IRFWP

Archbishop Desmond Tutu to withdraw from public life

2010-07-26T06:26:19Z

http://wwrn.org/articles/33922/

This is no time for obits or farewells, as we read below that Archbishop Tutu, despite his 79 years will continue to advise the "Elders," and "will honor his existing appointments."

We hope for the Archbishop's positive influence in world affairs for many many years to come, and pray for joy in his increased time with family.

Cape Town, South Africa - Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu has announced he is to withdraw from public life.
He played a prominent role in South Africa's struggle against the whites-only apartheid system.
After his 79th birthday in October, he said he would reduce his workload to one day a week before retiring.
That work would be devoted to The Elders, a group appointed by former President Nelson Mandela to tackle the world's most pressing problems.

During the 27 years that Mr Mandela was in prison, Archbishop Tutu spoke out against apartheid - and won the Nobel peace prize in 1984 for his efforts.
He was chosen by Mr Mandela to chair South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and investigate the crimes committed by all sides during the apartheid regime.
'Exhilarating and exasperating'
The former Archbishop of Cape Town, the first black cleric to hold that position, said his career highlight was introducing Mr Mandela as South African president in 1994.
In a nationally televised news conference from Cape Town, the Anglican cleric described how his schedule had grown more punishing in recent years.
"I have been very, very fortunate to have been given opportunities to contribute in a small way to develop our new, democratic, exhilarating and sometimes exasperating nation," he said. "The time has come to slow down."
He said he wanted to spend more time sipping tea with his wife, watching cricket, or visiting his grandchildren, although he added that he would honour his existing appointments.
Since his retirement as archbishop of Cape Town in 1996, as well as his work with the Elders, the cleric has launched his own peace foundation, advised world leaders and played an active role as a public speaker.
Archbishop Tutu spoke at several events during the recent football World Cup in South Africa, which he described as one of the most important events locally since the end of apartheid.

Prayer in America

2010-07-23T13:26:07Z

Here is very interesting research from the Pew Research Center.

It shows both by religion and by traditional demographics the percentages of those who pray at least once a day.

Peace Day Theme Highlights Religious Freedom

2010-07-14T18:01:44Z

http://www.zenit.org/rssenglish-29885

VATICAN CITY, JULY 13, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI chose a theme for the 44th World Day of Peace that will highlight the role of religious freedom in fostering peace.

In the Vatican communiqué published today it explained that "in many parts of the world there exist various forms of restrictions or denials of religious freedom, from discrimination and marginalization based on religion, to acts of violence against religious minorities."

The note stated that religious freedom "is rooted in the equal and inherent dignity of man," and is "oriented toward the search for 'unchangeable truth.'" It called religious freedom the "freedom of freedoms."

"It is inconceivable," it continued, quoting Benedict XVI, "that believers should have to suppress a part of themselves -- their faith -- in order to be active citizens. It should never be necessary to deny God in order to enjoy one's rights."

Vatican 'to crack down on women priests'

2010-07-08T09:28:27Z

Ordination of women will join three top 'crimes' - sources

This article delineates prospective developments outlining Vatican plans to criminalize the ordination of women priests as equal in status to the three worst crimes identified in Canon Law, including the sexual abuse of minors.

As an outsider the move seems more than perfectly misguided.

Perhaps Catholic readers can help a sympathetic observer grasp what in Catholicism gives rise to decisions that seem to border on actual evil. A response from readers here is deeply sought.

http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/english/2010/07/08/visualizza_new.html_1851169767.html

(ANSA) - Vatican, July 8 - The Vatican is set to crack down harder on the ordination of women priests, making it one of the most serious crimes under its canon law, unofficial Catholic sources said Thursday.

According to the sources, a new version of the 2001 document Delicta Graviora ("major crimes") will add the ordination of women to the three gravest offences punishable by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, heir to the Inquisition.

Those three are "attacks against the Eucharist", "attacks against the sanctity of Confession" and sexual abuse of minors.

Ordaining women has been punishable by automatic excommunication since 2008 but inclusion among the Delicta Graviora would be seen as an extra deterrent, religious experts said. The updated list is due for publication next week and will also include heresy and apostasy as formal crimes for the first time, the sources said.

"More restrictive procedures" on paedophilia will also feature in the update, they said.

