Page 142 - Religion Belief
Lynching in the name of cow could lead to another partition: PDP MP Baig
Senior PDP leader and Lok Sabha member from Baramulla Muzaffar Hussain Baig today warned of another partition of India if lynching of Muslims over cow-smuggling allegations were not stopped forthwith. He was addressing a rally to mark the People's Democratic Party's (PDP) 19th foundation day here. Referring to the incidents of mob lynching in the name of cow vigilantism, Baig said, "We want to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that killing of Muslims in the name of cow be stopped. One partition has already taken place in 1947, (but) more could take place if these continue." He said the PDP had allied with the BJP not for power but to ensure that justice was done to Muslims across the country and to the Kashmiri people. "We allied with the BJP so that they can trust Muslims. We allied with the BJP so that justice is done to Muslims and Kashmiris and talks with Pakistan can take place," he added.
Got Chief Ministership because of Lord Ayyappa's blessings:
Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said he was an ardent devotee of Lord Ayyappa and he got the chief ministership of Karnataka because of the god's blessings. "It was because of the blessings of Lord Ayyaappa Swamy, I became the Chief Minister of Karnataka," he told at a function organised by Janata Dal (S) state committee here to felicitate him. Recalling his Sabarimala visits in the past along with party leaders including Kerala Water Resources Minister Mathew T Thomas, Kumaraswamy said he believed that he got the chief ministership in 2006 also because of blessings of Lord Ayyappa. "Even in 2006---after visiting Sabarimala in 2005--I became Chief Minister. Now, second time it has happened. With the blessings of Swamy Ayyappa, I have become the Chief Minister, I think, even without the sufficient numbers (for JD-S)," he said. JD(S) national secretary general Danish Ali and Kerala party leaders also attended the function.
NCM rejects NCW's recommendation to ban confessions in churches
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) today strongly opposed the National Commission for Women's (NCW) recommendation for abolishing the practice of confessions in churches, saying it was an integral part of Christianity and cannot be interfered with. The assertion by the NCM comes a day after the NCW chief Rekha Sharma recommended the ban saying the practice can lead to blackmailing of women. Sharma made the recommendation after allegations against four priests of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Kerala of using a married woman's confession to sexually abuse her came to light last month. "The minority commission outrightly rejects the recommendation and is opposed to it," NCM chairperson Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi told PTI. "The practice of confession is an integral part of the religion of Christianity, so it cannot be banned. There can be no interference with religious practice," he said. Yesterday, Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam, a native of Kerala and a ...
"I pretended it didn't happen": Nuns report abuse by priests
Revelations that a prominent US cardinal sexually abused and harassed his adult seminarians have exposed an egregious abuse of power that has shocked Catholics on both sides of the Atlantic. But the Vatican has long been aware of its heterosexual equivalent the sexual abuse of nuns by priests and bishops and done little to stop it, an Associated Press analysis has found. An examination by the AP shows that cases of abused nuns have emerged in Europe, Africa, South America and Asia, demonstrating that the problem is global and pervasive, thanks to the sisters' second-class status in the church and their ingrained subservience to the men who run it. Yet some nuns are now finding their voices, buoyed by the #MeToo movement and the growing recognition that even adults can be victims of sexual abuse when there is an imbalance of power in a relationship. The sisters are going public in part to denounce years of inaction by church leaders, even after major studies on the problem in Africa .
Bengaluru: People stage protest against rituals during eclipses
Scores of people gathered outside Bengaluru's Town Hall on Friday to stage protest opposing the weird practices followed during eclipses.The crowds were promoting the scientific reason behind the occurrence of an eclipse and asked people to turn down the superstitious belief followed during the phase of the eclipse.While protesting they also ate food, which is prohibited as per the Hindu tradition, during the phase of an eclipse.Talking to ANI, a protestor said, "We are here to celebrate and welcome lunar eclipse. Some pundits and astrologers claim that the day should not be celebrated. We want beliefs like not drinking water or eating food during eclipses to end."The world witnessed Blood Moon or total lunar eclipse, the longest of the 21st Century on Friday.The century's longest total lunar eclipse, which began on July 27, lasted till the early hours of July 28.According to the Hindu tradition, no religious or auspicious practices are performed at the time of a lunar eclipse.Going .
