Millions Bathe In Sangam On Maghi Purnima

Millions of devotees prayed and took a dip at the Sangam, the confluence of three rivers — the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati — on Maghi Purnima, or full moon day, at the annual traditional fair in Prayagraj, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, India, Saturday, Feb.24, 2024. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims take dips here hoping to wash away sins during a month-long festival called Magh Mela. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh).

Hindu devotees take a dip at the Sangam, the confluence of three rivers — the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati — on Maghi Purnima, or full moon day at the annual traditional fair in Prayagraj, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, India, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims take dips here hoping to wash away sins during a month-long festival called Magh Mela. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh).

Millions Bathe In Sangam On Maghi Purnima
Devotees gather at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, on Paush Purnima during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on January 27, 2013

Magha Purnima carries profound religious and spiritual importance within Hinduism. This year, it will be observed on Saturday, February 24, 2024. It is a day devoted to honouring Lord Vishnu and the Moon God, occurring monthly as the Full Moon Day. It is revered as a highly auspicious occasion for conducting various puja ceremonies.

Hindus consider the Magha month to be the most significant of all the months in the Hindu calendar. While celebrating Maghi Purnima, devotees fast, take a dip in holy waters, make donations to charitable causes, and offer prayers to gods like Vishnu and Hanuman. Hindus believe this holy bath, taken in certain rivers like the Ganges (Ganga), Yamuna, Kaveri, and so on, is very providential. Hindu mythology also states that Lord Vishnu resides in the river Ganga on this day, and even touching the waters can be very beneficial to people. That plus the prayers being offered up on this day make their wishes almost certain to come true, believe most devotees.

People across India have varied customs across regions. The southern state of Tamil Nadu hosts a special ‘float’ festival each year. Decorated idols of their gods, Meenakshi and Lord Sundeshwara, are mounted on floats. North India (cities like Allahabad and Prayag) holds a Magha Mela (a large religious fair) annually at the confluence of three major rivers — Ganges (Ganga), Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati River.

Apart from the religious significance, this day is also important in regard to astrology. As the sun moves to the Capricorn sign, the moon moves into the Cancer constellation. The holy dip is said to negate all problems arising with the sun and the moon, and the month itself helps people adjust to changing seasons. People find strength and power to face the next season.

Another reason Maghi Purnima is so important — followers of Buddhism believe Lord Buddha announced his impending death on this day. Legend says there was an earthquake as soon as he said the words, as though the Earth itself was shaken up by this news. His followers believe the Earth shook just this way when Buddha was born, when he received enlightenment (became the religious leader the world knows), and when he passed away. On this day, Buddhists conduct religious ceremonies, prayers are made to Buddha, and offerings are given to the unfortunate. Multiple Buddhist villages across India organize fairs and events to celebrate Buddha.

Hindu women look to ancient goddesses for guidance on modern feminism

Many point to Shakti, the divine feminine energy, as an antidote to toxic masculinity.

(RNS) — Preity Upala has lived more than a few lives. After a career as an investment banker in Australia, Upala moved to the U.S. to pursue her dream of attending film school, eventually landing roles in major Bollywood films like “Bahubali” and in the Hollywood production “Sex and the City 2.” Now, in Los Angeles, Upala is a film producer and podcast host. And if her resume is not varied enough, Upala is also considered a global strategist, called upon by news organizations worldwide for her expertise in international diplomacy and foreign policy.

But Upala, who is Hindu, sees these multiple pursuits as compatible, inspired by the many facets of the divine feminine in her tradition.

“The goddess worship is so prevalent in our culture,” said the Dubai-born Upala, “but the goddess has many faces. There are many goddesses. It’s not just the devout wife or devotee, it is the fierce Kali or the Saraswati, who is all about knowledge.”

In common, she says, all goddesses and women hold a part of Shakti, the “primordial cosmic energy” who is the personification of the divine feminine. Shakti is also the female counterpart to Lord Shiva, both of whom together represent the balanced feminine and masculine energy in each being.

Preity Upala. (Courtesy photo)
Preity Upala. (Courtesy photo)

“That Shakti, the life force, moves through us and it shows itself in different forms,” said Upala. “In my own life, I’ve seen different facets of the Shakti energy work through me.”

Many Hindu women, like Upala, look to the ancient scriptures for guidance on modern feminism.

“The beauty with Shakti is, she doesn’t need to give herself up in order to fight for space,” said Upala. “She holds her own, she knows her place, and no one’s gonna take that away from her. Her job is just to shine and be glorious.”

The power of femininity has been prevalent in Hindu philosophy since the emergence of what is said to be the very first scripture, the Rig Veda. Many Hindus see Shakti as the force from which the universe came, like a mother who births her children.

Lithograph of Hindu goddess Kali, draped with a necklace of skulls, standing on Shiva, circa 1895. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons)
Lithograph of Hindu goddess Kali, draped with a necklace of skulls, standing on Shiva, circa 1895. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons)

Divine feminine energy as Shakti flows through all of the female goddesses, explains Hindu theologian Rita Sherma. From Kali, the force destroying evil, or Durga, the warrior who maintains balance, to Annapurna, the divinity of food and nourishment, the goddesses in Hinduism are just as dynamic and multifaceted as women themselves, says Sherma.

“The fact is, the feminine divine in Hinduism explodes every single gender binary trope people can think of,” said Sherma, who teaches women’s studies and religion at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. “It is the aggressive, assertive, explosive principle of becoming. All manifestation, all actualization of divine potential explodes through the feminine divine.