The Vatican has staunchly opposed women priests under the late pope John Paul II and the current pontiff, Benedict XVI, while many Anglicans have 'returned to Rome' after the Anglican Communion OK'd the ordination of women in 2008.

Despite the Vatican ban, a number of organisations of Catholic women have named 'women priests' in recent years, with the United States and northern European countries like Germany and Switzerland leading the way.

These associations argue that Vatican dogma about Jesus not wanting women to be priests or deacons is wrong.

They also say women played a much more prominent role in the early Church than is acknowledged by Rome.

This view has been supported by several religious historians, including some Catholic ones.

Celtic Woman - the Voice

2010-07-06T03:44:52Z

Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami to tour the United Kingdom

2010-07-01T03:04:42Z

Right click to view and enlarge image

On the enlarged invitation it is simple to read the profound history and wisdom of Sri Shrivatsa Ji, and to see the dates and locations of his discourses

Right click to view and enlarge image

On the enlarged invitation it is simple to read the profound history and wisdom of Sri Shrivatsa Ji, and to see the dates and locations of his discourses.

At each location there is a contact number and email, so that you can have the necessary information to attend.

2010 Visionary of Peace Award

2010-06-10T13:07:06Z

Visionary of Peace Award

On Saturday, June 5, 2010, Dr. Frank Kaufmann was awarded the 2010 Visionary of Peace Award by the Interfaith Round Table of Ireland, the Inter Cultural Peace Center, and the Sheikh Satardien Justice and Peace Foundation

While at the annual peace conference, Dr. Kaufmann presented his paper on the conference theme Darwin and Deity.

A preliminary draft of this paper can be read here.

A more full and pictorial report is here:
See more at professionalactivities.blogspot.com

Shedding Light in Pakistan: Report from ICRD

2010-05-14T10:33:36Z

ICRD Monthly Update

May 14, 2010

"Lighting the Lantern" in Pakistan

ICRD recently hosted a delegation of influential Wahhabi and Deobandi religious leaders and Master Trainers from Pakistan on a three-week visit to the United States. (Master Trainers are madrasa leaders who ICRD has qualified to train other madrasa leaders.) The visit enabled the participants to (1) explore Islamic education in America, including best practices and how religion is integrated with other subjects, (2) receive professional development training in teaching methodologies and conflict resolution skills, (3) explore how religious and citizen groups can contribute to peace-building and civil society, and (4) build relationships with their American counterparts, while promoting greater intercultural understanding. The program included a week of intensive training at World Learning's School of International Training in Vermont; visits to selected educational institutions, American Islamic organizations, and places of worship; a presentation at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; and meetings with various US government officials, including Congressman Keith Ellison.

The delegates singled out their interactions with American students (in Vermont) as one of the more powerful experiences of the program. Those encounters and others led them to conclude that Americans share many of their concerns, that the values of the United States and Islam are not inherently opposed, and that it is possible to be both a devout Muslim and an active participant in American society. As the delegation leader emphasized: "When we go back to Pakistan and train other people... being more tolerant, open-minded, and respectful of others will be priorities." Another delegate from a tribal region of the Northwest Frontier Province (now called "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa") said, "One of the biggest fears we had when we came here was... that we thought Americans would have anger and hatred toward us, but that feeling has been completely changed... I have felt respected here... There should be much bigger exchanges like this." Yet another said, "When we go back we (also) hope to work to improve the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, even though the situation is not very good at the moment." He concluded, "instead of crying about what is happening, we intend to go back to our small place and do what we can in our individual capacity - and light the lantern wherever we are."

In Defense of Dialogue

A few weeks ago, ICRD's Wahhabi partner in Pakistan laid down a marker for his fellow Muslims by providing a compelling Islamic rationale for engaging in dialogue with other faiths (link here

). He writes that "Every religion has developed a message around human values of peace, love, tolerance and mutual respect. Interfaith dialogue can build on these commonalities to strengthen the world community of believers and can save religion from being maligned by those bent on destroying it." Although he has received a number of threats in response, he has considerable influence across the country. That influence coupled with his courage (along with that of others with whom we work) gives reason to hope that positive change is both possible and likely in the months ahead.

