Category Archives: Main Top News

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Vatican to debate teachings on divorce, birth control, gay unions

  Contraception, cohabitation, divorce, remarriage and same-sex unions: They’re issues that pain and puzzle Roman Catholics who want to be true to both their church and themselves. Now those issues are about to be put up for debate by their … Continue reading

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Hindu nationalism takes driver’s seat in Indian election

  MUMBAI — His face is everywhere in this coastal city of more than 12 million, India’s commercial capital and the home of Bollywood. His chosen hue is saffron, Hinduism’s most sacred color which is splashed on the glitzy billboards … Continue reading

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The Roots of Nigeria’s Religious and Ethnic Conflict

Modern Nigeria emerged through the merging of two British colonial territories in 1914. The amalgamation was an act of colonial convenience. It occurred mainly because British colonizers desired a contiguous colonial territory stretching from the arid Sahel to the Atlantic Coast, and because Northern … Continue reading

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Secularism on the decline in France

  PARIS — When 34 percent of surveyed voters admit they agree with the ideas of a political movement that is protectionist, anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-Euro, France has a problem. France’s far-right political party, Front National, has surged in popularity … Continue reading

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Marianne Williamson and Me

Marianne Williamson had me at hello. That jumble of first impressions—her reined-in frustration (I’d forgotten to tell her where my classroom was) fading into an I-found-you relief followed by resolute eye contact, a strong handshake and a flash of acceptance—yes, … Continue reading

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An Italian Monastery Becomes a Fashion Destination for Brides in a Frugal Era

CASCIA, Italy — The seamstress gently fastened the ivory-colored silk-covered buttons of the lace corset. She took out the embroidered veil and laid it over the bride-to-be’s long black hair. Girlfriends and family members watched in silence, their eyes glistening. … Continue reading

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Obama: ‘Freedom of Religion Is Under Threat’

President Barack Obama said religious freedom is under threat, and highlighted the plight of two American Christians held in North Korea and Iran. In his address to the National Prayer Breakfast, an annual gathering of lawmakers and numerous faith leaders, Mr. Obama  said it’s … Continue reading

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Spreading the Pentecostal spirit

“Dios es bueno!“ (God is good!) Pastor Rene Molina moved among the sea of believers, bestowing blessings with his touch. He placed a hand on one worshiper’s head, sparking such emotion that the man fell to the floor. “Jesus was an … Continue reading

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Gay trials suspended in Nigeria over mob violence fears

Bauchi — Two Islamic courts in northern Nigeria have been forced to suspend the trials of 10 men accused of homosexuality because of fears of mob violence, judges and officials have said. An angry crowd last week pelted stones at … Continue reading

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Pope Francis says the Internet is a “gift from God”

ROME — It may sometimes be a breeding ground for pornographers, bullies and hateful extremists, but the Internet received an official blessing Thursday from Pope Francis, who called it a “gift from God.” “The digital world can be an environment rich … Continue reading

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