“So she’s, you know, not your Stepford wife,” adds Sherma.

And what’s more, Sherma says, most commonly known gods, such as Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, are worshipped alongside their respective female consorts, Sita and Radha. Without the feminine, she says, masculine energies would be in “chaos.”

“The masculine and the feminine are both within us,” she said. “The two are complementary binaries.

“The feminine divine is certainly dynamic and creative, even in gentle-appearing feminine divine like Radha,” added Sherma. “It’s her that the world emanates from, it’s through her the world is redeemed. Through her, Krishna experiences joy and bliss.”

Like Upala, Sherma felt unsatisfied in her previous career in business and made a shift later in her life, with two children, crediting Shakti as the guiding force who led her through her new path.

“It was feminine power all the way,” she said.

Rita Sherma. (Courtesy photo)
Rita Sherma. (Courtesy photo)

Sherma became fascinated with Mahadevi: the all-encompassing female deity who is the counterpart to the god Deva and is the subject of the “submerged” and “forgotten” scripture, the Devi Mahatmya. The scripture, which tells various myths centered on the goddess and other goddesses, is often buried under the rest of the vast library of Hindu texts, she says, and should be reclaimed as a resource for women today, especially after the “400,000 years” that women have spent “apologizing for their empowerment.”

“Many women in villages, especially elderly women, who may not even be literate, became respected reciters of the text,” said Sherma. “They had a great deal of power, and both women and men would come to them for their blessing. And sometimes they would experience the presence of the divine feminine within them. And they would then be worshipped as Shakti.”

Shakti Redding, a yogi and mystic psychologist at the Soul Artist Academy in Vail, Colorado, said she found her true calling after being introduced to the Devi Mahatmya and Tantra, the esoteric Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. Born as Rachel to a Christian family, Redding felt a shift when she moved to the nature-abundant Colorado. “I felt just a charge of energy, almost like, ‘Where have you been all my life?,’” she said, attributing that charge to Shakti.

“I really had been drawn this detailed picture of a masculine father God, and so archetypically when I felt God or thought about God, it was as this father spirit,” she said. “But when I was in nature, there was something more, something more feminine, something more kindred in that sense of femininity, and the wildness of it.”

After a childhood of practicing yoga in church basements with her mother, Redding never expected she would found her own yoga academy, or change her name to Shakti, the one first given to her by yogis at the Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado.

But her understanding of the dharmic feminine divine, the mother-goddess of nature, has helped her through the most difficult moments in her life, including a terminated pregnancy at a young age. Worshipping Shakti helped her come out of her grief, and her shame, she said.

“As women, we carry a lot of wounding and a lot of scars and a lot of tender suffering,” she said. “And we also hold the potential for immense forgiveness and reconciliation.”

“How important it is to remember we are all part of the whole,” she added. “We are the daughters, the sisters, the mothers, the lovers. May our stories equip us with the courage, compassion to lead the world awake to a love beyond all opposites.”

The traditional dance of Shiva and Shakti together, called Tandava, said Redding, represents the delicate balance of feminine and masculine in life itself. The root of many of the world’s issues, she said, is a lack of understanding between different or opposing energies. “In the end,” she said, “Shiva and Shakti, the infinite potential and the creative power, are aspects of the same reality.

Women dance in front of an idol of Hindu goddess Durga before it is immersed in the Hooghly River in Kolkata, India, Oct. 24, 2023. The immersion of idols marks the end of the festival that commemorates the slaying of a demon king by lion-riding, 10-armed goddess Durga, marking the triumph of good over evil. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)
Women dance in front of an idol of Hindu goddess Durga before it is immersed in the Hooghly River in Kolkata, India, Oct. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

“Once you understand this in depth, this balance becomes applicable to the healing of cultures,” she said. “Healing the wounds, the political divide, the gender divide.”

Upala agrees and insists it is time for everyone, including men, to fall back to their roots, rather than “toxic” versions of masculinity and femininity she says are common in Western frameworks. And respect for Hindu goddesses, she said, doesn’t always translate to respect for all women.

“Although we have this beautiful, completely comprehensive tradition and principle of Shiva/Shakti, this amazing dance of real femininity and real masculine power, for some reason, I don’t always see Indian men or Hindu men really kind of holding space for that.”

Upala believes the world’s Hindu women are on the precipice of an awakening. “I think we’re only just beginning to find our dharmic voice,” she said. “It is coming at a time when the world needs it the most.”

“We have to really hold our own in a time and a space where the world is throwing back at you what they think feminism, beauty and power should be,” she said. “We don’t have to learn or relearn anything. The knowledge is actually in us. And it is for us to enjoy, celebrate and actually share that to the world.”

Pope Francis Addresses Armenian Bishops on Pastoral Responsibility and Prayer

On the morning of Wednesday, February 28th, Pope Francis met with the members of the Synod of Bishops of the Patriarchal Church of Cilicia of the Armenians in a private audience. Due to health reasons, Monsignor Filippo Ciampanelli delivered the Pope’s speech, which centered on three key themes: the pitfalls of pastoral adultery among bishops, the significance of prayer, and the importance of vocational pastoral care.

