Author: Daphne Mack

Source: Episcopal News Service

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_78878_ENG_HTM.htm

More than 200 people gathered for the "Women in Religion in the 21st Century" conference, held October 17-19 at the Interchurch Center in New York City, to hear the history of various faith traditions and share stories of the strength, courage and vision of women.

The conference featured speakers, presenters and moderators who...

Author: Azza Karam and Matthew Weiner

Source: International Herald Tribune

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/10/23/opinion/edweiner.php

The United Nations lacks a comprehensive strategy for understanding and engaging religion. While the world's largest multilateral organization is secular and should remain so, it is unrealistic that at a time of global upheaval, religious representatives are not included as a fundamental part of international...

Author: ALAN COWELL

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/22/weekinreview/22cowell.html?_r=1&em&ex=1161835200&en=b9245801400617eb&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin

RARELY has Britain’s struggle to define its relationship with a disaffected and diverse Muslim minority seemed so fraught as it was last week, with the debate fixated on where a woman can wear a flimsy...

Author: Johnny Diaz

Source: The Boston Globe

http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dcxpw8vw_1jqjgz5

NEWTON -- The 14 women sitting in an outdoor hut, or sukkot , for the Jewish harvest holiday may not be related, but they call themselves the Daughters of Abraham or spiritual sisters. They're gathered in a tight circle discussing sukkot and one of this month's book club picks -- "The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews , and Christians Created a...

Author: Ryan Nadel

Source: The Buddhist Channel

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=71,3291,0,0,1,0

The Upper Galilee's natural tranquility has been enhanced recently by the presence of Venerable Tenzin Palmo, one of the first Western women ordained as a Buddhist nun.

The Dharma Friends of Israel, an Israeli network of individuals who study and practice Buddhism and meditation, regularly brings teachers of Buddhism to the...

Author: Ellen Goodman

Source: Cincinnati Post, The

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061019/EDIT/610190302/1003

It was barely a week past the 2001 inauguration when the new president's plan to fund the "armies of compassion" was reported on the evening news with more than a touch of skepticism. The story of a White House office for faith-based initiatives was illustrated with a large cross and...

Source: World Council of Churches

http://www.oikoumene.org/en/news/news-management/all-news-english/display-single-english-news/article/1943/twenty-five-new-ecumenica-1.html

A new group of 25 ecumenical accompaniers have just begun three months of working with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). The group includes the first Hindu and the second Muslim to...

Author: Ruth Walker

Source: Harvard University Gazette

http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2006/10.19/05-peace.html

"I am coming here to say, help us. America is involved in this conflict, and is feeding it. Wherever you stand, stand for justice."

That was the contention and the directive of Ghada Ageel, a third-generation Palestinian Muslim refugee, at the Harvard Divinity School Friday (Oct. 13).

She was there as part...

Source: IndianMuslims.net

http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2006/october/19/muslim_world_news/in_changing_times_ramadan_brings_londoners_together.html?PHPSESSID=be9013ae7240b57349632d6e02a971c1

Nagina Chaudhry is delighted that Queen Elizabeth II has allowed her to read 'namaaz' (prayers) at Windsor Castle.

The 19-year-old student, who works in the...

Source: Oregonian, The

Source: Daily Express

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=45066

The "kongsi raya" activity of sharing the joy of festivities as practised by Malaysians does not tarnish the sanctity of Islam, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Wednesday.

It also does not at all involve any conflict of the faith of Muslims, he added. "Kongsi raya" did not mean the blending of all customs and religious aspects of Islam and Hinduism, for example, he said...

Source: WDC Media

http://www.wdcmedia.com/newsArticle.php?ID=2075

A Florida pastor who was dropped from political appointments by Governor Jeb Bush and Attorney General Charlie Crist for statements against Islam now says he wants to work together with peace-loving Muslims to oppose Islamic extremism. Dr. O'Neal Dozier says clarifying his beliefs about Muslims is an important step in the proposed alliance.

Dozier, pastor of Worldwide Christian Center in Pompano Beach,...

Author: Derek Quizon

Source: Loyola Phoenix

Source: Hindu American Foundation

http://www.hinduamericanfoundation.org/media_press_release_deepavali_2006.htm

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) initiated a coordinated plan this week to raise awareness about the upcoming celebrations of Diwali; perhaps the most widely recognized Hindu festival. Celebrated around the world this year on October 21, Diwali, or Deepavali in the original Sanskrit, refers to the rows of earthen lamps celebrants place...

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6054958.stm

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI will travel to Turkey in November, his first visit to a predominantly Muslim country.

The Pontiff will visit Ankara, Izmir, Istanbul and ancient Ephesus during the trip, which will begin on 28 November.

The trip has been overshadowed by a row over remarks he made about Islam.

The visit, which will run until 1 December, is the result of an...