Business, Science & Tech | Comment | Lifestyle | New Zealand Politics | World

 

Scoop Archives Beta

SCOOP.CO.NZ archive pages provide PLAIN FULL TEXT search access to the Scoop archives divided into CATEGORIES. The database indexes approximately 4 months of Scoop items and is updated each night. You can search Scoop's complete 8 years of data at Knowledge Basket.

 
 

Archives: Religion

20 Nov 2009

4:25 pm
Newmarket Business Association

Parliament Must Update Easter Trade Laws

The country’s leading retailing district is supporting the Auckland Chamber of Commerce’s call today for Parliament to fix the annual Easter trading circus once and for all. Reignited calls from Auckland’s Chamber of Commerce and the Newmarket ... More >>

4:18 pm
Binoy Kampmark

The Israeli Exception: Gilo and East Jerusalem

In 1987, the conservative author Midge Decter described her association with Israel and those willing to place it above conventional judgment. ‘We know ourselves to be bound by ties so deep, so essential, so unconditional, that they are beyond daylight ... More >>

12:48 am
Rasheed Memorial Dawah Trust

Rasheed Memorial Trust Backs Compassion Charter

A group of about 40 people gathered at the Ponsonby Mosque to celebrate the launch of the Charter for Compassion on 15 November. The meeting was organised by Aarif Rasheed representing the Rasheed Memorial Trust and Dave Moskovitz representing the ... More >>

19 Nov 2009

1:31 pm
New Zealand National Party

McClay delighted Easter Trading Bill Introduced

Rotorua MP Todd McClay has said that he is delighted his Easter Trading Bill has been drawn from the Members Ballot in Parliament today. "On the day of our one year anniversary of the National Government, this is fantastic news" he said. Mr McClay ... More >>

11:56 am
Ramzy Baroud

How Alien Media is Suffocating Real Culture

A Muslim family sits across of me in café, in a largely Muslim Asia country. An older woman shyly hunches over and desperately trying to avoid eye contact with the giant plasma screen TV, blazing loud music on the popular music video channel, MTV. ... More >>

12:16 am
Caritas Aotearoa

Catholic Mother Loses Cool Over Climate Change

Port Chalmers mother of four, Nicky Chapman, is angry about climate change. So angry she’s launched a formal petition to Parliament, and within a few days has already gathered hundreds of signatures. “Climate change is hard to imagine. It’s not ... More >>

12:04 am
New Zealand Labour Party

Laban Welcomes "A Theology of Children"

A new resource produced by Plunket and Barnardos and written by Rev Nove Vailaau, "A Theology of Children" which provides guidance to Pacific parents within a biblical context, is a fantastic resource and deserves to be read widely, Labour’s Pacific ... More >>

17 Nov 2009

10:48 am
United Nations

Ban Warns Of Dangers Of Losing Cultural Difference

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today cautioned against the erosion of diversity and rise of discrimination as the forces of globalization and technology bring disparate communities across the world closer together, in a message marking the International ... More >>

16 Nov 2009

1:06 pm
Rajan Zed

Installation Of Jewish Rabbi In Nevada

In a remarkable interfaith gesture, clergy belonging to various religions and denominations participated in the installation ceremony of new Jewish Rabbi Teri Appleby of Temple Sinai in Reno (Nevada, USA) on November 13 evening. More >>

11:26 am
Uri Avnery

Uri Avnery: Scoundrel With Permission

This means that no war has broken out, no suicide bomb has exploded, no Qassam rocket has been launched at Sderot. Ahmadinejad has not test-fired a new missile that can reach Tel Aviv. Just another murder. Not that Israel is the world’s murder capital. ... More >>

13 Nov 2009

10:31 am
Martin LeFevre - Meditations

Martin LeFevre: The Day of the Living Dead

The dead man living next door cut down the three finest trees on the block soon after moving in. It’s difficult to fathom, but the living have to fathom the dead, for they are destroying the earth and humanity. More >>

9:15 am
Rasheed Memorial Dawah Trust

Jews, Christians and Muslims Join Together

Jews, Christians and Muslims Join Together to Launch Charter for Compassion in NZ Media Release – Rasheed Memorial Dawah Trust More >>

11 Nov 2009

1:47 pm
Dalai Lama

Auckland Mayors invited to attend Dalai Lama Talk

The Dalai Lama Visit Trust New Zealand has issued an invitation to Auckland’s Mayors to attend the Dalai Lama’s public talk when His Holiness visits the city early next month. More >>

11:25 am
Martin LeFevre - Meditations

Martin LeFevre: Catholic or Universal?

I had an aunt that was a nun in the Catholic Church. Even as a kid, I never saw her as religious person however. She was a career woman in a black habit, at a time when there were two choices for Catholic women: marry a man and have kids; or marry Jesus ... More >>

9:13 am
Binoy Kampmark

Nothing in a Name: The Fort Hood Killings

Virginia-born Major Nidal Malik Hasan, in a ten-minute orgy of killing at the Texas military base of Fort Hood last week, is now in custody recovering from his wounds. Thirteen people (twelve soldiers and a civilian) were killed, and thirty injured. ... More >>

10 Nov 2009

10:35 am
Right To Life New Zealand Inc

Down Syndrome, Search and Destroy

The screening of unborn babies for Down syndrome with a new national screening programme is further manifestation of a culture of death. It is a search and destroy programme that has as its sole objective the termination of the lives of unborn children. More >>

10:28 am
New Zealand Police

Thieves stealing church spouting arrested

Two men had plenty of time to 'repent' as they languished in a Police cell early this morning after being caught stealing metal spouting off a Hamilton church overnight. Constable Myles O'Donnell said officers were called to the scene on Pine Ave about ... More >>

4 Nov 2009

12:27 am
Salvation Army

Over 36,000 cans donated during Cans Film Festival

New Zealanders love of the movies will make this year’s Christmas that much happier for some 9500 Kiwi families. More >>

3 Nov 2009

11:14 pm
Martin LeFevre - Meditations

Martin LeFevre: Evolution and Spirituality

A local Lutheran church, which is considered one of the more progressive faiths in this town and country, has an astounding declaration on its home page. More >>

10:49 pm
Uri Avnery

Uri Avnery: Count Me Out

A YEAR before the Oslo agreement, I had a meeting with Yasser Arafat in Tunis. He was full of curiosity about Yitzhak Rabin, who had just been elected Prime Minister. More >>

3:50 pm
New Zealand National Party

Growing on the world stage -

Last Friday in Perth, I proudly introduced Botany to the world stage as an example of a place where multi-ethnic and multi-faith communities exist in harmony. More >>

2 Nov 2009

11:18 pm
Public Address

Public Address 02/11/09 - Dear John

You had to hand it to John Key, said my colleague over dinner last week: he's very good. But some of the people around him, "not so much". I couldn't disagree-- the sometimes inarticulate and politically unworldly Leader of the Opposition has offered ... More >>

1 Nov 2009

5:51 pm
New Zealand Government

New Zealand praised as international leaders

New Zealand has been praised as international leaders in social harmony at the fifth Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue in Perth, Australia. More >>

31 Oct 2009

11:10 am
Martin LeFevre - Meditations

Martin LeFevre: Hollywood’s Perpetual Halloween

In one of Hollywood’s latest in the perennial series of TV cop shows (e.g. Hill Street Blues, CSI, Criminal Intent, and now “Criminal Minds”) there is a very telling and theological opening line. More >>