Addressing the gathered bishops, Pope Francis expressed joy in welcoming them to Rome on the feast day of Saint Gregory of Narek, a Doctor of the Church. He reminded them of their role as successors of the Apostles, entrusted with guiding the people of God towards Jesus Christ. Emphasizing the responsibility of the Synod in selecting future bishops, he urged careful consideration to ensure they prioritize pastoral devotion over personal ambition, cautioning against those motivated by self-interest or career advancement.

The Pope warned against the dangers of “pastoral adultery,” likening it to a bishop viewing their episcopal position as a mere stepping stone to higher status. He stressed that bishops are chosen by Christ to shepherd His flock, emphasizing the need for closeness and pastoral care, particularly for those in diaspora and remote areas. He underscored the importance of fraternity and cooperation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, highlighting pastoral charity as paramount.

In the spirit of Lent, Pope Francis called for contemplation of the cross and urged intercession for all, quoting Saint Gregory of Narek’s prayer for forgiveness and mercy towards enemies. He urged the bishops to emulate Saint Gregory the Illuminator’s example of bringing Christ’s light to the Armenian people, emphasizing their role as witnesses to Christian prophecy in a world marked by darkness and division.

The Pope stressed the significance of prayer in discerning the Gospel’s priorities and maintaining harmony within the Church. He urged thorough preparation for Synods, prudent decision-making for the good of souls, and transparent financial management. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of fostering vocations grounded in authentic Christian life and supporting priests, especially amidst challenges, with fraternal communion and joyful service.

Expressing concern for Armenia amidst conflicts and displacement, Pope Francis called for prayers for peace and solidarity with those affected. He lamented the continuation of wars despite past efforts for peace, urging collective action and prayer for reconciliation. Before concluding, he led the gathering in a prayer of mercy and forgiveness, expressing gratitude for their ministry and requesting prayers for himself.

Pope Francis reiterated his call for prayer, expressing hope for future unity with the Armenian Apostolic Church. He imparted his blessing and recited a prayer of Saint Nerses the Gracious, inviting all present to join him in seeking mercy and forgiveness for all.

Former Supreme Court Justice Urges Removal of Dharmic Motto from Constitution

Former Supreme Court Justice Kurian Joseph has recently voiced his opinion that the Supreme Court’s motto, “यतो धर्मस्ततो जयः” (Where there is Dharma, there is victory), should be discarded. Justice Joseph argues that the concept of Dharma, as defined within Hinduism, does not always align with truth and therefore, isn’t suitable to be the motto of the Indian Constitution. He emphasized, “The truth is the Constitution, Dharma – not always.” This divergence becomes more apparent when compared to the motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs), adopted by all High Courts across the nation.

Speaking at an event organized by activists and the controversial website “The Wire,” Justice Joseph highlighted his objections to the inclusion of the shloka from the Hindu epic Mahabharata in the Supreme Court’s motto. His previous comparison of the Catholic Church with the Preamble adds weight to his stance. Advocating for the motto’s removal, the retired judge, who left the apex court in 2018, urged the Chief Justice of India to seriously consider this proposal. He believes that embracing a Hindu shloka like this significantly influences the Supreme Court’s approach to dispensing justice.

Although Justice Joseph was addressing the topic “Supreme Court administration and management- Issues and concerns,” he didn’t shy away from criticizing the media’s role, accusing it of neglecting its duty and contributing to the nation’s bleak outlook.

Kailash Temple, Dedicated to Lord Shiva

Formed from a single block of excavated stone, Kailasa Temple is considered one of the most impressive cave temples in India. Known around the world as a remarkable architectural fulfillment, it is one of the 34 cave temples and monasteries that are collectively known as the Ellora Caves. A shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kailash Temple is regarded as one of the most amazing rock-cut temples in the world.

History and architecture

Located in the western region of Maharashtra state in India, the caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and include monuments dating between 600 and 1000 CE.

kailasa temple ellora caves 1The Temple was said to have been built during the Rashtrakuta dynasty by King Krishna I and his successor King Dantidurga in the eighth century. It appears to have been built over several decades, arguably over an entire century, with contributions from numerous kings and craftsmen of the era. The temple is a tribute to the excellent mechanical and artistic abilities of the ancient Indian craftsmen and is considered one of the greatest examples of Indian rock-cut buildings.

Though this is a legend and not fact, the truth is that Kailasa was built from the top. This unusual decision called for 200,000 tons of volcanic rock to be excavated from the rock. Standing at about three stories tall, a horseshoe-shaped courtyard has a gopuram—tower—at its entrance. Given the vast space and the ornate decorations of the temple, it’s believed that the work may have started with Krishna I, but could have carried on for centuries, with different rulers adding their own flair.

The Temple is made of a single monolithic rock that was vertically excavated downhill as opposed to other rock-cut constructions standing about 60 feet tall, 164 feet long, and 109 feet wide, typically horizontally excavated. It imitates Mount Kailash, the legendary home of Lord Shiva. The entire building is intended to represent Lord Shiva’s eternal residence. The Temple is furnished with artistic sculptures, carvings, and reliefs that portray a variety of Hindu deities, mythological characters, and scenes from Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

Tales

The demon king of Lanka, known in Hindu mythology as Ravana, was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. It is claimed that to demonstrate his power and dedication to Shiva, Ravana once tried to raise Mount Kailash. But Ravana’s arrogance angered Shiva, who used his toe to press down on the mountain and trap Ravana beneath it. Ravana is supposed to have imprinted his handprint on the Ellora rocks due to this event. This mythology is sometimes connected to the Kailash Temple, which symbolizes Shiva’s holy residence that is impenetrable by even the most formidable creatures.

