News

Government Introduces New Regulations on Religious Freedom

February 28, 2005

Source: Beliefnet.com

Wire Service: AP

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/161/story_16172_1.html

On February 28, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "China introduced new regulations Tuesday intended to protect freedom of faith, although critics argue that the broad guidelines could be used to persecute religious groups that authorities deem troublesome. The guidelines are meant to give a legal framework for China's constitutional promise...

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Dutch Reject Liberalism in Response to Islamic Immigration: Lessons for Europe?

February 27, 2005

Source: The Sunday Times Magazine

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2099-1488514,00.html

On February 27, 2005 The Sunday Times Magazine reported, "The Dutch have rejected liberalism in response to Islamic immigration. Some say they are now too hardline. So what can the rest of Europe learn from their crisis? Not long ago, Holland prided itself as being the most tolerant and welcoming country in Europe for immigrants and asylum seekers... [Now,]...

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U.S. Arab-Language Broadcast to be Transmitted to Europe

February 27, 2005

Source: Aljazeera

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/C46CF566-EB57-490C-829D-B63FF75C4C85.htm

On February 27, 2005 Aljazeera reported, "The US plans to begin Arab-language television broadcasts to Europe later this year to try and win the hearts and minds of Arab Muslims there, officials say. Three and a half years after Islamic activists based in Germany allegedly helped mount the 11 September 2001 attacks, US-backed TV channel Al-Hurra...

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PM Postpones Plans for Interfaith Commission

February 27, 2005

Source: IslamOnline.net

http://islam-online.net/English/News/2005-02/27/article03.shtml

On February 27, 2005 IslamOnline.net reported, "A day after representatives of different faiths endorsed a proposal on the formation of an inter-faith commission, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi on Sunday, 27 February, poured cold water on the issue. 'Don't start any issue that can arouse uneasiness among multi-religious Malaysians,' Abdullah said addressing proponents...

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Muslim Graves Desecrated in Bern

February 26, 2005

Source: IslamOnline.net

http://www.islamonline.org/English/News/2005-02/26/article02.shtml

On February 26, 2005 IslamOnline.net reported, "The Federation of Islamic Organizations (FIO) in the Swiss capital Bern condemned on Saturday, February 26, the desecration of Muslim graves in the city’s cemetery, asking the authorities to take concrete steps to protect Muslims.

'We are pretty sure that Swiss authorities will do their best to...

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Christian-Muslim "Friendship Fest" to Include Concerts, Dialogue

February 26, 2005

Source: The Christian Post

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1062/section/huge.music.festival.exchange.between.christians.and.muslims/1.htm

On February 26, 2005 The Christian Post reported, "A 3-day high profile musical celebration will take place in Morocco, part of the Arab-Muslim world. Friendship Fest will feature 8-12 well-known Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) bands and 3-4...

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To Avoid Rift, Anglican Body Asks U.S. and Canadian Churches to Withdraw Representatives

February 26, 2005

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/26/national/26church.html

On February 26, 2005 The New York Times reported, "The Episcopal Church U.S.A. began to grapple yesterday with a request from the leaders of the worldwide Anglican Communion to withdraw its official representatives from a major Anglican governing body to avoid a rupture over homosexuality... Late Thursday, the primates of 35 provinces, or regions, of the communion meeting at...

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Akbar Ahmed Honored at National Cathedral for Work in Interfaith Understanding

February 25, 2005

Source: Daily Times

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_22-2-2005_pg7_38

On February 25, 2005 the Daily Times reported, "last Sunday’s evening song – a special evening prayer – at the National Cathedral was dedicated to Dr Akbar Ahmed in recognition of his work towards inter-faith understanding. The ceremony started with the reading of a message from the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, while Bishop John Chane of the...

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Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault on a Muslim Woman

February 25, 2005

Source: The Journal-Standard

http://www.journalstandard.com/articles/2005/02/17/local_news/news03.txt

On February 25, 2005 The Journal-Standard reported, "a Freeport woman charged with felony aggravated battery for striking a local Muslim on the street pleaded guilty Thursday to a lesser misdemeanor battery charge, after a plea agreement was reached between the prosecution and defense. Tonya Morris, 19, of Freeport was in Stephenson County Circuit...

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