World witnesses longest-ever 'blood moon' eclipse
The world is witnessing Blood Moon or Total lunar eclipse, the longest of the 21st Century.The rare celestial event can be seen in its entirety from all parts of India.The century's longest total lunar eclipse, which began on July 27, will last till the early hours of July 28.According to NASA, the total lunar eclipse will last for close to one hour and 43 minutes, starting late at night and continuing till the early hours of July 28."This total lunar eclipse is significant because it is the longest," Director of Delhi's Nehru Planetarium, Ratnashree, told ANI.At some point, when the moon will move into earth's shadow, the sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere will turn the moon red.In Varanasi, devotees are taking a dip in the Holy Ganges at Dashashwamedh Ghat.Blood Red moon was also spotted in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram and Assam's Guwahati city.The day is all the more special in India, as both lunar eclipse and Guru Purnima are falling on the same day.Celebrated on ..
Kerala Catholic Bishops writes to PM Modi over NCW's proposal
Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference on Friday sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over National Commission of Women's (NCW) proposal to abolish the practice of confessions in church.Archbishop of Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum, Soosai Pakiam, said, "NCW chairperson should not dictate to abolish this practice."He even condemned the 'irresponsible statement' made by the NCW, saying that a responsible commission should not hurt the feelings of the followers of a particular religion.Earlier in the day, the NCW recommended abolishing the practice of confessions in churches as it increases the chances of blackmailing of women.The recommendation came in the wake of the recent rape case against four priests of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, where the accused allegedly threatened to disclose the victim's confessions, made in church.
Vatican launches live translation app for papal events
Catholics can now listen to Pope Francis' speeches live in five languages following the launch of a new smartphone app, the Vatican announced today. Vatican Audio translates Francis, who usually addresses the faithful in Italian, into Spanish, English, French, German and Portuguese, also offering Italian when he speaks in his native Spanish. A Vatican spokesperson told AFP that the app will work for the pope's Angelus speech this Sunday, finally enabling the thousands of people who will flock to St. Peter's Square from around the world to understand the pontiff. Vatican Audio will also work on Tuesday, when Francis will meet 60,000 altar boys and girls -- mainly teenagers -- taking part in a week-long pilgrimage to Rome from over a dozen countries.
World awaits longest 'blood moon' eclipse of century
It's the longest lunar eclipse today. The world is waiting to catch a glimpse of the much-talked-about 'blood moon'.The lunar eclipse, which will be seen across all parts of India, is all set to take place around 11 pm (the night of July 27 local Indian time).According to a report by CNN, the lunar eclipse will last about an hour and 43 minutes, though the partial eclipse will last for four hours.At some point, when the moon will move into earth's shadow, the sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere will turn the moon red.Incidentally, the day is all more special for India as both lunar eclipse and Guru Purnima are falling on the same day.Celebrated on the full-moon day in the 'Ashadh' month of the Hindu calendar, Guru Purnima is a day dedicated to spiritual teachers.Since the festival is celebrated by both Hindus and Buddhists, there are no set rituals that are followed during the day.While some people observe fast to show respect to their gurus, others visit temples to offer ...
Eastern Army commander visits Spear Corps zone
Army's Eastern Command chief Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, who is on a visit to the Spear Corps Zone to assess the security situation in the northeastern states, was on Friday briefed at Dimapur on the progress of operations being undertaken by the Corp, a defence spokesman said.
HC directs Kaushambi DM, SP to present on July 31 for hearing on PIL related to Sunday prayers
The Allahabad High Court directed today the district magistrate and superintendent of police of Kaushambi district to present on July 31 during hearing of a PIL alleging that certain people are not allowing the members of Christian community from attending Sunday School and also undertaking the Sunday Prayers. The bench comprising Justice Govind Mathur and Justice C D Singh passed the order on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Roshan Lal and 44 others who are residents of Kaushambi district. The bench further directed that petitioners may also file rejoinder affidavit to the counter affidavit filed on behalf of the respondents by the next date of hearing. In the petition it was alleged that certain people were not letting the members of Christian community from attending Sunday school and undertaking the Sunday prayers. It was alleged that the district administration is not taking any adequate care to protect the people who are having faith in Christianity and they are not ..
Ethiopia's torn Orthodox church reunites after 27 years
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has overseen the reunification of feuding wings of the one of the world's oldest Christian churches, his top aide said today. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church split in 1991 over the naming of a new patriarch after the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) removed the Derg military junta from power. The patriarch Abuna Merkorios, seen as hostile to the new regime, was forced to abdicate and later escaped the country to settle in the United States. There, where dissidents founded a breakaway church under him, claiming his ouster violated rules that say the role of patriarch is held for life. Talks between the two synods have been going on for years. Abiy, a reformist new premier, is credited with speeding up the peace process, which culminated yesterday in his maiden visit to the United States. Abiy oversaw a reunification ceremony in Washington, attended by priests in flowing black and red robes, according to images his top .