The interesting story concerns an enigmatic pillar inside the Kailash Temple compound. This pillar is claimed to hang in midair with no discernible support. It is said that wishes will come true if someone can cross the space between the pillar and the ground without touching either. Many pilgrims come to the temple hoping to view this act of miracles and receive blessings for their wishes.

Things to Do AT Kailash

  • Explore the Kailash temple and visit the Ellora Caves, followed by attending the rituals and pujas.
  • Take into consideration visiting some of the other neighboring Aurangabad area sites, which include the Ajanta Caves, known as the “Taj Mahal of the Deccan,” Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, and other UNESCO World Heritage sites

Catholic Bishops in India Stand Firm Amidst Rising Attacks, Affirm Commitment to Serving the Marginalized

Christian institutions and individuals in India are facing an escalation of attacks and harassment, yet the Catholic bishops affirm their unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized. The 36th biennial meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), attended by over 170 bishops from the country’s 174 dioceses, concluded with a resolute statement emphasizing their dedication to the nation despite adversities.

In their final statement, the bishops affirmed, “As loyal citizens of India, we will continue serving our country whatever be the cost, walking in the footsteps of Jesus our Master.” The conference, held from January 31 to February 7 at Bengaluru’s St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, deliberated on pertinent themes including the Church’s role in the current socio-political landscape and the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Acknowledging India’s strides in various domains, the bishops expressed pride in the nation’s achievements while highlighting persistent socio-economic disparities. They lamented that the benefits of development have disproportionately reached a small segment of society, leaving many grappling with unemployment and rural-urban migration, exacerbating the digital divide.

The bishops voiced concern over rising divisive tendencies, hate speech, and fundamentalist movements eroding the secular fabric enshrined in India’s Constitution. They deplored attacks on Christians and their institutions, citing incidents of violence, property destruction, and harassment under the pretext of allegations related to conversions.

During the bishops’ gathering, several arrests occurred in Uttar Pradesh, where a Catholic priest, five Protestant pastors, and a layperson were detained over accusations of engaging in conversion activities. Despite a denial of bail by a lower court on February 7, efforts are underway to secure their release through legal avenues.

The meeting also addressed the protracted violence in Manipur, condemning clashes between the Meitei and Kuki ethnic communities, with a significant Christian population among the latter. Expressing dismay at the loss of lives and livelihoods, the bishops urged for lasting peace and reconciliation in the region.

Highlighting concerns about democratic institutions’ integrity and media responsibility, the bishops emphasized the need to uphold constitutional principles and combat religious polarization. They called upon political leaders to safeguard India’s secular and democratic ethos, urging citizens to actively participate in the upcoming elections.

Reiterating longstanding demands, the bishops urged the government to grant Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians and other marginalized minorities while safeguarding the Scheduled Tribe status of Christian tribal communities. Additionally, they reaffirmed their commitment to fostering interreligious dialogue and community solidarity.

Despite facing challenges and setbacks, the Catholic bishops in India remain steadfast in their mission to uphold democratic values, promote social justice, and advocate for the rights of the marginalized, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Georgia’s Commissioner CB Yadav Announces Plans for Ramayana Museum and Lord Ram Temple; Extends Invitation to UP CM Yogi Adityanath

CB Yadav, the Commissioner of Georgia state in the United States, has announced plans to construct a Ramayana Museum and a temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Georgia. Currently on a tour in India, CB Yadav extended an invitation to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh for the groundbreaking ceremony of these projects in Georgia next year, which CM Yogi graciously accepted. During his visit to Lucknow, CB Yadav also met with Samajwadi Party national president and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav along with his wife Dimple Yadav at their residence, where CM Yogi was welcomed with mementos.

Chandrabhushan Yadav, also known as CB Yadav, hails from Badlapur in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, and currently serves as the first commissioner of Georgia state in the US. He arrived in India on January 28, visiting various places including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi before heading to his ancestral village of Nevada Mukhlispur in Badlapur area to meet with family members, followed by his visit to Lucknow.

CB Yadav expressed his intention to build the Ramayana Museum and the grand temple of Lord Ram in Georgia following the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He mentioned that construction work on these projects will commence soon and extended an official invitation to CM Yogi Adityanath for the Bhoomi Pujan scheduled for 2025.

Furthermore, CB Yadav emphasized the need to revitalize old temples and religious sites in India, mentioning plans to develop a guest house and basic amenities at the renowned Mata Shitala Chowkia Dham in Jaunpur.

Regarding his journey from Jaunpur to America, CB Yadav completed his education in Badlapur and Allahabad before obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from an engineering college in Maharashtra. He then migrated to Georgia in 2003, where he established a business with his wife and two sons. Over the years, CB Yadav has achieved success in business, notably with the support of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who helped him secure the position of the first commissioner of Georgia state. Recognized as a significant supporter of India in America, Governor Brian Kemp established the Georgian First Commission, on which CB Yadav serves, to facilitate small business growth by streamlining government regulations.

CB Yadav is not only active in politics but also manages several hotels and motels in Kingsland, Camden County, South Georgia. His journey from starting a small business in Camden city to owning multiple grocery stores and a motor business reflects his determination and entrepreneurial spirit.