Your help is making a real difference. (donate here)

With best wishes,

Doug Johnston
President
International Center for Religion and Diplomacy
1625 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 601

Washington, DC 20036
www.icrd.org

202-331-9404 (phone)
202-872-9137 (fax)

The only viable strategy for the Vatican

2010-04-07T05:55:06Z

http://www.examiner.com/x-30995-NY-Church--State-Examiner~y2010m4d7-The-only-viable-strategy-for-the-Vatican

The Vatican continues its self-destructive response to the firestorm threatening the Roman Catholic Church. There is a Vatican response that offers hope. But does the Church have the spiritual resources needed to succeed?

Site for Sacred Music and Sacred Life

2010-03-23T02:06:00Z

Here is a website devoted to sacred music, and by extension sacred life. It shows the great potential of internet communications to support the natural human longing and at-homeness in the sacred place of our origins and our destiny.

Sites such as these contribute greatly, in a natural and non-strained way to the necessary and valuable pursuits of harmonious-interreligious relations.

- Frank Kaufmann

Archaeology and the struggle for Jerusalem

2010-02-05T11:42:03Z

Here is an important article in BBC news about the beautiful city of Jerusalem.

The issue is about the realities of ancient Jewish lore and history sitting archeologically beneath parts of East Jerusalem:

The City of David excavations, with their underground tunnels and ancient pools, centre around the Palestinian district of Silwan. It is in East Jerusalem, which Israel has occupied since its 1967 war.

"One religion or another may look at an excavation site and say - that land is ours," Mr Mizrahi said.

But he qualified this by saying even if archaeologists were to find a big sign, reading 'Welcome to King David's Palace', that wouldn't give Jewish Israelis the right to claim East Jerusalem today.

The work we do here is not about looking
for a particular heritage of one or other. We find
what there is and display what there is

John Seligman
Israel Antiquities Authority

"Just like if the Vatican found something here,
it wouldn't give the church the right to take
ownership of this land. The bottom line is that
Palestinians are the majority in East Jerusalem,"

Yontan Mirza
Tour Guide

China's top political advisor calls on Buddhists to contribute to social stability, ethnic unity

2010-02-04T09:49:22Z

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90785/6887469.html

One hopes this is for real. (It appears in the People's Daily).

Additionally, if it is a genuine invitation, one hopes that the Buddhist community and leaders in question have the fortitude to function as a true voice of conscience in the relationship. It is a rare religious leader that stays above the heady distractions and ego temptations when sucked into political prominence, and it is the rare political figure that takes interest in religion in ways other than the personal political benefits of the relationship.

China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Wednesday called on the country's Buddhists to contribute to ethnic unity, social stability and national unification.

Jia Qinglin (front R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC), shakes hands with Chuan Yin, the newly elected president of the Buddhist Association of China, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2010. Jia met with the delegates of the eighth national conference of the Buddhist Association of China in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)
Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the call when meeting with newly elected leaders of the Buddhist Association of China. He urged the association to unite and lead Chinese Buddhists to safeguard China's ethnic unity, social stability and national unification, and work hard to contribute to the all-round construction of a well-off society. Efforts should be made to cultivate more Buddhist talents and improve Buddhist education, said Jia, also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Jia Qinglin (front R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC), walks with Chuan Yin (front L), the newly elected president of the Buddhist Association of China, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2010. Jia met with the delegates of the eighth national conference of the Buddhist Association of China in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chuan Yin, who had headed the Beijing Buddhist Association, was elected as president of the Buddhist Association of China at the organization's eighth national conference Wednesday, while the 11th Panchen Lama was elected a vice president. Source: Xinhua

Egypt unveils renovations at oldest Christian monastery, touting coexistence with Muslims

2010-02-04T09:00:35Z

Wonderful

http://fwd4.me/EQS

Officials, visitors and journalists take a tour following a ceremony of the completion of the restoration works at the Monastery of St. Antony, Suez city, Egypt, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010. Egypt's antiquities chief on Thursday unveiled the completion of an 8-year, $14.5 million restoration of the world's oldest Christian monastery, touting it as a sign of Christian-Muslim coexistence. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser) (Nasser Nasser, AP / February 4, 2010)

ZAAFARANA, Egypt (AP) -- Egypt's antiquities chief on Thursday unveiled the completion of an 8-year, $14.5 million restoration of the world's oldest Christian monastery, touting it as a sign of Christian-Muslim coexistence.