HC lashes out at teachings of Rohini ashram
The Delhi High Court today took strong note of the teachings at the ashram of absconding preacher Virender Dev Dixit, asking whether a daughter refusing to talk to her parents or treating them badly was its concept of "spiritual awakening" which was taught to the inmates. Even criminals are not treated the way the parents of the women inmates were being treated, the court observed. "What type of spiritual awakening is this? You leave your family, parents and say this is spiritual awakening? ... Is this spiritual awakening that a daughter does not want to talk and meet her parents ... You bring 15 women here who talk so bad about their parents," an anguished bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and C Hari Shankar said. The court was hearing a matter relating to alleged confinement of girls and women at the Adhyatmik Vidyalaya, run by its founder Dixit in Rohini area of Northwest Delhi. The bench said it did not want that Interpol alerts are issued against someone who is running a .
Confession row: Kerala bishops body approaches PM against NCW
A day after the National Commission for Women said it has recommended a ban on confessions in churches over fears they could lead to blackmailing of women, a Kerala bishops body has petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the move, calling it "shocking". Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam, a Kerala native and a Christian, meanwhile "rejected outright" the NCW's recommendation, insisting that the Modi government would never interfere in religious beliefs of people. "It was shocking not only for the Christian community but also to everyone who stands for the freedom of religion," Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council president Archbishop Soosa Pakiam told a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram. He said a memorandum has been sent to the prime minister against the recommendation. Pakiam said the NCW had "abused" its powers by submitting a "one-sided" report to the Centre without consulting the church. He called it an "irresponsible" act done "with ulterior ...
Minister rejects "outright" NCW plea for banning confession,
Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam today "rejected outright" the National Commission for Women's recommendation for banning confessions in churches over fears they could lead to blackmailing of women, and asserted the government would not interfere in the religious beliefs of people. The Kerala Catholic Bishop's Council (KCBC) has, meanwhile, written to George Kurian, Member Secretary of National Commission for Minorities, requesting him to raise before appropriate authorities the concerns of the church. Kurian was learnt to have forwarded the letter from KCBC chief Archbishop Soosa Pakiam to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. "We strongly feel the recommendation is unwarranted and intended to tarnish the credibility of the Church. It is unfortunate that people in responsible positions make such statements which deeply wound the religious sentiments of the Christian minority community," Pakiam said in the letter. Kannanthanam came out against .
Call for abolishing confession NCW chief's opinion: Alphons
Union Minister K.J. Alphons on Friday said that the recommendation of abolishing the practice of confession in churches is that of the National Commission of Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma and not that of the government, while the Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram, M.Susaipakiam termed the idea "outrageous" and "prejudiced".
Minority groups in China facing repression, says Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom
The first-ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, that held its meeting in Washington this week, has expressed serious concerns over restrictions on religious freedom in China, particularly on the minority groups such as Uighurs, Hui, Kazakh Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, Falun Gong. In a statement after its three-day deliberations, the Ministerial in a statement said that these groups are facing severe repression and discrimination in China.The Ministerial, held from July 24-26, was hosted by US Secretary of State, Michael R Pompeo. It saw interaction between various stakeholders, including foreign ministers, representatives from international organisations, religious leaders and members of civil society who discussed the challenges and ways to fight religious persecution and discrimination. The concluding session was also attended by US Vice President Mike Pence. At the end of its three-day discussions, the Ministerial released specific statements on ...
Thousands of devotees take part in 'Giri Pradakshina' ritual
Thousands of devotees of Lord Appanna, presiding deity of Varaha Lakshminrusimha Swamy Temple atop the Simhachalam Hill, walked barefoot today to complete the 32-km circumambulation of the hill, as part ofthe annual 'Giri Pradakshina' ritual. The devotees walked back to Jodugullapalem through Adivaram and Arilova to the beach for a holy dip. It is believed thatgoing around the Simhachalam Hill was equivalent to circumbulation of the world. Some believe it is equal to 'Kailash Pradakshina', circumambulation of the holy mountain of Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Over 2,000 policemen were deployed for bandobust. Apart from setting up hundreds of mobile bio-toilets and ambulances, the government made arrangements for water and food kiosks along the 32-km route. After 'Giri Pradakshina', the devotees offered prayers at the temple.
Modi, Rahul greet people on Guru Purnima
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday greeted the people on the occasion of Guru Purnima.
Trump tweets warning for Turkey
'He is suffering greatly. This innocent man of faith should be released immediately!' Trump tweeted