Civic

Islamic Center Target of Vandals

January 21, 2007

Author: Pratik Joshi

Source: Tri-City Herald

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tch/local/story/8579343p-8472380c.html

Mohammed Ahmed of Kennewick was shocked to find a broken window at the Islamic Center of the Tri-Cities when he went there for prayers.

On the ground, below the shattered window, was a rock. And Ahmed, a former president of the center, said this wasn't the first time the center has been targeted by vandals....

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"Privatize Congress' Chaplains," a Commentary by Bill Tammeus

January 20, 2007

Author: Bill Tammeus

Source: The Kansas City Star

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/living/columnists/bill_tammeus/16500075.htm

The government shouldn’t be hiring clergy of any brand to pray for elected officials.

As the new Congress starts to spend billions of our dollars this year, I know a way to save just a little of it.

I hope the Democrats now in charge of both houses will pay...

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Interfaith Groups Look to Dems to Embrace New 'Faith Agenda'

January 19, 2007

Author: Gregory Tomlin

Source: Church Executive

http://www.churchexecutive.com/Page.cfm/PageID/8270

WASHINGTON--A group of Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh leaders has promised to hold the 110th Congress to a new "faith agenda” that shifts emphasis away from opposing abortion and “same-sex marriage” -- issues close to the heart of conservative Christian "values voters" -- to issues traditionally associated with more liberal,...

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Imam May be Forced Out of Home: Asked to Leave Mosque Grounds While He Awaits Visa Hearing

January 19, 2007

Author: Lane Lambert

Source: The Patriot Ledger

http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2007/01/19/news/news03.txt

With his visa status already in question, the spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of New England’s mosque in Sharon may soon be a man without a home.

The directors of the Islamic Center have given the Imam Muhammed Masood and his family notice to leave their residence on the grounds of the Sharon...

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Judge: Veterans Affairs' Spiritual Assessments Constitutional

January 19, 2007

Author: Adelle M. Banks

Source: Beliefnet

Wire Service: RNS

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/209/story_20937_1.html

A federal judge has upheld aspects of the Department of Veterans Affairs' chaplaincy program, saying its use of "spiritual assessments" of patients is constitutional.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation sued VA officials last April, charging that they violated the First Amendment with an...

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"Blue Laws Should be Repealed Once and for All," a Commentary by Alex Crawford

January 19, 2007

Author: Alex Crawford

Source: Independent Mail

http://www.independentmail.com/news/2007/jan/18/blue-laws-should-be-repealed-once-and-all/

My wife and I have lived in Anderson County for two years, and I must say the council members’ decision to repeal, then reinstate the blue laws ranks as the most ridiculous decision I have seen in many years. Imposing Christian beliefs onto everyone in this county is an...

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Religious Leaders Promise to 'Preach Peace' in Oakland

January 19, 2007

Author: Heather MacDonald

Source: Inside Bay Area

http://www.insidebayarea.com/timesstar/ci_5043953

OAKLAND - Responding to a call from Mayor Ron Dellums, religious leaders from several Oakland churches, mosques and synagogues Thursday launched an effort to combat the rising tide of violence and hopelessness in Oakland.

Dubbed the Network for Interfaith Action, the effort is still in the planning stages but will focus on reducing violent...

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Governor, Dignitaries Join Sikh Community to Celebrate Opening of the New Mexico Legislature

January 19, 2007

Author: Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Khalsa

Source: Sikh News Network

http://www.sikhnet.com/Sikhnet/news.nsf/NewsArchive/77736C3A9028620F87257267007BA912!OpenDocument

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, Attorney General Gary King and other public officials joined the New Mexico Sikh community at a special luncheon held in honor of the opening of the 48th New Mexico Legislative Session.

The opening session...

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Northwest Apologizes, Vows to Reimburse Muslims Barred from Flight

January 19, 2007

Author: Gregg Krupa

Source: The Detroit News

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070117/UPDATE/701170462

DEARBORN -- Reacting swiftly to allegations of discrimination, Northwest Airlines apologized to a group of 40 Muslims today for barring them from a plane in Germany on their return trip from the Hajj. The airline said it will reimburse the pilgrims for the other flights they were forced to take on their...

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A Town Known for its Unusual Religious Diversity

January 18, 2007

Author: Evelyn Shih

Source: North Jersey.com

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk1MSZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NzA1ODk1MSZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTM=

Teaneck Mayor Elie Katz looked around at the suits in the room. "I apologize for my casual clothing -- I've been fighting a cold lately," he said. "But I guess this is the right place to ask for...

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"It’s Time to Stop ‘Hatin’ On Muslims in Washington," a Commentary by Askia Muhammad

January 18, 2007

Author: Askia Muhammad

Source: Washington Informer/New American Media

http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=b15af77e979558c02bf66b39421abc68

I really thought things were going to be materially better for people with “funny” names like mine when Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) came to Washington. And they have been.

Since he’s been here I have noticed an...

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Northwest Plans to Pay Muslims Kept Off Flight

January 18, 2007

Author: Niraj Warikoo

Source: Detroit Free Press

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070118/BUSINESS05/701180327/1018

Northwest Airlines apologized Wednesday to an Islamic group representing about 40 Muslims who were denied entry to a plane, and said it would reimburse the passengers.

But Northwest maintains that it did nothing improper Jan. 7 when it prevented the group from boarding a...

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