30 Oct 2009

5:36 pm
Adam Vink

Destiny Churchism in Theory and Practice

Amidst the terror and debauchery of the Old Testament are some passages of striking intrigue and beauty. Among these is Psalm 79 - a passage I was drawn to ponder during a recent visit to a ‘Miracle Faith Healing’ service held by one of our country’s ... More >>

10:46 am
Destiny Churches

Response To TV3 Campbell Live Item

This statement is in response to TV3’s Campbell Live item on Thursday 29th October 2009 featuring Destiny Church. The item centered around commentary by an ‘unidentified’ individual and hidden-camera footage obtained by that person whilst at a public men’s ... More >>

10:25 am
Anglican Church in Aotearoa

Maori 'parliament' convenes

Te Runanganui, the biggest regular event in the life of Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa, the Maori Anglican Church, kicks off in Auckland this afternoon. Te Runanganui, which is held every two years, is, in effect, the parliament of Te Pihopatanga. It’s ... More >>

9:54 am
Nelson Cathedral

Family Fun Night at Nelson Cathedral

If you are looking for a family friendly alternative to ‘Trick or Treating’ on Saturday, the Family Fun Night at Nelson Cathedral is the answer. This is the sixth year the cathedral has offered this event, with numbers building up to several hundred. ... More >>

29 Oct 2009

4:23 pm
St Matthews In The City

St Matthew-in-the-City hosts 91st Remembrance Day

Sunday, November 8 is the 91st commemoration of the end of WWI. Lest the cost of war fade from our collective memories, we will remember those who have served our country on war-torn battlefields and will celebrate those who are fighting for peace ... More >>

10:51 am
Destiny New Zealand

Over 700 Men Make Covenant at Destiny Church

This statement is released in response to media enquiries relating to the annual Labour Weekend Destiny Church Conference and the 700-man ‘covenant’ initiative. Celebrating 11 years as a movement, Destiny Church hosted Manukau’s Mayor Len Brown ... More >>

8:57 am
M Ram Krishn

M. Ram Krishn: Why God Must be Laughing

The bombing of a kosher café; a protest over reports that the Quran had been desecrated at an American prison camp; a bomb explosion outside a mosque; a tight security cordon to facilitate a Hindu festival: a snapshot of world news today. More >>

27 Oct 2009

10:03 am
Binoy Kampmark

Binoy Kampmark: Benedict XVI & the Anglican Churh

Pope Benedict XVI is nothing if not wily. The Catholic Church issued a call last week stating that it would enable Anglicans to convert to Roman Catholicism, thereby undermining an already conflicted Church amounting to 77 million followers. Disaffected ... More >>

24 Oct 2009

11:15 am
Anglican Church in Aotearoa

Archbishops relaxed over Vatican reception

The Archbishops of the Anglican Church here are relaxed about the Vatican’s moves to ease the way for some traditionalist Anglicans to join the Roman Catholic Church. More >>

23 Oct 2009

1:47 pm
Ramzy Baroud

War, Negation and Muslim Identity Revisited

A Muslim writer begins an article with, “who says the campaign for animal rights was started in the West ..” She goes on to argue that Islam provided the original treatise on the humane treatment of animals. Her case was poorly constructed, inadequately ... More >>

20 Oct 2009

1:24 pm
Urban Vision

US Peace Activist John Dear To Visit From 28 Oct.

American peace activist, author, lecturer and 2008 Nobel Prize nominee John Dear will be in New Zealand for a week from 28 October to speak at public lectures throughout the country. He will also meet with members of the group who caused an estimated ... More >>

12:34 am
Rajan Zed

Suggestion for Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson

Hindus are encouraging Hollywood divas Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson to spend some time in an ashram (hermitage) in India for solace and reinventing themselves. More >>

16 Oct 2009

3:21 pm
Anglican Church in Aotearoa

Ringing the alarm on climate change

Church bells will toll up and down New Zealand on Saturday, October 24 – but not to signal a civil defence emergency. They’ll be ringing support for ‘350 Day’ – a global pointer to the need to cut carbon dioxide concentration in our atmosphere ... More >>

15 Oct 2009

10:17 am
Joint Media Statement

Middle East: Is Religion the problem or solution?

Victoria University of Wellington and the Wellington Council of Christians and Jews Present a Public Seminar More >>

14 Oct 2009

3:00 pm
Angus Gillies

2nd Angus Gillies Book On Ruatoria Rastafarians

"No Dreadlocks No Cry" 2nd Angus Gillies Book On Ruatoria Rastafarians Published Press release Angus Gillies More >>

10:55 am
Abukar Arman

Abukar Arman: Shariah in Lawless Somalia

Nowhere in the world is Shariah more contested ( yet seldom debated) than in war-weary Somalia where each of the entities competing for power claims to have embraced it while condemning its detractor, or rather, its enemy, as a dangerous imposter. More >>

13 Oct 2009

11:30 am
Rajan Zed

Kanye West’s Plan Of Retreat In Hindu Ashram

Hindus have welcomed Grammy winner American singer-rapper-musician-producer Kanye West’s reported decision to escape to a Hindu ashram (hermitage) in India for about a month to seek spiritual guidance. More >>

9:15 am
Rotorua Deepawali Festival

Rotorua Deepawali Festival 2009

Deepawali (Festival of Lights) is a well known Hindu festival celebrated by Indian community all over the world. More >>

12 Oct 2009

3:14 pm
Uri Avnery

Uri Avnery: The Other Israel

YESTERDAY, OUR table celebrated with Ada Yonath. This “table” just had its 50th anniversary. It started by accident in “ California ”, the Café established at the time by Abie Nathan, who later became famous as the Peace Pilot. Afterwards, ... More >>

11 Oct 2009

10:31 am
Rajan Zed

Hindus concerned regarding “Avatar”

Expressing concern at the forthcoming blockbuster Hollywood movie “Avatar”, Hindus have urged its famed director James Cameron to be careful when handling Hindu concepts and terminology. More >>

7 Oct 2009

3:39 pm
Lai Chung

Balloon Girl Discovers Origin of Life

Artist Lai Chung demonstrates how a torus-shaped balloon can imitate the body forms of flowers and animals as part of a serious new theory of the origin of life and evolution. Animations are presented showing the path from the egg to the human baby. More >>

11:38 am
The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund

Kiwis urged not to forget disaster in India

IN the midst of so many disasters this month TEAR Fund is urging Kiwis not to forget about southern India which has been affected by heavy rains with a death toll of more than 250 and a displaced population of 2.5 million. In terms of the scale of ... More >>

6 Oct 2009

3:18 pm
The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund

Former Paul Colman Trio rocker returns to NZ

Grant Norsworthy, a former member of the popular Paul Coleman trio who wowed audiences earlier this decade, is touring the North Island with a series of free concerts from October 9 to 18 in support of TEAR Fund. A Grammy nominated, and Dove award-winning ... More >>

1:59 pm
Dan Lieberman

Deconstructing the Israeli Narrative

As Israel’s democratic posture becomes more questioned, its mystique becomes more exaggerated. To prove the validity of its actions, Israel’s supporters focus on three components of Israel’s drive to an accomplished nation: More >>

