Civic

Schools Passing on Teaching Bible

January 13, 2008

Author: Julie Hubbard

Source: The Macon Telegraph

http://www.macon.com/198/story/236501.html

Middle Georgia is smack dab in the Bible Belt, but almost two years after state lawmakers agreed to let public highschools teach a course on the Old and New Testaments, the idea hasn't caught on.

At least 10 Middle Georgia school systems said they do not offer a Bible course in their high schools, nor do they have plans to. It's better to leave that...

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Sikhcess™ Announces Launch of Sikh Community’s Global ‘Feed the Homeless’ Campaign in March 2008

January 13, 2008

Author: Press Release

Source: PR.com/Sikhcess

http://www.pr.com/press-release/67479

Today, Sikhcessâ„¢, a community service organization, unveiled definitive plans to feed the homeless worldwide through its ‘Feed the Homeless’ campaign on March 1, 2008. Sikh communities throughout the globe will participate, with efforts to feed the homeless and needy in Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia.

“...

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Muslim Survey Launched by Council

January 13, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/7184644.stm

A series of events over three months to learn more about Bristol's Muslim communities has been launched by the city council.

Bristol Mujtama aims to identify the faith group's needs and celebrate Muslim life in the city.

The project begins with a week-long event at the city's central library looking at...

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Religious Freedom Day a Puzzler for Schools

January 11, 2008

Author: JEFF STRICKLER

Source: Star Tribune

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/13707601.html

President Bush has declared Wednesday as Religious Freedom Day, calling upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools and places of worship." That's not likely to be a problem in homes and places of worship, but things could get tense at schools.

"Educators run from this," said Eric...

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Muslim Officer Appeals Ruling

January 11, 2008

Author: DAFNEY TALES

Source: The Philadelphia Daily News

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20080111_Muslim_officer_appeals_ruling.html

Kimberlie Webb has been a Philadelphia police officer since 1995 and a follower of the Islamic faith for just as long.

But since 2003, the 35th District officer has been embroiled in a legal battle over her right to wear a khimar, a traditional head scarf worn by Muslim...

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An Election, Diversity, Ministry, Stem Cell Research — There are Many Trends to Watch

January 11, 2008

Author: HELEN T GRAY

Source: The Kansas City Star

http://www.kansascity.com/255/story/440391.html

The presidential campaign tops the list of events that will affect U.S. faith communities in 2008, said local religious leaders.

The consensus is that, more than anything else this year, the election is thrusting religion into the public arena.

Other issues and trends from 2007 will continue and, in some cases, strengthen, but the...

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Critics Slam 'History Week’ Resolution by Rep. Forbes

January 11, 2008

Author: Steven G. Vegh

Source: The Virginian-Pilot

http://hamptonroads.com/2008/01/critics-slam-history-week’-resolution-rep-forbes

A congressional resolution by U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes to designate an American Religious History Week has critics saying the measure ignores the nation’s spiritual pluralism and distorts history.

Forbes, a Republican whose 4th District includes part of South Hampton Roads,...

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Teenager Takes on School Prayer, Following Activist Father into Battle

January 10, 2008

Author: Nara Schoenberg

Source: Chicago Tribune

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-0110atheistjan10,0,5018956.story

The No. 2 atheist activist in Illinois doesn't have an office or a car.

Reporters have been banned from her home -- her mother is adamant on this point -- so the McDonald's across the street from Buffalo Grove High School has to serve as her impromptu media headquarters....

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Interfaith Service Offers Prayers for Peace on Philly Streets

January 10, 2008

Author: Bryan Schwartzman

Source: Jewish Exponent

http://www.jewishexponent.com/article/15030/

A cross section of the city's Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders gathered Jan. 3 in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where they offered prayers in English, Hebrew and Arabic, not for world peace but for something much closer to home: a reduction in the violent crime that has gripped this city for more than two...

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Faith-Based Groups Prepare to Advance their Agenda in 2008

January 9, 2008

Author: ROBIN FARMER

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainment_living/religion.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-01-05-0126.html

Capping payday loans at 36 percent, expanding Medicaid and abolishing the death penalty are part of the legislative agenda for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.

The center published a brochure last month that...

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Court Ends Bible Distribution in School

January 9, 2008

Author: JIM SALTER

Source: The Associated Press

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iuWxzSvp6gUjpbkFiGf9PbXyV4PQD8U2IBB01

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A rural school district's long-standing practice of allowing the distribution of Bibles to grade school students is unconstitutional, a federal judge has ruled.

An attorney for the southeastern Missouri school district said Wednesday he will appeal the judge's injunction against...

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