Source: The Independent

http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/story.jsp?story=479401

On January 9, 2004 The Independent reported, "A Russian museum director has fallen foul of both church and state by organising a controversial exhibition that has been accused of offending Orthodox beliefs. The director of the Sakharov museum, named after the Soviet-era dissident Andrei Sakharov, has been charged with inciting religious hatred for staging the exhibition entitled...

Source: Beliefnet

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/137/story_13791_1.html

On January 9, 2004 Beliefnet published an article with quotes on what all nine Democratic candidates have to say about God, faith, prayer, the separation of church and state, and their religious upbringing.

Source: Reuters

Source: Valley News Dispatch

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/lifestyles/s_173629.h tml

On January 8, 2004 the Valley News Dispatch reported, "Music's power to heal and inspire is about to have a worldwide stage...World-renowned conductor Gilbert Levine, known as 'the Pope's maestro,' will lead the Pittsburgh Symphony in what promises to be a historic concert, carrying a theme of reconciliation, celebrating the silver jubilee...

Source: Beliefnet.com

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/138/story_13827_1.html

On January 7, 2004 Beliefnet.com posted an Associated Press story that reported, "Russians mixed spiritual ceremonies with secular celebrations Wednesday on the day marked as Christmas by the country's dominant church [Russian Orthodox], which President Vladimir Putin said is linked with the nation's culture and the state in the soul of the people...In a Christmas address broadcast on...

Source: Yahoo! News

Source: Brigham Young University NewsNet

http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/47443

On January 6, 2004 Brigham Young University NewsNet reported on "how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sacrifice when they quit the Buddhist way of life and embrace LDS beliefs. But despite the risks involved with denying the national religion, members and investigators of the LDS Church in Thailand continue to make that sacrifice...Thais are a deeply religious people, relying on...

Source: Newsday

http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpcoc063612853jan06,0,3917141.column

On January 6, 2004 Newsday published an editorial by Marie Cocco on Howard Dean's recent decision to discuss his faith more openly in his presidential campaign. Cocco writes, "Dean can quote scripture all he wants. He won't be accepted as a faith-based candidate because the public is conditioned to equate religious faith with political conservatism. And...

Source: First Amendment Center

http://www.fac.org/rel_liberty/publiclife/news.aspx?id=12424

On January 6, 2004 the First Amendment Center posted an Associated Press article that reported, "Maui County has been dealt a setback in its ongoing legal battle involving a church seeking to expand and hold services at its rural property. U.S. District Judge Samuel King yesterday dismissed the county's request to throw out a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department...

Source: Tehran Times

Source: Religion Link

http://www.religionwriters.com/public/tips/010504/010504a.shtml

On January 5, 2004 Religion Link reported, "A year from now, and after untold campaign speeches and news stories, the United States will either have a new president, or voters will have returned George W. Bush to the White House for a second term. But the next 12 months will feature more than the usual intense campaigning. Experts say that more than perhaps any other...

Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52812-2004Jan3.html

On January 4, 2004 The Washington Post reported, "A tradition in ancient cultures, the home altar has flourished in recent years among Americans who find that it powerfully expresses their intensely personal spirituality, religion scholars said. Some home shrines are designed and maintained in accordance with formal religious guidelines. But many others are...

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/features/religion/la-op-skube4jan04,1,3032143.story?coll=la-news-religion

On January 4, 2004 the Los Angeles Times published an editorial by Michael Skube on religion and tolerance: "If religion gives lives meaning — and for billions it does — it does not always bring us peace and mutual understanding. In France, President Jacques Chirac wants no large crucifixes, no skullcaps...

Source: Contra Costa Times

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/7631118.htm

On January 4, 2004 the Contra Costa Times reported that 200 people gathered at Islamic center in Oakland for an interfaith service for victims of the earthquake in Bam, Iran. Speakers came from Temple Sinai and Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland, the Islamic center and the Oakland Coalition of Congregations. In the past week, the Islamic center has raised $86,000 as well as...

Source: Associated Press

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-10/1073220840326232.xml

On January 4, 2004 the Associated Press reported that according to Michigan law, students majoring in theology, divinity or religious education are ineligible for Michigan's Competitive Scholarship program. Yet a proposed state legislation and a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision could mark a change of policy. "A package of...