutions than the non-Muslim majority

some worrying statistics on the social and economic well-being of Britain's Muslim population

John Kerry opens Muslim/Christian conference

Fri, 01 May 2009 02:42:17 GMT

clipped by: Antara
clipper's remarks: video at link

Clip Source: acommonword.com

Senator John Kerry

Words of Welcome: H.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad

Conference Panel 1: God is Loving

Conference Panel 2: Loving God

Conference Panel 3: Loving Neighbor

Keynote Addresses 3: Shaykh Al-Habib Ali Al-Jifri

Keynote Addresses 4: Rev. Dr. Robert Schuller

Conference Panel 4: Love and Speech

Conference Panel 5: Love and World Poverty

Keynote Address: Prof. Dr. Leith Anderson

Senator John Kerry
Monday, July 28

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) opened the public portion of a groundbreaking Muslim-Christian conference with a strong endorsement of the gathering’s aim to promote interfaith dialogue. Kerry (D-MA) spoke July 28 to about 200 participants in the conference, Loving God and Neighbor in Word and Deed: Implications for Christians and Muslims, about the compelling political benefits of promoting better understanding between the Abrahamic faiths.

Tags: a common word, inter-faith dialogue

Shoghi Effendi Was Prescient

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:36:19 GMT

clipped by: GlennFrancoSimmons
clipper's remarks: Decades before anyone heard of computers, Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahai Faith, predicted there would be a worldwide means of communication. This post is about that.

Clip Source: dayspringsofglory.blogspot.com

To me, the Bahá'í Reference Library, Interfaith Explorer and Ocean are part of what Shoghi Effendi said when he stated,

"A mechanism of world intercommunication will be devised, embracing the whole planet, freed from national hindrances and restrictions, and functioning with marvelous swiftness and perfect regularity. A world metropolis will act as the nerve center of a world civilization, the focus towards which the unifying forces of life will converge and from which its energizing influences will radiate."

That is a quote from "Bahá'u'lláh And The New Era."

Tags: shoghi effendi, bahai

Muslim Calligrapher ,The Pope, Art and Luke's Gospel :)

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:52:29 GMT

clipped by: Antara
clipper's remarks: his work looks lovely

Clip Source: www.foxnews.com

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Muslim calligrapher Yasser Abu Saymeh has dedicated the past two months to Christian art, writing the Gospel of Luke in ornate Arabic script to be presented to Pope Benedict XVI when the Roman Catholic leader visits the Holy Land next month.

Muslims make up two-thirds of the population in the town of 30,000 and Christian influence has been receding steadily.

The issue of interfaith relations will be high on the pontiff's agenda during his May 8-15 tour, which includes several meetings with Muslim leaders.

Among many Muslims here resentment is still festering from 2006, when Benedict linked Islam and violence. The pope quoted a Medieval text that characterized some of the teachings of Muhammad as "evil and inhuman," particularly "his command to spread by the sword the faith."

The calligrapher said he took on the mission, in part, because he wanted to send a conciliatory message and distance himself from extremists.

Tags: religion, isreal, muslim, christian, inter-faith dialogue, pope benedict

Meet Your Neighbors, Hear their Stories: Muslims in America

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:10:27 GMT

clipped by: zizzy

Clip Source: www.changethestory.net

links to exchange programs and university groups offering interfaith experiences or overseas encounters in Muslim countries

a movement called “20,000 Dialogues” that is taking place all over the country. People are gathering together to learn more about Islam and meet with Muslims in their communities. We invite you to find a dialogue near you. You can also watch the videos above of American Muslims telling their own stories about what it’s like to be Muslim in America

Clip Source: org2.democracyinaction.org

[Video]

Clip Source: www.changethestory.net

Where do Muslims live in the world? The answer is everywhere! See a world map that indicates the percentage of Muslims in many countries around the world. The more intense the color, the larger the percentage of Muslims in those areas.

Exchange Programs

direct personal contact to help us overcome distance to learn more about the diverse cultures, faith traditions, and worldviews that make up the human experience.

University Groups

ollegiate experience

student-run organizations

21st century Lent: US Christians go green, give up new media

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:46:28 GMT

clipped by: tabsey
clipper's remarks: Common comment, "News to me"?

Clip Source: www.abc.net.au

From giving up their cars to abandoning their Facebook pages, many Christians in the United States are being called on to help reduce global warming and turn their backs on internet distractions over Lent.

"It's an insult to God, it's a sin to spoil the environment, to hurt creation," said Episcopalian pastor Reverend Sally Bingham, who is coordinating The Regeneration Project, an interfaith group of some 4,000 congregations looking for a religious response to global warming.

The idea of a "green" Lent was launched last year by two British Anglican bishops, who called for a "carbon fast," Reverend Bingham told AFP.

Another Catholic group, the St Paul Newman Centre in Fresno, California, is organising a Lent program on global warming.

An Italian bishop in Modena has called for giving up texting during Lent in order to "detoxify from the virtual world and become one again."