1:27 pm
Rabbi Michael Lerner

Just Say "NO" to the War in Afghanistan

Some people never learn. The arrogance of empire? Ignorance of history? Political opportunism? Or cowardice to confront the global challenges we face? They probably all contribute to the incredible situation in which the United States is now debating ... More >>

2 Oct 2009

4:32 pm
Wintec

Hamilton Interfaith discussion part of documentary

On Saturday 10th October at the Hamilton Gardens Victorian Glass House, a unique documentary film will be made by a Wintec post -graduate film student. Sri Lankan Honours student Chinthaka Senadeera. Graduated from the Loyola College, Hyderabad, ... More >>

3:22 pm
Family Life International

International Pro-life Conference in Auckland

Local and international delegates will gather in Auckland tomorrow for New Zealand pro-life and family conference Local and international delegates and speakers will gather in Auckland tomorrow and Sunday at the Family Life International Pro-Life ... More >>

1 Oct 2009

10:07 am
RNZSPCA

Animals Invited To Their 'Event Of The Year'

Auckland's coolest cats and most debonair dogs will be making their way to the animals' social event of the year, this coming weekend. Rabbits, donkeys, sheep, chickens, goats, parakeets and members of a wide range of other species are thought likely ... More >>

9:59 am
Auckland City Council

Experience India's most popular festival in Auckla

Come and soak up the fantastic atmosphere of India's most popular and vibrant festival - Diwali - at the Viaduct Harbour on 10 and 11 October from noon to 10pm. More >>

29 Sep 2009

3:10 pm
Caritas Aotearoa

Caritas NZ Pledges $25,000 to Philippines Flooding

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is contributing NZ$25,000 towards relief efforts in the Philippines following massive flooding and landslides in and around the capital Manila. Caritas Director Mike Smith says, “Our Caritas partner in the Philippines ... More >>

24 Sep 2009

3:03 pm
SPCA Auckland

Creatures Great & Small Invited To Annual Blessing

The stately precincts of the Church of St Matthew-In-The- City will echo once more with woofs, meows and a variety of other sounds, as creatures great and small come together for SPCA Auckland’s annual Blessing of the Animals service. Scheduled ... More >>

23 Sep 2009

5:00 pm
Freemasons

Freemasons NZ reviews Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol

Fact or Fiction? That is always the question when thinking of a Dan Brown novel as there is no doubt that he writes his novels in the hazy twilight-zone in between. So, as a Freemason I was quite concerned at what this new book with our logo on the ... More >>

22 Sep 2009

9:48 am
The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund

Kiwi supported project in Afghanistan wins award

A UNESCO Confucius Literacy prize has been awarded to a literacy programme in Afghanistan which has been supported by Kiwis through TEAR Fund NZ. Warfare, strong cultural resistance to female education and lack of a writing system for the dialect being ... More >>

21 Sep 2009

2:56 pm
New Zealand Labour Party

Law Commission report on private schools welcomed

A Law Commission report issued today shows the law governing private schools needs to be brought up to date to ensure the schools meet accepted education standards, Labour’s education spokesman Trevor Mallard said today. More >>

11:46 am
Family Life International

US Christian singer/songwriter to perform in NZ

Alturas Productions recording artist Jaime Thietten arrives in New Zealand next week to showcase at several events around the country. More >>

11:15 am
Bruce Clark

20 Sep 2009

3:41 pm
New Zealand Police

Callout - St Heliers Presbyterian Church

About 2:00 pm on 21 Sept 2009 police were called by staff at the St Heliers Presbyterian Church in St Heliers Bay Road, St Heliers. A person who is known to the staff at the church arrived there and showed them a knife and a hand gun. The staff then retreated ... More >>

3:38 pm
Caritas Aotearoa

Speech: Lesley-Anne Knight in Wellington

Attached is a copy of a speech given in Wellington on 18 September by Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Lesley-Anne Knight to an audience of about 65 people. More >>

1:08 pm
Rajan Zed

Sanskrit Tattoos Becoming Popular

Famed British footballer Theo Walcott is the newest one to join “Sanskrit Tattoo Club”. On the inside of his right arm, a Sanskrit tattoo reportedly meaning "Beautiful, Blessed, Strong, Intelligent” is engraved. “Beautiful” is dedicated for his ... More >>

12:41 am
Uri Avnery

Uri Avnery: UM-Shmum, UM-Boom

IS THERE no limit to the wiles of those dastardly anti-Semites? Now they have decided to slander the Jews with another blood libel. Not the old accusation of slaughtering Christian children to use their blood for baking Passover matzoth, as in the past, ... More >>

17 Sep 2009

5:09 pm
Downtown Community Ministries

Providing a Pathway for Growth

Moving to part-time paid employment seemed a natural step for long-term volunteer, and service user, Te Amo Roberts. For a long-time he’s supported Downtown Community Ministry by helping out in the food bank and the annual book fair. This year he officially ... More >>

4:05 pm
Anglican Church in Aotearoa

Back to Church Sunday bucks the attendance trend

In some places, the picture that's beginning to develop from Back to Church Sunday (held last Sunday, Sept 13) is more impressive still. Some snapshots: * St Barnabas, Fendalton - 100 more people, which is a 30% increase on the average congregation, ... More >>

12:45 am
Rajan Zed

Julia Roberts “Eat, Pray, Love”: Hindus Concerned

After New York and Italy, Oscar winner Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman) reportedly landed Thursday in Delhi (India) with cast and crew to shoot the next leg of “Eat, Pray, Love”. More >>

16 Sep 2009

11:49 am
Ramzy Baroud

Perpetual Grief over September 11th

The anniversary of the infamous tragedy of 9/11, 2001, and the subsequent ramifications indeed induce, throughout the world, a plethora of feelings of sorrow. The 9/11 event should have never taken place. Regardless of the situation, targeting civilians is ... More >>

14 Sep 2009

1:29 pm
Rajan Zed

Hindus Want Restricted Trading Days List In NSW

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Hindu workers in NSW would like to be home on these days to celebrate the festivals with their families, friends, and the community. More >>

1:28 pm
UMR Research Ltd

New Zealanders’ Opinions On Moral Issues

• UMR tested New Zealanders’ attitudes to a number of moral issues. More than two thirds of New Zealanders regard the following issues as morally acceptable: • Divorce (81% say this is acceptable). • Sex between an unmarried man and woman ... More >>

10 Sep 2009

3:40 pm
Ramzy Baroud

A Fresh Approach in Afghanistan: An End to War?