The announcement at the 1,600-year-old St. Anthony's Monastery came a month after Egypt's worst incident of sectarian violence in over a decade, when a shooting on a church on Orthodox Christmas Eve killed seven people.

The attack raised heavy criticism of the Egyptian government abroad and at home, by critics who say it has not done enough to address tensions between the country's Muslim majority and its Christian population, estimated at 10 percent of the 79 million population.

The government insists the shooting was a purely criminal act with no sectarian motives, and officials persistently deny the existence of significant Muslim-Christian frictions.

Top archaeologist Zahi Hawass took the opportunity to reiterate that stance as he showed journalists the work at St. Anthony's, an ancient compound at the foot of the desert mountains near Egypt's Red Sea coast.

"The announcement we are making today shows to the world how we are keen to restore the monuments of our past, whether Coptic, Jewish or Muslim," he said, referring to the dominant Orthodox Coptic Christian sect in Egypt.

"The incident in Upper Egypt can happen between two brothers," said Hawass when asked if there was any connection between the Jan. 6 shooting and the timing of his announcement at the monastery. "I want everyone to forgot this incident."

Hawass noted that the restoration work at the monastery was carried out by Muslims.

St. Anthony, widely revered as the founder of Christian monasticism, settled in this remote mountainous area at the end of the 3rd century to live in isolation. Upon his death, his followers built the monastery, which was completed around A.D. 350 remains in use to this day.

In the government-sponsored project, workers renovated the fortress-like ancient wall surrounding the monastery and the walls of its two main churches -- the 14th century Church of the Apostles and the 6th century Church of St. Anthony. They also renovated monks' quarters and a 6th century tower into which monks would retreat during attacks by marauding Bedouin tribes throughout the Middle Ages.

Bodh Gaya displays Buddha's ashes

2010-02-04T08:47:49Z

http://fwd4.me/EQD

Bodh Gaya, Feb 4 (ANI): Buddhists monks from across the country converged at Bodh Gaya to participate in a religious procession on Wednesday.

Decked up elephants. horses and camels and palanquins accompanied the monks who took out the ashes of Buddha and two of his prominent disciples for public display.

Devout Buddhists and even others considered the viewing of the urn containing the ashes of Lord Buddha as divine blessing.

"We have people from India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Sikkim and Nepal with a desire to see the ashes of the Lord Buddha once in their lifetime. They feel happy and content after coming here," said P. Sivli Thero, a senior monk, Mahabodhi Society of India, an apex body of Buddhist shrines.

Lord Buddha attained enlightenment while doing penance under a Bodhi tree (Tree of Enlightenment) near a temple in Bodh Gaya.

Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism was born a prince at Lumbini in Nepal over 2,600 years ago. (ANI

Church leaders urge North's politicians to strike a deal

2010-01-28T12:45:09Z

It is often the case that when one side stumbles, the other comes up with the higher voice or longing and encouragement. Sometimes those in the political sphere are the voice of reason (and policy) to urge greater commitment among religions to serve the cause of peace. Other times religions somehow manifest harmony and voice encouragement and urge courage among political leaders.

Politicians this week struggled in to find a way forward with the Stormont power-sharing government for Northern Ireland.

Four churches have come together to urge perseverance among the political leaders working on the effort.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/church-leaders-urge-norths-politicians-to-strike-a-deal-443756.html

The leaders of Ireland's four main churches today urged politicians to redouble their efforts in talks to save the future of the Stormont power-sharing government.

Their plea came after British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Taoiseach Brian Cowen left the talks venue at Hillsborough castle, Co Down, yesterday without securing agreement.

The two leaders asked, however, that First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness return to the negotiating table and report on their progress by tomorrow morning.

In a further development senior clerics offered their prayers and support in a joint statement from Cardinal Sean Brady, Church of Ireland Archbishop Alan Harper, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson and Methodist President Rev Donald Ker.

The men said they wished to put on record their "admiration for the commitment of all parties engaged in the talks to resolve the issues surrounding the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly".

They added: "The people of Northern Ireland expect their representatives to ensure that agreement is reached. There is an overwhelming desire throughout Northern Ireland for continued political progress and for the peace process to be sustained."