Across American universities, students are also giving up social networking websites like Facebook.

Tags: religion

Episcopal Priest Defrocked After Refusing to Recant Muslim Faith

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:46:52 GMT

clipped by: wiccantexan

Clip Source: www.christianpost.com

An Episcopal priest who claimed to be both Christian and Muslim was defrocked, effective Wednesday.

Bishop Geralyn Wolf of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island deposed Ann Holmes Redding, citing abandonment of Communion of The Episcopal Church.

In response to the charge, Redding claimed becoming a Muslim "is not an automatic abandonment of Christianity," according to the Seattle Times. "For many, it is. But it doesn't have to be."

Three years ago, Redding attended an interfaith gathering where she said was moved by Muslim prayers. She said she felt an overwhelming conviction to surrender to God and soon after she became a practicing Muslim.

Convinced that her new Muslim faith did not contradict her beliefs as a Christ follower, Redding declared she was both a Muslim and a Christian.

"Both religions say there's only one God," Redding said, according to CNN, "and that God is the same God. It's very clear we are talking about the same God! So I haven't shifted my allegiance."

Tags: christian, muslim, christianity, islam, religion, faith, god

Religious rights groups defend minister placed in jail for quoting Bible to judge

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:32:48 GMT

clipped by: Efrain Alvarado

Clip Source: www.catholicnewsagency.com

The Washington D.C.-based Becket Fund, a nonpartisan interfaith public-interest law firm dedicated to protecting the free expression of all religious traditions, announced on Tuesday that a coalition of a dozen religious and civil rights groups have joined in asking a Michigan court of appeals to release a Christian minister accused of “threatening” a judge with a Bible verse.

Rev. Edward Pinkney originally appeared in court for his involvement in fighting the requisition of public lakeshore by Whirlpool Corporation. Pinkney was placed under house arrest, but because he wrote an article in the Chicago-area People's Tribune quoting the Book of Deuteronomy to say that God would punish the judge for his “wrongdoing,” the court decided to send him to jail.

After the article appeared, the trial court judge recused himself. The subsequent judge found that Pinkney's comments were “threatening” and revoked the minister's probation period sending him to prison for three to 10 years.

Tags: free speech, religion

Sufism as Youth Culture in Morocco

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:47:45 GMT

clipped by: Gul Agha

Clip Source: www.metimes.com

THE ATTRACTION OF SUFI -- Moroccan youth are drawn to Sufism because of its tolerance, its fluid interpretation of the Koran, its rejection of fanaticism, and its embrace of modernity. The photo shows Sufi dancers. (Scripps Howard News Service via Newscom)

Most Moroccans, young or old, practice one form of Sufism or another. As a deep component of the Moroccan identity, Sufism absorbs all members of society, regardless of age, gender, social status or political orientation.

Young men and women find in the Sufi principles of "beauty" and "humanity" a balanced lifestyle that allows them to enjoy arts, music and love without having to abandon their spiritual and religious obligations.

Moreover, Sufi gatherings inspire young people to engage in interfaith dialogue, highlighting the universal values Islam shares with Christianity and Judaism – such as the pursuit of happiness, love of one's family, tolerance of racial and religious differences, and the promotion of peace.

Tags: morocco, sufism, music

Christians: "Why We Should Be Concerned About Christian Zionism"

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:55:08 GMT

clipped by: ratcatcher2
clipper's remarks: “Ideological Christian Zionists sometimes claim that they speak on behalf of all American evangelicals. This is not so,” the brochure says. “Many evangelicals in the US do not want to be identified as theological Christian Zionists.”

This ideology “rejects any peace process built on a negotiated settlement towards a two-state solution to the conflict” because it encouraged advocacy “committed to preserving control over all of historic Palestine for Jewish people alone”. It also promoted “fear and hatred of Muslims and non-western Christians”, the brochure says.

One of the best-known Christian Zionists is John Hagee, a pastor who leads Christians United for Israel, a “mega-church” with an estimated 50,000 members. He has close ties with many US politicians and is a regular speaker at the annual conference of the hawkish AIPAC. He has also raised funds for settlements in the West Bank, which Israel calls Judea and Samaria.

Clip Source: www.thenational.ae

Christians urged to question Zionism

Why We Should Be Concerned About Christian Zionism, cuts to the heart of some of the most contentious issues in US politics

Kireopoulos, programme director for interfaith relations at the National Council of Churches, said

“We share the conviction with other Christians that Israel has the right to security, but does that come at the expense of Palestinian rights and justice?”

“We want to alert Christians in our churches to these issues.”

The brochure defines Christian Zionism as a 19th century theological innovation whose central belief is the state of Israel’s supposed role in the end of history and the return of the messiah. Under this ideology, the return of Jews to Israel fulfils biblical prophecy and heralds the final battle between good and evil. Unbelievers and Jews who refuse to accept Jesus will face death under divine judgment while true Christians will achieve eternal life in heaven

Up to 40m people in the United States are Christian Zionists

Tags: religion, christian, zionist, fundamentalist, aipac