Left out of the options under consideration in "Obama's war" is the only one with any chance of success. Despite assurances to the contrary in Washington and a major policy speech in London, one need not quibble with the obvious fact that the situation ... More >>

8 Sep 2009

11:26 am
Alzheimers New Zealand

“Seeing it sooner” for World Alzheimer’s Day

By 2050, it is estimated 146,699 New Zealanders will have dementia. Currently, 40,746 New Zealanders have dementia. Every year, 12,333 new cases are reported. Worldwide, more than 30 million people have the debilitating disease, which affects memory, ... More >>

12:55 am
Glen Johnson

Glen Johnson: Eviction

Mohammad Hannoun is twelve years old. He loves swimming and playing chess. He goes to school in Shuafat, East Jerusalem, where he studies English and Arabic. A rotund boy, he often smiles and makes jokes. At 5.30 a.m. on August 2, 2009, Israeli forces ... More >>

7 Sep 2009

3:02 pm
Dan Lieberman

The Tangled Course to Middle East Peace

Decades of resolutions, arguments, and negotiations have maintained the Middle East struggle as a Middle East struggle. A major thrust attempts to resolve the crisis by negotiations leading to two independent states – a natural and conventional ... More >>

2:53 pm
Jim Miles

The Rejection of Palestinian Self-Determination

The story of Palestine is poorly represented in western media, generally taken out of context and generally - as a strong cohort to the lack of context - with a strong bias in favour of the Israeli perspective. That perspective in short is that of Arab ... More >>

2:48 pm
Martin LeFevre - Meditations

Martin LeFevre: Sentient Life In the Universe

The last full rays of a setting sun stream over my left shoulder as I stand on the edge of town looking out over the fields toward the foothills. Over a mile away, something flashes in the sunlight. More >>

6 Sep 2009

3:32 pm
Uri Avnery

Uri Avnery: The Boycott Revisited

THE PEOPLE of Sodom, the Bible tells us, were very wicked indeed. They had a nasty habit of putting every passing stranger into one particular bed. If the stranger was too tall, his legs were shortened. If he was too short, his body was stretched ... More >>

9:46 am
Jehovah's Witnesses

Witnesses pleased 1000s came to "Keep the Watch"

Jehovah’s Witnesses had powerful reasons to rejoice regarding their 2009 “Keep on the Watch!” District Convention. They were delighted to note many in the community chose to attend sessions of their annual three-day event. The peak attendance of ... More >>

3 Sep 2009

3:22 pm
Holy Trinity Cathedral

Maori representation a must for Auckland governce

The Anglican Church in Auckland is calling on the Government to ensure direct Maori representation in structures for Auckland governance, otherwise law and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi are being ignored. The Bishop of Auckland, The Right Reverend ... More >>

2 Sep 2009

5:18 pm
NZ Council of Christian Social Services

Never Shake a Baby campaign a good start

The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) is pleased that the government is introducing new initiatives to protect our most vulnerable infants. The announcement of the “Never Shake a Baby” campaign and its associated first ... More >>

4:09 pm
Parachute

Parachute Band finalist for NZ Music Awards

Auckland, 3 September 2009 – Parachute Band has just been announced as a finalist for the Vodafone NZ Music Awards next month. The worship band is a final contender in the Best Gospel/Christian Album category, for its sophomore album TECHNICOLOR. ... More >>

3:52 pm
Jehovah's Witnesses

Former Westie conquers Thailand

When former Lynfield College student Laurie Turner left school at age 17 to join the army, the last thing he thought he’d be doing with his life was learning a foreign language and working as a volunteer missionary in the hills of Thailand. ... More >>

11:53 am
United Nations

Afghanistan: Deadly Attack On Mosque

New York, Sep 2 2009 10:10AM A senior United Nations official spoke out against today’s suicide bomb attack at a mosque in eastern Afghanistan, stressing that it is “indefensible” that such a blast occurred during the holy month of Ramadan. More >>

12:45 am
Rajan Zed

Texas: Jews & Hindus Want Religions Treated Evenly

Jews and Hindus have urged the Texas State Board of Education to treat all the major religions and denominations evenly in its Social Studies curriculum, which is currently under revision. More >>

12:10 am
New Zealand Labour Party

Mayor Laws gets it wrong

Michael Laws’ response to a group of school children who wrote to him expressing their views on the Whanganui/ Wanganui debate was defensive and over the top, says Labour’s Associate Maori and Education spokesperson Kelvin Davis. “During my ... More >>

1 Sep 2009

3:22 pm
Jehovah's Witnesses

Witness convention stirs anticipation for the end

As a result of their Bible research, Jehovah’s Witnesses anticipate global changes in the very near future. Key Bible texts explaining the meaning of what many people refer to as the end of the world will be discussed in the Witnesses’ upcoming three-day ... More >>

3:00 pm
Rajan Zed

Hindus & Jews want Madonna's Support

Hindus and Jews have urged entertainer Madonna to undertake the cause of apartheid of 15-million Roma people of Europe, after she was booed in Romania when she sympathized with them during her August 26 concert. More >>

9:16 am
Caritas Aotearoa

Head of Caritas Internationalis to visit NZ

The head of one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks is visiting Wellington, New Zealand on 18-19 September and available for media interviews. Lesley-Anne Knight is Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 164 Catholic ... More >>

30 Aug 2009

10:38 am
Crosbie Walsh

Fiji: Religion/Chiefdom Used for Political Ends?

Recently a Fijian high chief and several senior ministers in the Methodist church were arrested and later released on bail. Casually informed readers outside Fiji would probably take this as further evidence of abuses of human rights by the Fijian ... More >>

26 Aug 2009

10:07 am
Jehovah's Witnesses

Minister "on the watch" for Armageddon

When Jon Clarke was just a boy a crippling disease saw him trade dreams of football fame for a Bible and a 55-year mission watching out for an event that most people seem sceptical about. As a 13-year-old at New Plymouth Boys High Jon’s rugby skills ... More >>

23 Aug 2009

1:43 pm
Scoop Audio

Manning SuperCity Maori Seats + Anti-Smacking Woes

Radio Adelaide: Manning & Godfrey discuss the National-Led Govt's dilemma over whether to include or exclude Maori from having direct representation on Auckland's new council. Also, PM John Key looks to be resisting pressure to have NZ's anti-smacking law repealed... More >>

9:50 am
Human Rights Commission

Religion in schools publication launched

The Human Rights Commission will launch Religion in New Zealand Schools: Questions and Concerns at the New Zealand Diversity Forum at Victoria University, Wellington today. (subs: 24 August) In an easy question and answer format the booklet provides ... More >>

12:58 am
Rajan Zed

Charlize Theron listens to Indian chants

Theron, 34 years old actress-director-producer-model, was participating in fast-paced photo-shoot for Dior’s fragrance named J’Adore. She reportedly depended on relaxing Indian chants to deal with the fast pace of the shooting and remain inspired. She ... More >>

22 Aug 2009

12:22 am
Auckland Cathedral Of The Holy Trinity

Dean rejects claim to God-given right to smack

The Dean of Auckland’s Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, The Very Reverend Ross Bay, has expressed concern at the attitude of some Christians that it is their God-given right to use corporal punishment in the discipline of their children. More >>

20 Aug 2009

4:29 pm
Jehovah's Witnesses

Witnesses invite all to “Keep on the Watch!”