These Are 10 Of The Great Hindu Temples To Visit In The USA

  • The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in New Jersey is the largest Hindu temple in America, made with hand-carved Italian Carrara marble.
  • The Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Utah is known for hosting seasonal festivals, including the Holi Festival of Colors.
  • The Ganesh Temple in New York is the oldest Hindu temple in the United States, built in 1977, and is now one of the most famous Hindu temples in the US.

There are now hundreds of Hindu temples found scattered across the United States (and Canada). In fact, the United States is now home to the largest Hindu temple outside of Asia. The largest Hindu temple in the world has historically been the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia (although it was later converted into a Buddhist temple).

These Are 10 Of The Great Hindu Temples To Visit In The USA (TAAJoo)
Picture: TAJoo

The new largest Hindu temple in the world is the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, currently under construction in India. From New York to California, here are ten great Hindu temples in the USA worth visiting.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, New Jersey

The massive Hindu temple Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in New Jersey has just been expanded and re-inaugurated and is the largest Hindu temple in America.

It was first completed in 2017 and then re-inaugurated in 2023 and built with hand-carved Italian Carrara marble, Indian pink stone, and limestone. It is located in Robbinsville in Central New Jersey.

  • Remarks: Largest Hindu Temple In USA

Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, Utah

The Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Utah is famous for its large Hindu festivals and celebrations. The temple has a large natural amphitheater that has the capacity for thousands of visitors.

One of the best times to visit is for the Holi Festival (or Festival of Colors), which offers a true Indian experience.

  • Remarks:Noted For Hosting Many Seasonal Festivals

Hindu Temple Of Central Indiana, Indiana

Located in Indianapolis, the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana is something of a breathtaking monument to Hindu architecture.

It first opened in 2006 and is one of the top places to visit to learn about the Hindu community in Indiana.

  • Remarks: Oldest Hindu Temple In Indiana

Malibu Hindu Temple, California

The Malibu Hindu Temple is located in Calabasas near Malibu in California and is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god Venkateswara. It is made up of two complexes.

The lower complex has Lord Shiva as the presiding deity, while the upper complex has Lord Venkateswara as the presiding deity.

  • Remarks: Dedicated To Lord Venkateswara

Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha, Illinois

One of the top Hindu temples to explore in Chicago is the Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha Hindu temple, which covers 27 acres.

It opened in 2004 and was constructed with Turkish limestone and hand-carved Italian marble.

  • Remarks: Group Tours are Offered from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Sunday & Mornings On Sunday

Ganesh Temple, New York

The Ganesh Temple in Flushing, New York (in Queens, NYC) is the oldest Hindu temple in the United States. It wasThese Are 10 Of The Great Hindu Temples To Visit In The USA (Travel) built in 1977 and is now considered among the most famous Hindu temples in the country (it is amazing how many Hindu temples have been built in the last 50 years).

The temple is open to visitors on weekdays from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm and on weekends from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm.

  • Remarks: Oldest Hindu Temple In USA

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Georgia

The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a traditional Hindu place of worship in Atlanta, inaugurated in 2007. It was the largest mandir (or Hindu place of worship) outside India when it was built.

The complex has a large assembly hall, classrooms, an exhibition about the key tenets of Hinduism, and more.

  • Remarks: Constructed With 34,450 pieces of Marble and limestone

Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Maryland

Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland is among the largest temples in the United States and was built between 1988 and 2002. It is located only 12 kilometers or 8 miles from Washington, DC, in the Maryland city of Lanham.

Learn more about visiting on the temple’s official website.

  • Remarks: Main Deities Shiva and Vishnu

New Vrindaban Temple, West Virginia

The New Vrindaban Temple (also called The Palace of God) is named after the town of Vrindaban in India. Vrindaban is of religious significance to Hinduism, as Krishna is said to have spent most of his childhood in the city.

Today, the city is home to some 5,500 temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha (his chief consort). The New Vrindaban Temple can be visited while hiking sections of the famous Appalachian Trail.

  • Remarks:Stunning Complex on 500 acres of land

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Texas

The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Houston is one of the top Hindu attractions in Texas, built from over 33,000 pieces of hand-carved marble and limestone. The temple has a Hindu exhibit that explains the fundamental tenets of Hinduism for visitors, and it is open every day for visitors and for worshipers.

The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir should be considered as one of the things to see and do while in Houston.

Catholic Bishops of India Launch Innovative Mobile App to Revolutionize Digital Engagement

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI, Latin Rite) has introduced a mobile application aimed at offering a comprehensive range of services and resources to the Catholic community across the nation. Unveiled on January 30 during the plenary assembly at St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bengaluru by CCBI president Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, the Catholic Connect App seeks to revolutionize the digital landscape within the global Catholic community, with a specific focus on India, as stated by Father Stephen Alathara, CCBI deputy secretary general.

Described as a tool poised to seamlessly blend technology with faith, the app is anticipated to instigate positive changes within the Catholic sphere, promoting a sense of unity, communication, and enhanced user experience both locally and internationally. It is projected to cater to diverse needs by providing access to Church services such as health insurance, education, employment opportunities, and emergency aid, in addition to aiding users in locating nearby churches and accessing various Church services within India.

The app’s innovative approach is expected to mark the dawn of a new era, facilitating efficient communication, resource allocation, and community management. By acting as a hub for information regarding Catholic institutions, entities, and associations, alongside delivering timely news updates from the conference’s 14 regions, the app underscores its commitment to keeping users abreast of local developments, thus fostering a deeper sense of community and connection among users, irrespective of their geographical location.

