Source: The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/102361_medidate01.shtml

On January 1, 2003 The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported that "hundreds of men, women and children gathered at Green Lake to take time out for peace... Before taking to the 2.7-mile path around the lake, the walkers gathered in a circle near the Green Lake Community Center to hear prayers, songs and chants from representatives of a variety of religious and...

Source: The Plain Dealer

On December 31, 2002 The Plain Dealer reported that "the Plain Dealer asked Northeast Ohioans representing different faiths to share their thoughts and prayers for the new year. If there is one theme that runs through these reflections, it is a sense of hope amid despair. Religious leaders seek faith to not only be peacemakers and serve the poor and the homeless and others in need next year, but to do what they believe is God's work with a spirit of joy and peace... Ven. Shih Ying-Fa, Abbot, CloudWater Zendo, Zen Center of...

Source: The Plain Dealer

http://www.cleveland.com/living/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/living/104133784640550.xml

On December 31, 2002 The Plain Dealer reported that "evangelist Leroy Jenkins plans to move to Columbus as part of a real-estate deal in which a Hindu temple would be placed at the site of his current church in Delaware... Jenkins said Monday he wants to operate his church in a former hotel on Columbus' east side, but that he...

Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/metro/fayette/0103/02islam.html

On December 31, 2002 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that "The Rev. Bob Hudak wants to see Muslims working alongside other religious denominations in metro Atlanta... Hudak, who leads the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Fayetteville, already practices what he preaches... Hudak is working with Fayetteville's Muslim Community Center of...

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/orange/la-me-sprinklers31dec31.story

On December 31, 2002 the Los Angeles Times reported that "Praise Christian Center... has been forced outside because of a zoning battle that has caught the attention of several national religious and conservative organizations. Praise Christian held services inside a converted warehouse at American Landscape Supply on Goldenwest Street until it was ordered...

Source: Star Tribune

http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3562134.html

On December 30, 2002 the Star Tribune reported that "a Somali advocacy group is branching out beyond the Twin Cities with its 'National Tour Against Hate,' aimed at raising awareness about the struggles of Somali communities in Seattle and Lewiston, Maine... Omar Jamal, executive director of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center of St. Paul, will be leaving Jan. 6 for a journey on which he plans to...

Source: The Birmingham News

http://www.al.com/living/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/xml/story.ssf/html_standard.xsl?/base/living/1040984191150340.xml

On December 27, 2002 The Birmingham News reported that the "First Baptist Church of Dadeville [AL]... sued... two self-described witches, [wolf breeders Joseph and Deborah Wilson],... after they refused to sell a building the church wants to buy for an expansion...

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

On December 26, 2002 The San Diego Union-Tribune printed an editorial by Samuel Sokolove and Marty Block that states, "the roots of Latino and Jewish immigration to America are common, as both groups sought refuge and a better life by fleeing persecution, poverty and political turmoil.  In the process, both groups experienced discrimination as foreigners in America, and both groups tend to be socially liberal, fiscally conservative and culturally urbane.  Both groups exalt family ties and cultural traditions, and...

Source: The Washington Times

On December 25, 2002 The Washington Times reported that "the D.C. Jewish Community Center was bustling yesterday as dozens of volunteers wrapped gifts and cooked meals in preparation for their annual Christmas charity event. 'This is very much in keeping with Tikun Olam, the Jewish tradition of repairing the world,' said William Kreisberg, president of center, in the 1500 block of 16th Street NW. 'December 25th is a perfect day for us to do this. It's not a holiday for us, so we can go into the community and bring cheer to...

Source: The Seattle Times

On December 25, 2002 The Seattle Times reported that "newcomers face many adjustments as they begin new lives here. Learning about American Christmas customs is one of them. Depending on their heritage and religion, some enjoy blending American traditions with their own. Others from non-Christian backgrounds may simply watch from the sidelines. For some of the approximately 1 million immigrants and refugees who enter the U.S. each year, the festivities embody the American dream they harbored for years before they arrived. Many...

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

On December 25, 2002 the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that "last night, a group of Hindu children arrived at the Belani family's home in Brookfield for a party complete with gifts and a visit from Santa Claus. 'It's not something that we do for religious reasons,' said Belani, who has two daughters, ages 9 and 10. 'I just want the kids to feel like a part of it just because everyone else is doing it. I feel like kids are growing up here and it's hard for them.' With carols playing on every radio station,...

Source: MPAC

http://www.mpac.org/home_article_display.aspx?ITEM=317

On December 24, 2002 the Muslim Public Affairs Council reported that the "MPAC annual convention drew over 1500 activists and speakers to Southern California this past weekend... Gasser Hathout gives a comprehensive, stark picture of the specific threats provisions within the USA PATRIOT act poses to the average American in a very informative...

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On December 24, 2002 The San Francisco Chronicle reported that "for Lucy Rodriguez, it's not Santa Claus, brightly decorated trees or snowmen that conjure up images of Christmas. It's the sight of the nacimiento, or nativity scene. 'It reminds me of the Virgin Mary and Joseph,' said the 70-year-old Rodriguez... 'That's the whole significance of nacimiento, the parents of Christ.' In thousands of Catholic Latino homes throughout the Bay Area, the Christmas season begins with the nacimiento, for many the most...

Source: Religion News Service

http://pewforum.org/news/display.php?NewsID=1849

On December 24, 2002 the Religion News Service reported that "a coalition of progressive religious leaders has given the nation's political leaders poor grades for the war on terrorism, including a grade of 'D' for preserving civil liberties... The Progressive Religious Partnership's recent 'Spiritual and Ethical Report Card' was...

Source: Religion...