AUCKLAND - A vigorous campaign has been launched inviting the public to hear what the Bible says about the future at an annual conference in Manukau City this year. “Are you ready for the end of the world?” That’s the bold question being asked ... More >>

12:18 am
Syed Atiq ul Hassan

In the making of India’s partition history right

Former Indian Foreigner Minister and a front line politician Mr. Jaswant Singh has been sacked from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of India which he served more than 30 years after his retirement from the Indian Army. Mr. Singh’s misdeed was to ... More >>

19 Aug 2009

5:29 pm
United Nations

Religion Should Promote Peace, Not Violence

The recent attacks on Christian communities in the village of Korian in the Toba Tek Singh District of the state of Punjab on July 30 and in nearby Gojra on August 1 are of grave concern to Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF), a regional network ... More >>

10:39 am
J. Sri Raman

A Non-Islamic No to Religious Profiling

Reports of religious profiling in the US have given rise to many a raging controversy before. But this one is different. The latest instance has provoked a national outrage this time in a non-Islamic country - India. More >>

18 Aug 2009

11:29 am
Rajan Zed

Newsweek says “We Are All Hindus Now”

“We Are All Hindus Now”—headlines the article in the upcoming edition of prestigious newsmagazine “Newsweek”, saying “U.S. Views on God and Life Are Turning Hindu”. More >>

17 Aug 2009

2:54 pm
Franklin P Lamb

Israel threatens Lebanon and Obama: Part II

Suddenly they were all over the place, arriving not as singles but in battalions. Many, like Maryland’s 5th District Rep. Steny Hoyer had been to Israel nearly a dozen times; career stalwarts once more showing fealty to Israel’s brutal occupation ... More >>

11:55 am
Gordon Campbell

Gordon Campbell On The Afghan Marital Rape Law

New Zealand has a special interest in the rape law that Hamid Karzai has reportedly sneaked into effect only days before the Afghan election on Thursday. The law will particularly affect the Hazara community that form the majority in Bamiyan province, ... More >>

16 Aug 2009

4:12 pm
Uri Avnery

Uri Avnery: Whose Acre?

THE ANCIENT port of Acre is now the object of a fierce battle. The Arab inhabitants of the town want the port to bear the name of an Arab hero, Issa al Awam, a general under Saladin, the Muslim leader who defeated the Crusaders. The municipality of ... More >>

10:30 am
Clitoraid

Clitoraid Graciously Accepts Steve Crow's Donation

pon learning that the Breast Cancer Foundation has declined to accept a donation of $5000 by the organizers of "Boobs on Bikes" and the Erotica Lifestyle Expo, Steve Crow has announced that he has withdrawn the pledge and will instead support Clitoraid, ... More >>

10:15 am
SOLO - Sense of Life Objectivists

Torture in the Name of Maori Mysticism Excusable?

A gang of your relatives believe in "goblins, ghosts and demons". They believe you contain a "demon". No doubt the more you resist, the more they are convinced you have one. More >>

12:07 am
Diane Krippner

Exhibition excluded as too spiritual

Returning New Zealand Born Artist Angel Exhibition excluded from Pirongia's annual Arts and Craft Day exhibition for being too spiritual. More >>

13 Aug 2009

2:11 pm
newswire.co.nz

Newswire Digest: Latest Stories August 14, 200

A selection of this week's news from www.newswire.co.nz - the Whitireia Journalism School Website: More >>

11:38 am
Celebration Trust

Historic Links for New Christian School Campus

A Kerikeri site selected for a new Christian school has links to the missionary history of the nation. More >>

10:54 am
Charities Commission

Thinking Of Donating To A Charity?

The Charities Commission is urging anyone thinking of volunteering or making a donation to a charity, to start by checking the information available on the Charities Register at www.charities.govt.nz More >>

9:39 am
TEAR Fund

Recognising the sacrifices of Kiwi aid workers

WHILE shells exploded nearby, TEAR Fund’s Ian McInnes kept his cool, helping victims evacuated from Sri Lanka’s war zone, to reach medical attention. TEAR Fund is proud of the contributions its partners and the individuals who work for them make around ... More >>

11 Aug 2009

5:00 pm
Abukar Arman

Abukar Arman: Bridges of Rhetoric and Suspicion

In his attempt to improve relations with the Muslim world, President Obama has done what no other American president has ever done before. Starting with his inauguration speech in which he stressed on the importance of relaxing the defensive posture so ... More >>

4:04 pm
Asian Human Rights Commission

AKISTAN: Another Ahmedi is shot dead

Another member of the Ahmediyya community, Rana Ata-ul Karim (36) was killed on 6 August 2009 in Multan, Pakistan. He was murdered simply for being an Ahmedi, a minority sect of Islam. More >>

3:14 pm
Asian Human Rights Commission

PAKISTAN: Government should Act Agianst Blasphemy

Government should take concrete action to amend or abolish the blasphemy laws within a year. As Pakistan marks Minorities Day, Amnesty International calls on the government to take meaningful action to protect religious minorities which have increasingly ... More >>

3:07 pm
Rajan Zed

Hindus Concerned about Julia Robert's New Film

Oscar winner Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman) reportedly will be in India in the third week of September to shoot “Eat, Pray, Love”, and Hindus are concerned about the authenticity of the depiction of sacred ashram (retreat) and other Hinduism objects ... More >>

9:59 am
Anglican Church in Aotearoa

Archbishops press Govt for maximum greenhouse cuts

New Zealand's two Anglican Archbishops today sent an open letter to the Prime Minister and his colleagues commending them for setting a target band for greenhouse gas emission reductions – and urging them to go for the highest possible cuts. Archbishops David ... More >>

10 Aug 2009

4:48 pm
Anonymous

Scientology Admits Violence in Management

The Florida-based St. Petersburg Times has released a follow-up to their most recent expose on the abusive nature of Scientology management, specifically focusing on Tom Cruise’s close friend and current leader of the Church of Scientology, David ... More >>

4:27 pm
Jim Miles

Book Review - One State, Two States - Benny Morris

This is a rather oily work to deal with, operating under the pretence of academic objectivity that “does not flatter anyone’s prejudices.” And while Benny Morris obviously knows his historical facts, One State, Two States reveals more of a prejudice ... More >>

1:34 pm
United Nations

Top Un Envoy Condemns 'Abhorrent' Bombings in Iraq

New York, Aug 9 2009 10:10AM A top United Nations official has strongly condemned the recent bombings that targeted worshipers in two of Iraq's major cities, leaving dozens of innocent civilians dead or injured. More >>

9 Aug 2009

4:08 pm
Uri Avnery

Uri Avnery: Lover of the Country

ON THE morrow of the Six-day War, Amos Kenan came to my editorial office. He was in a state of shock. As a reserve soldier, he had just witnessed the emptying of three villages in the Latrun area. Men and women, old people and children, had been ... More >>

7 Aug 2009

1:08 pm
Chief Electoral Office

Delivery Of Referendum Voting Papers Complete

All referendum voting papers have been delivered to voters, with over half a million votes cast so far. More >>

6 Aug 2009

4:28 pm
Binoy Kampmark

Binoy Kampmark: Colleges and Alms in the Antipodes

A certain note of fear of the outside world resonates with every message to the students of Newman College, which has been accommodating Catholics from the University of Melbourne since 1918. The Rector is much like a governor general, a titular head ... More >>

5 Aug 2009

4:34 pm
Anonymous

Scientology admits violence, blames "Kingpin"

The Florida-based St. Petersburg Times has released a follow-up to their most recent expose on the abusive nature of Scientology management, specifically focusing on Tom Cruise's close friend and current leader of the Church of Scientology, David ... More >>

3 Aug 2009

12:10 am
Rajan Zed

Hindus Praise The Pope

Hindus have applauded Pope Benedict for establishing connection between protecting the environment and promoting peace in his message for the 43rd World Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on January one next. More >>

12:09 am
Rajan Zed

Hindus laud United Nations Declaration

Hindus have applauded United Nations (UN) for observing 2010 as “International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures” for promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace. More >>