Moreover, the app is anticipated to serve as a vital link for Catholics to connect with their parishes and dioceses, offering dedicated sections for “My Parish” and “My Diocese,” which encompass information, event updates, notice boards, announcements, and obituaries. During the registration process, users can select their respective parishes and dioceses, further enhancing their engagement with their local Catholic communities.

Additionally, the app features a designated space for CCBI Commissions, where their activities, training sessions, and programs are showcased. This interactive platform empowers commission secretaries to directly showcase their initiatives, thereby amplifying the reach and impact of CCBI’s diverse programs.

The inception of the app traces back to the decision made by CCBI’s 88th executive committee in May 2022 to develop a database application to foster connectivity within the Catholic community in India. Following this decision, the trial version of the app was launched on September 21, 2023, during the CCBI 92nd executive committee meeting.

https://mattersindia.com/2024/01/indias-latin-church-set-to-usher-digital-revolution/

Madras High Court Orders Signage Restricting Non-Hindus in Temples to Uphold Hindu Rights

The Madras High Court has issued a directive to the Tamil Nadu HR&CE department, instructing them to place signage in all Hindu temples, clearly stating that non-Hindus are restricted beyond the ‘Kodimaram’ area within the premises. Justice S Srimathy of the Madurai Bench emphasized the fundamental right of Hindus to practice and profess their religion. This ruling came in response to a petition from D Senthilkumar, seeking exclusive access for Hindus to the Arulmigu Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple and its sub-temples, along with the installation of display boards to enforce this regulation at all entrances.

The notable Palani Murugan temple, situated in Dindigul district, was specifically mentioned in this context.

The respondents in the case included the Tamil Nadu government, represented by the Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments, The Commissioner of the HR&CE Department, and the Executive Officer of the Palani temple. The HR&CE department oversees the administration of Hindu temples across Tamil Nadu.

In response to the petition, the court ordered the installation of boards stating “non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple after Kodimaram” at the temple entrances, near the flagpole, and at prominent locations within the shrine. The court also mandated that non-Hindus seeking access to specific deities within the temple must provide an undertaking affirming their faith in the deity and willingness to adhere to Hindu customs and practices. Entries for such visits would be maintained in a register by the temple authorities.

Furthermore, the court stressed the importance of maintaining temple premises in accordance with temple rules, customs, and practices outlined in the agamas.

Although the respondents suggested confining the order to the Palani temple alone, the court dismissed this plea, asserting that the issue raised was of broader significance. The court highlighted that these restrictions aim to promote communal harmony among different religions and maintain peace in society. Therefore, the court directed the State Government, HR&CE department, and all involved in temple administration to adhere to these directives in all Hindu temples.

The court reiterated the fundamental rights of Hindus to practice and profess their faith, emphasizing that while individuals of other religions also have these rights, they should not interfere with Hindu customs and practices. Temples are not intended as tourist or picnic spots, and must be respected accordingly.

The court referenced specific incidents of non-Hindus allegedly misusing temple premises, such as consuming non-vegetarian food within temple grounds or attempting to conduct prayers with their sacred texts near sanctums. Such incidents, the court asserted, infringe upon the fundamental rights of Hindus as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Consequently, the court held that it is the duty of the HR&CE department to safeguard temples from such unwanted occurrences and ensure the protection of Hindu fundamental rights. Failure to do so, as evidenced by past incidents, is a neglect of constitutional duty.

The Madras High Court’s ruling underscores the importance of respecting Hindu customs and practices within temple premises, ensuring the fundamental rights of Hindus are upheld, and maintaining the sanctity of these religious spaces.

https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/madras-high-court-to-tamil-nadu-cant-allow-non-hindus-beyond-flagpole-in-temples-4962278#pfrom=home-ndtv_bigstory

Emergence of Assertive Hindu American Politics: Candidates Proudly Represent Faith in U.S. Political Arena

Vivek Ramaswamy expressed his pride in his Hindu identity while campaigning in New Hampshire, stating, “I’m Hindu, and I’m proud of that.” He emphasized his commitment to defending religious liberty without apology. Although his presidential bid faltered in Iowa, his presence underscored a significant emergence: the visibility of assertive Hinduism in American politics.

The burgeoning influence of Hindu American politics was vividly demonstrated in 2019 during the “Howdy, Modi!” event in Houston’s NRG Stadium, where around 50,000 people gathered to witness then-President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi share the stage.Emergence of Assertive Hindu American Politics Candidates Proudly Represent Faith in U S Political Arena

In late 2019, a dispute over an anti-caste discrimination bill in California showcased the increasing political acumen of Hindus in pursuing their interests. With representatives from across the country on opposing sides, proponents and opponents of the bill showcased their ability to mobilize support and shape public opinion. Governor Gavin Newsom’s subsequent veto of the bill marked a victory for those who argued it would unfairly stereotype Hindus.

Rishi Bhutada, treasurer of the 12-year-old Hindu American PAC, noted that Hindus, traditionally leaning towards the Democratic Party, are now more focused on supporting candidates who understand their specific concerns, from addressing Hinduphobia to advocating for immigration policies aligned with their interests.

Reflecting on this evolution, Bhutada remarked, “The community is getting way more discerning about candidates now.” Over the past decade, Hindu Americans have seen an increasing array of candidates from their community vying for positions at various levels of government, including the U.S. Congress.

Tulsi Gabbard’s historic election as the first Hindu congressperson in 2013 marked a turning point, signaling to the community that electoral success was achievable. Subsequently, Democrats like Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois and Ro Khanna from California were elected to Congress, further validating the potential for Hindu candidates to succeed nationwide.

Looking ahead, three more Hindu Americans, all Democrats, are currently running for Congress, each with unique backgrounds and platforms:

Emergence of Assertive Hindu American Politics Candidates Proudly Represent Faith in U S Political Arena

Rishi Kumar, a Silicon Valley tech executive and former mechanical engineer, emphasizes his “fiscally moderate” Democratic stance. His successful tenure on Saratoga’s city council, where he received the highest number of votes in history, propelled him into the political arena. Kumar has been vocal in opposing misrepresentations of Hinduism and advocating against anti-Hindu prejudice.

Emergence of Assertive Hindu American Politics Candidates Proudly Represent Faith in U S Political Arena

Bhavini Patel, raised by a single mother in Pennsylvania, draws upon her upbringing working on an Indian food truck to connect with working-class families. She attributes her values of kindness and authenticity to her Hindu upbringing, aiming to represent her faith proudly while addressing issues such as education, small business support, and public safety.

Suhas Subramanyam, currently serving as a delegate in the Virginia Legislature, made history as the first Hindu and Indian American elected in Virginia. Inspired by his Hindu faith, Subramanyam seeks to address issues such as gun violence, clean energy, and immigration reform while ensuring that his community’s concerns are heard and acted upon.

The rise of Hindu American politicians reflects a growing engagement and sophistication within the community, as they navigate political landscapes while staying true to their religious and cultural identities.

https://religionnews.com/2024/01/26/meet-three-hindu-democrats-running-for-congress-this-season/

India’s Population Dynamics: Religious Growth, Caste Challenges, and Demographic Projections

India has experienced a significant population surge since Partition, with numbers skyrocketing from 361 million in 1951 to over 1.2 billion in 2011. The United Nations Population Division predicts that India’s monthly population growth of about 1 million individuals could lead it to surpass China as the world’s most populous nation by 2030.India's Population Dynamics Religious Growth Caste Challenges and Demographic Projections

During the period from 1951 to 2011, all major religious groups in India witnessed growth. Hindus increased from 304 million to 966 million, Muslims from 35 million to 172 million, and Christians from 8 million to 28 million. However, there are indications that Christians might be undercounted in census data. This discrepancy arises from individuals identifying as Hindu to access government benefits meant for Scheduled Castes, which Christians are not typically eligible for. The 2015 National Family Health Survey showed that 21% of Christians interviewed identified as Scheduled Castes.

India’s caste system, a hierarchical social structure, has historically influenced societal roles and opportunities. Affirmative action programs, known as “reservations,” aim to mitigate caste-based disparities by allocating government jobs and educational seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. However, these reservations are not extended to Muslims and Christians, prompting debate over their exclusion from poverty-alleviation programs.

India's Population Dynamics Religious Growth Caste Challenges and Demographic Projections

India has implemented various measures to control population growth, including contraceptive promotion and penalties for large families. These efforts have led to a slowdown in population expansion since the 1990s, with growth rates declining for all religious groups. While Hindus remain the majority, the growth rate of religious minorities has tapered off, particularly among Muslims and Christians.

India's Population Dynamics Religious Growth Caste Challenges and Demographic Projections

 

Despite slower growth rates, India’s major religious groups continue to gain millions of followers. Hindus added 138 million people between 2001 and 2011, while Muslims increased by 34 million. Christians, however, experienced the slowest growth rate among the three largest groups.

 

India’s religious composition has remained relatively stable since Partition, with Muslims experiencing a modest increase in percentage share while Hindus declined slightly. Christians have consistently comprised 2-3% of the population since 1951.

India's Population Dynamics Religious Growth Caste Challenges and Demographic Projections

Minor religious groups, including Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, have seen their numbers double or triple over the decades. Geographically, Christians are concentrated in Southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while Sikhs are prevalent in Punjab.

 

The 2011 census revealed about 8 million people identifying with smaller religious groups, with over 80 lakh claiming no affiliation with the six largest religions. The census allows for an open-ended response to religion, with over 83 smaller religious groups represented.

India's Population Dynamics Religious Growth Caste Challenges and Demographic Projections

Looking ahead to 2050, demographic projections suggest continued growth for Muslims and Hindus, with Muslims expected to comprise around 18% of the population. Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains, however, are projected to decline as a share of the population due to lower fertility rates.

India's Population Dynamics Religious Growth Caste Challenges and Demographic Projections

India’s population dynamics, influenced by religious demographics, continue to shape its societal landscape, with implications for policies and societal inclusion.

 

Pope Francis’ Unyielding Commitment to Social Justice and Global Issues

Pope Francis is known for his outspoken stance on critical global issues, ranging from war and migration to climate change. According to Cardinal Michael Czerny, who leads a Vatican department focused on social justice, the Pope’s motive is to caution world leaders against making “suicidal” decisions. Czerny emphasized the moral obligation Pope Francis feels to speak on behalf of Catholics, acknowledging potential criticism but asserting that the Pope is driven by the commitment of the faithful.

Cardinal Czerny explained, “I speak out because there are millions of Catholics and other Christians and other believers and other people of goodwill for whom or in whose voice I’m speaking. And we’re trying to say to the world’s decision-makers that their decisions are anti-human, short-sighted, suicidal” (original quote).