12:08 am
Rajan Zed

Actress carries Hindu Lord Ganesha for good luck

Claudia Ciesla, 22 years old German actress-supermodel-singer, reportedly always carries an idol of Hindu Lord Ganesha presented by her Vedic astrologer, which she claimed brought her good luck. More >>

2 Aug 2009

3:03 pm
Uri Avnery

Uri Avnery: A Jeremiad

DEAR DOV YERMIYA, I have received the distressing letter that you recently sent to a limited number of friends. You paint the Israeli reality in dark – but true – colors, and end by cutting your ties with it. More >>

30 Jul 2009

12:18 am
Jamal Juma

Latin America in Israel’s crosshairs

Does South American politics move forward in constructing a new continental and global order based on democracy, human rights and mutual solidarity or will it fall pray to Israeli strategies that undermine the emancipation of Latin America and the ... More >>

12:12 am
Rajan Zed

Jews & Hindus want “ethnic profiling” to Stop

According to Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights for Council of Europe, “Members of minorities are more often than others stopped by the police, asked for identity papers, questioned and searched. They are victims of “ethnic profiling”, ... More >>

28 Jul 2009

2:12 pm
Rajan Zed

“Ethnic profiling” alive and well in Europe

According to Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights for Council of Europe, “Members of minorities are more often than others stopped by the police, asked for identity papers, questioned and searched. They are victims of “ethnic profiling”, ... More >>

27 Jul 2009

4:53 pm
Rajan Zed

VP of Universal Society of Hinduism

Ravikumar Subramaniapillai, a software consultant of North Carolina (USA), has been nominated Vice President of renowned Universal Society of Hinduism. Thirtynine year old father of one, Ravi has volunteered for various Hindu organizations in India ... More >>

4:52 pm
UN Watch

U.N. Rejection of Christian Charity

GENEVA, July 27, 2009 — UN Watch, a Geneva-based monitoring group, condemned the U.N.’s decision today to reject an international Christian charity as a non-governmental observer owing to its refusal to accede to Beijing’s demands that it disclose member ... More >>

26 Jul 2009

10:42 am
Rabbi Michael Lerner

Why Can't Obama Convince the Dems On Health Care?

It's easy enough to blame the spineless Congressional Dems for the failure of the health care plan. And it's not just the millions being spent by insurance companies and health care profiteers and the distortions put forward by the corporate media--those ... More >>

25 Jul 2009

9:32 pm
TVNZ

Q+A: Paul Holmes IVs Cheryl Savill & Bob McCoskrie

Points of interest: - Referendum sponsor only ever used “a light smack” on hand or bottom; thinks it only works for children aged 2-9 - Savill: Smacking in anger is “wrong” and should not be legal - McCoskrie: More parents being investigated ... More >>

9:30 pm
TVNZ

Q+A: Panel - Upton Fitzsimons Holmes And Arseneau

Points of interest: - Simon Upton (the Minister that put us in the Kyoto Agreement) expects the government to commit to a “modest” emissions target - Upton: “anything we do will be costly” - Fitzsimons: new government report “simply not true” More >>

23 Jul 2009

2:41 pm
New Zealand Labour Party

Labour condemns arrest of Methodist leaders, Fiji

Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson Chris Carter has condemned the arrest of Methodist church leaders in Fiji. “This is an attack on the freedom of Fijian people and will only further isolate the military rulers from the rest of the world and create ... More >>

20 Jul 2009

12:29 am
Employers and Manufacturers Association Northern

Swapping out religious holidays worth weighing up

Though New Zealand's main statutory holidays are closely tied in with our traditional religious days off, there is every reason to allow our workplaces the option of swapping them for holidays important to people of people of other religions. The idea was ... More >>

19 Jul 2009

3:28 pm
Nelson Media Agency

Blessing of the Fleet - Nelson

The annual Blessing of Nelson’s Fishing Fleet is scheduled for this Saturday (July 25), aiming to link the people of Nelson with fishing industry and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea. More >>

17 Jul 2009

1:24 pm
United Nations

Justice For War Crimes Victims

New York, Jul 17 2009 1:10PM The creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its achievements to date are vital to ensuring justice for millions around the world, but much more work remains to be done to advance this noble ideal, according ... More >>

16 Jul 2009

11:54 am
Martin LeFevre - Meditations

Martin LeFevre: The Meaning of Life

At the only sandy ‘beach’ in Lower Park, a big group of parents and children frolic in the water. It’s a lazy summer afternoon when the temperature reaches nearly 110 degrees. More >>

11:48 am
Ramzy Baroud

Gaza and the Language of Power

Nearly six months have passed since the Israeli army ceased pounding the tiny stretch of land that is the Gaza Strip. Since then, Gaza continues to appear on the news once in a while, as a recurring subject of human misery. More >>

14 Jul 2009

1:55 pm
Scoop Link

The words of God do not justify cruelty to women

I have been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world. More >>

13 Jul 2009

4:41 pm
Family First

Cracks in National’s Stance on Referendum

Family First NZ is welcoming comments from Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe (Waikato Times 13 July) that he will be voting no in the upcoming Referendum and, like Family First, believes that the Chester Borrows amendment is the solution. “Tim Macindoe ... More >>

12:37 am
United Nations

Iraqi Christians Need Better Protection

New York, Jul 13 2009 3:10PM The top United Nations envoy to Iraq today called for a redoubling of efforts to protect the country’s Christians, as well as its other minority communities, following a series of “orchestrated” bombings over the ... More >>

12:25 am
Tarek Cherkaoui

Tarek Cherkaoui: Between Xinjiang and Tibet

The regrettable events in the Xinjiang province in China, following severe riots between the native Muslim Uyghurs and the migrant Chinese Hans, is another proof that minorities continue to suffer under the yoke of the Beijing regime. As matter ... More >>

12 Jul 2009

6:13 pm
Rajan Zed

Hindus & Jews Ask For Session Of EU Parliament

Perturbed over the continued maltreatment of European Roma and inaction by the concerned authorities, Hindus and Jews have asked for an urgent special session of European Parliament to discuss Roma apartheid issue. More >>

3:10 pm
Rhema Broadcasting Group

Lost Boy: The Documentary

The TV autobiography of Greg Laurie, Lost Boy: The Documentary, is the story of well-known evangelist and teacher, Greg Laurie. Winner of the ‘Audience Favorite: Best Documentary’ at the 2009 Riverside International Film Festival, Lost Boy takes the viewer through ... More >>

11 Jul 2009

6:23 pm
Uri Avnery

Uri Avnery: Matter of the Heart

EVERY GERMAN child knows the story of the Captain of Koepenick. The scene is 1908 Germany, with the Second Reich at the peak of its power, ruled by a Kaiser who is almost always decked out in a splendid military uniform. More >>

5:11 pm
Rajan Zed

Hindus Want Holiday In USA Schools

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that it was important for Hindu families to celebrate Diwali day together at home with their children More >>

5:10 pm
Rajan Zed

Hollywood Star Paltrow’s Blog Criticized

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has suggested Oscar winner Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow to change the tagline of her weekly newsletter “GOOP” from “nourish the inner aspect” to “nourish the outer aspect”. More >>

9 Jul 2009

10:55 am
Nava Thakuria

Breeding vultures for the Parsis’ World !

As the vultures in the Indian sky are missing, the Parsi people living in the country remained worried, of course for a religious reason. The Parsis, who fled Persia-the present-day Iran-centuries back after Islamic uprising practise the religion of Zoroastrianism. More >>

8 Jul 2009

12:38 am
Amnesty International

China Must Investigate 156 Deaths

Amnesty International has called on the authorities in Urumqi to immediately launch an independent and impartial investigation into reports that 156 people were killed when a protest turned violent late on Sunday. More >>

12:37 am
Rajan Zed

Burger King removes denigrating advertisement

Burger King Corporation has pulled the offensive advertisement poster in Spain showing Hindu goddess Lakshmi promoting a meat sandwich, which Hindu groups protested calling it repugnant, according to reports. More >>

12:22 am
NZCCSS

Community groups are responding to increased needs

The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) has released the first of an ongoing series of reports that focus on the economic and social hardship faced by many New Zealanders. The reports are a mix of government data and feedback from ... More >>

12:00 am
Nava Thakuria

Indian Muslims Raise Voices For Uighurs

The apex body of Indian Muslims has come forward to condemn the brutality shown by the Chinese authority in the autonomous Xinjiang region in the last few days. More >>

7 Jul 2009

4:01 pm
Rajan Zed

Upset Hindus want apology from Burger King

Hindus have asked Burger King Corporation to publicly apologize and immediately withdraw a poster seen in Spain, which shows Hindu goddess Lakshmi promoting a meat sandwich, which they termed repugnant. More >>

11:27 am
Bill Berkowitz

Christian Men's Movement Making a Comeback?

If it seems like it was another century, that’s because it was: almost twelve years ago Promise Keepers – then the most visible and audacious of Christian men’s organization – brought nearly one million men to Washington. More >>

11:21 am
Rabbi Michael Lerner

Rabbi Lerner: Why I Signed The Statement

On the one hand, I wanted the Network of Spiritual Progressives to be included in a list of some of the most important religious forces in the US. I was honored that we had been invited to be among them. On the other hand, my requests that a stronger ... More >>

11:02 am
Azar Majedi

Stop the nonsense Please, It is about money!

In his sermon, on 19 June, Khamenei, the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader, accused the West, especially Britain, of meddling in the domestic affairs of Iran (whatever that means!) He was particularly hard on Britain. The sermon was still in process, ... More >>

10:48 am

New Books by Hamilton Authors

Three new books by two Hamilton authors are being launched today (Wednesday). More >>

10:01 am
Mohan Nepali

Mohan Nepali: Observation of Urumqi bloodshed

Chinese news agency Xinhuanet earlier reported that more that 156 people on Sunday had lost their lives in Urumqi, the capital of China’s autonomous province Xinjiang where ethnic violence erupted. More >>

9:19 am
United Nations

Chief Alarmed By ‘Major Tragedy’ In Western China

New York, Jul 7 2009 10:10AM The top United Nations human rights official today expressed her alarm at the high number of casualties sustained during this weekend’s rioting in Urumqi, the capital of China’s Xingiang Autonomous Region, calling on all people ... More >>

6 Jul 2009

9:53 am
Caritas

Reconciliation Foreshadowed in Foreshore report

Catholic social justice agency Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand welcomes the Ministerial Review Panel’s Foreshore and Seabed Review report as a practical and pragmatic approach to one of the most divisive issues of recent years, which gives an opportunity ... More >>

9:11 am
Myspace.com

Myspace Reveals Some Of New Zealand’s Most Watched

From celebrity streaker Lisa Lewis, to God himself, the MySpace ‘Most Watched’ are the people capturing Kiwis’ eyeballs and imaginations More >>

5 Jul 2009

2:26 pm
Binge Culture

Animal Hour

When science fails, art takes over… Can we prove we’re more than animals? Science has been attempting to answer this for years, but we’re still confused. And if Darwin can’t solve it, you better believe Binge Culture can, because the makers ... More >>

1:04 pm
Dalai Lama Visit Trust NZ

Dalai Lama Tickets Go On Sale

Tickets for the Public Talk by the Dalai Lama at the Vector Arena, Auckland, in December this year will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday July 7th. The Dalai Lama will speak on the topic of A Peaceful Mind at 2pm on Saturday December 5th and will give an additional ... More >>

2 Jul 2009

1:56 pm
Ramzy Baroud

Ramzy Baroud: Hamas’ Political Impasse

Much can be said to explain, or even justify Hamas’ recent political concessions, where its top leaders in Gaza and Damascus agreed in principle with a political settlement on the basis of the two-state solution. More >>

1:34 pm
Asian Human Rights Commission

Around 100 houses belonging to Christians damaged

PAKISTAN: Around 100 houses belonging to Christians damaged, and a young man beaten to death The violent attacks on the Christian community are continuing while the government claims that it is providing equal rights to religious minorities, including ... More >>

1 Jul 2009

4:56 pm
Dan Lieberman

Why Jerusalem? Israel’s Hidden Agenda

Three huge granite stones rest comfortably on the top of Midbar Sinai Street, in Givat Havatzim, Jerusalem’s northernmost district. Cut to specification, the imposing stones represent one of several preparations by the Temple Mount and Land of Israel ... More >>

3:00 pm
Franklin P Lamb

Remembering Amnon Kapeliouk

Israeli jounalist Amnon Kapeliouk was my kind of Journalist and my kind of Jew. Sadly, he died the other day and was buried near his birth place in West Jerusalem. For more than 40 years Kapeliouk reported on Palestinian and Arab affairs for half a ... More >>

10:34 am
The Religious Society of Friends

Centennial Lecture: Kiwi Dragon: The Chinese in NZ

A public lecture to mark 100 years of formally organised Quakerism in Aotearoa New Zealand will take place on Thursday 9th July in the Illot Theatre at 5.30 p.m. More >>

30 Jun 2009

4:51 pm
Caritas

Don’t contract out punishment Caritas says

Management of prisons should not be contracted out, Catholic social justice agency Caritas told Parliament’s Law and Order Select Committee today. More >>

3:50 pm
Rajan Zed

Urge for separation of church and state in Denmark

Hindus and Jews have urged for separation of church and state in Denmark, where currently The Danish National Church is a state church. Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu statesman; and Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, prominent Jewish leader in Nevada and California ... More >>

29 Jun 2009

9:26 am
United Nations

Ban Ki Moon Ranks Among Most Trusted World Leaders

New York, Jun 29 2009 5:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is one of the world’s most confidence-inspiring political leaders, according to a new survey made public today. More >>

9:21 am
United Nations

Deploring Recent Attacks, Ban Appeals To Iraqis

New York, Jun 29 2009 2:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, condemning recent attacks in several Iraqi cities, called today on the people of the strife-torn nation to reject attempts to incite further violence. More >>

25 Jun 2009

11:24 am
Suzan Mazur

Vincent Fleury On Origin Of Form (And PZ Myers)

Vincent Fleury is a French scientist investigating origin of form with experiments involving cellular flow. He was recently featured in a PZ Myers Pharyngula blog -- where his work first caught my eye. More >>

24 Jun 2009

2:02 pm
Bill Berkowitz

Planned Parenthood ‘Stung’ By Lila Rose

Lila Rose, a 20-year-old UCLA student, is taking on Planned Parenthood with a phony story, video equipment, and support from a host of Christian Right media outlets and organizations. More >>

22 Jun 2009

12:51 am
Solomon Islands Government

Government Committed To Support Church

The Minister for Home and Ecclesiastical Affairs Hon. Peter Tom has assured the nation of the government’s commitment to support Christian churches in the country. In 2007, the ruling Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) Government ... More >>

21 Jun 2009

2:06 pm
Rajan Zed

Hindus Urge Julia Roberts To Explore Hinduism

Welcoming reported forthcoming visit of Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts to India for a film shooting, Hindus have urged her to explore Hinduism further and visit some Hindu temples. More >>

16 Jun 2009

2:45 pm
Rajan Zed

Hindus Back Beatle Paul McCartney’s Meat Free Day

Hindus have thrown their weight behind Beatle Sir Paul McCartney’s call for Meat-Free Monday movement, which aims at persuading public to go vegetarian once a week to slow global warming. More >>

2:10 pm
United Nations

Over 1 Billion Children Caught In Conflict

New York, Jun 16 2009 5:10PM The United Nations today called for urgent action to protect more than one billion children living in areas of the world affected by armed conflict, some 300 million of whom are under the age of five. More >>

15 Jun 2009

12:31 am
Steve Weissman

Israel Offers a State and a Half

Could Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu become the Richard Nixon of the Middle East, as Barack Obama invited him to do? Could he break with his hard-line past and reach out to the Palestinians the way Nixon did with the Chinese? Or will ... More >>

14 Jun 2009

5:07 pm
David Gottfried

New Novel Sheds Light On Pop Culture Phenomenon

(Toronto, May 30, 2009) – Author, Aaron David Gottfried will have a book launch for his first novel, The Psychiatrist Who Cured the Scientologist at Indigo Books and Music Ltd. (Yonge and Eglinton) on June 27 at 2 p.m. More >>

11:52 am
Anonymous

The Sea Arrrgh shivers the timbers of Scientology

Worldwide - In this month of June 2009, Anonymous launches OPERATION CRUISE CONTROL, also christened as Sea Arrrgh II, an international event which brings attention to abuses in the Sea Org, the management structure of the Church of Scientology. Child ... More >>

11:47 am
Rabbi Michael Lerner

Netanyahu's Latest Propaganda Offensive

Editor of Tikkun, the largest circulation liberal/progressive Jewish Magazine in the world, calls Netanyahu's speech "a self-contradictory ruse which will not advance the peace process." More >>

11:22 am
Uri Avnery

Obama won’t wink back

Netanyahu’s biggest problem is to make believe that the old is new. To make yesterday’s tired old clichés sound like the rallying call for tomorrow. But how to do that without using winks? More >>

10:37 am
Franklin P Lamb

Preacher from Plains & the Ayatollah from Najaf

“I will try to get you off the US Terrorism list if you can arrange a meeting for me with Hassan Nasrallah” More >>

10:05 am
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Every week should be Volunteer Awareness Week

Volunteer Awareness Week is an important event, and it highlights how we need to show volunteers each day throughout the year just how important and appreciated they are says the Right Rev Dr Graham Redding, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of ... More >>

11 Jun 2009

2:02 pm
SOLO - Sense of Life Objectivists

SOLO-International: Step Up, David Cameron!

Last weekend's stellar showing by Britain's National Party in local and European elections presents Conservative leader David Cameron with an opportunity to shed his anaemic me-too policies and lead like a Churchill, notes SOLO Principal Lindsay ... More >>

11:38 am
Binoy Kampmark

The Iranian Elections: The Appearance of Democracy

Iran goes to the polls on Friday, and will find an assortment of individuals to pick from who have been approved by the Islamic establishment in that country. The presidential incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad faces two reformist candidates in the form of former ... More >>

12:52 am
Martin LeFevre - Meditations

Genesis Revisited: Darkness and Evil

When I first moved to this northern California town over a decade ago, there were still areas along the creek just outside of town that were quite wild. I would sometimes cross paths with coyotes, long-eared rabbits, and rattlesnakes. An encounter with ... More >>

9 Jun 2009

1:01 pm
Duncan Graham

Duncan Graham: Beefing about Indonesia

In the slightly less polluted suburbs of Jakarta and other big Indonesian cities, restaurants specialising in beef dishes are doing well, particularly those serving steaks from New Zealand and Australia. More >>

11:12 am
Bradblog.Com

The Terrorists Are Winning...

"George Tiller’s clinic will close in the wake of the Wichita abortion provider’s shooting death, lawyers for the Tiller family said today," the Wichita Eagle is reporting . "Lee Thompson and Dan Monnat, the family’s lawyers, said in ... More >>

11:06 am
Ira Chernus

AIPAC Wall Beginning to Crack

For years, AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) has helped to stonewall the Middle East peace process by building a solid wall around the Israeli government, protecting it from criticism in the US. Senators and representatives have feared ... More >>

10:46 am
Martin LeFevre - Meditations

Artificial Intelligence Is an Oxymoron

Here in California, Silicon Valley types are still enamored with the idea that computers have brought humankind to “the edge of change comparable to the rise of human life on Earth.” More >>

12:13 am
Syed Akbar Kamal

Syed Akbar Kamal: Interview With Adnan Oktar

In the absence of a fossil in transitional form, Darwinism is rapidly getting obliterated from across world continents especially Europe its home front. The basic contention that everythihg came into being by chance is scientific is flawed. It is an evolution ... More >>

8 Jun 2009

1:03 pm
Franklin P Lamb

Lebanon’s election results and the Age of Resistance

Hundreds of Muazzen called believers to Lebanon’s Mosques at 3:35 a.m. this morning for the Al Fajr (the Dawn) prayer. The haunting and beautiful strains of “ Allahu Akbar, (God is great) and Ash-‘hadu ana la elaha ella Allah (I bear witness that ... More >>

4 Jun 2009

4:59 pm
Downtown Community Ministries

Massive Can Collection Supports Food Banks

All over Wellington cans of food are being donated towards the ICan charity event to break the Guinness World Record for a can sculpture. The goal is 50,000 cans by the 26th of June. The next day they will be made into a huge sculpture in Civic Square ... More >>

3:41 pm
New Zealand Labour Party

Tribute to Reverend Thawley

Restorative Justice Services across the country are today mourning the passing of Reverend Michael Thawley. “Rev Thawley dedicated his life to the enhancement of people and communities of New Zealand”, says Lynne Pillay Labour Spokesperson for ... More >>

2:03 pm
Ramzy Baroud

Can Obama Work His Magic on Arabs?

Among many major misconceptions pertaining to Arabs and Muslims is the common belief that they are a weak-willed, irrelevant collective, easily influenced and effortlessly manipulated. This mistaken assumption underscores the very ailment that has afflicted ... More >>

12:41 am
Remi Kanazi

Oslo Redux: Fool’s Gold in Israel/Palestine

Who doesn’t want to blame all the problems Israel/Palestine is currently facing on newly appointed Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu? He refuses to endorse the internationally recognized two-state solution, he is far more combative on settlements ... More >>

3 Jun 2009

5:28 pm
Caritas Aotearoa

God Walks with Today’s Refugees

Caritas resources prepared for the Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants (June 21) remind us that God has always walked alongside refugees and continues to do so today. The Day of Prayer was established by New Zealand’s Catholic Bishops to remember ... More >>

 
 

Scoop Archives

Search Scoop  
 
 
powered by newsagent
NZ independent news