The Pope’s dedication to responsible journalism was underscored during a meeting with reporters at the Vatican on January 22. Pope Francis likened journalism to a vocation, akin to that of a doctor choosing to heal humanity. He expressed the journalist’s role in addressing societal wounds and the importance of their work in today’s world.

Since his election almost 11 years ago, Pope Francis has been a prominent figure, gaining attention not only for his modest lifestyle in the Vatican but also for addressing pressing global issues. His willingness to discuss topics ranging from the death penalty to Artificial Intelligence has solidified his position as a Pope with a significant voice on the international stage.

In an interview on Nove, owned by CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, Pope Francis addressed concerns about his health. Despite recent health challenges, he asserted his commitment to remaining in office “as long as (he has) the ability to serve.”

Pope Francis’ impactful communication extends to the core of his papacy, notably his consistent support for migrants. His first visit outside of Rome was to the Italian island of Lampedusa, where he decried “global indifference” to refugees. Cardinal Czerny, working closely with the Pope, emphasized their efforts to galvanize Catholics to welcome and support migrants in their communities.

Cardinal Czerny, echoing Pope Francis’ perspective, emphasized that migration is about individuals, not just numbers. He shared his personal connection to the issue, recounting his family’s migration from Czechoslovakia to Canada when he was four years old. Highlighting the importance of sponsorship, he noted, “I wouldn’t be here talking to you if a family in Canada had not sponsored us.”

The migrant crisis is a crucial test of humanity, according to Pope Francis, and he views the developed world as largely failing in this regard. Cardinal Czerny urged the Church in the United States to address the issue, evaluate the validity of anti-immigration rhetoric, and guide their community in making informed decisions.

Another significant concern for Pope Francis and Cardinal Czerny is the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence. Pope Francis has called for a treaty to regulate its use, emphasizing the need for global collaboration to prevent it from becoming a new risk for human life.

Despite the Pope’s commitment to addressing pressing issues, he faces criticism, especially regarding his critiques of capitalism and his stance on climate change. Cardinal Czerny acknowledged this resistance, attributing it to the Pope challenging the interests of both financial and political elites. He drew a parallel to Jesus, noting that criticism is inevitable when the core message goes against prevailing interests.

The Pope’s recent move to authorize the blessings of same-sex couples intensified internal opposition, particularly in Africa. Despite potential criticisms, Cardinal Czerny highlighted Pope Francis’ priority to include, console, bless, and reconcile those who are suffering.

Pope Francis, despite his age and recent health challenges, remains resolute in his commitment to addressing global issues and advocating for social justice. His dedication to speaking on behalf of the faithful and challenging powerful interests continues to shape his papacy.

Divine Artistry Unveiled: Arun Yogiraj’s Masterpiece Brings Lord Ram’s Smile to Life in Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony marking Lord Ram’s long-awaited return to Ayodhya after a span of 500 years. The unveiling of Ram Lalla’s visage, sculpted by Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru, left onlookers captivated, particularly by the innocence reflected in the eyes and the smile of the infant Lord Ram.

The smile on Ram Lalla’s face evoked varied descriptions, ranging from expressions of beauty and divinity to terms like ‘mandahasa’ and enchanting.

The inauguration of the Ram Mandir was a momentous occasion, accompanied by jubilant festivities. Yogiraj expressed profound gratitude, attributing the opportunity to divine selection by Lord Ram himself.

Crafting the Idol:

Vijetha outlined the criteria provided by the temple trust for Arun Yogiraj and two other contestants, GL Bhat and Satyanarayana Panday, which included a smiling face, a divine countenance, a depiction resembling a five-year-old, and a princely appearance.

She explained the initial step involved in sculpting, which entails sketching the design on paper.

Designing Facial Features:

Vijetha elaborated that the proportions of facial features were meticulously crafted in accordance with the Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Indian scripture governing traditional arts and architecture.

Yogiraj extensively studied human anatomy to ensure realism, consulting both Shilpa Shastra and anatomy books. He even observed children to capture the innocence and naturalness of their smiles.

The Captivating Smile:

Experts noted the roundish shape of the idol’s face, a characteristic common in South Indian sculptures, contrasting with sharper features prevalent in northern sculptures.

Historian and author Vikram Sampath lauded the beauty of Ram Lalla, praising the curls, rosy cheeks, mystic smile, and divine aura, attributing the accomplishment to the skilled craftsmanship of Arun Yogiraj.

Emotional Journey:

Reflecting on the arduous seven-month journey, Yogiraj revealed the emotional investment he had made, seeking feedback even from his own daughter, who likened the idol’s appearance to that of a child.

Significance of Idol’s Dimensions:

Vijetha elucidated that the height of 51 inches for the Ram Lalla idol was chosen for its scientific significance. This height ensures that the Sun’s rays fall precisely on Ramlalla’s forehead every year at noon on Ram Navami day, lending a unique feature to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Choice of Krishnashila Stone:

Krishnashila stone was selected for its chemical composition, which renders it inert to acid, heat, and adverse weather conditions. This feature allows for the safe consumption of milk used during Abhishekam as ‘prasad’ without any detrimental effects on health.

Furthermore, the durability of Krishnashila stone ensures the idol’s longevity, capable of withstanding over a thousand years without deterioration. This high-quality stone is found predominantly in regions like HD Kote near Mysuru and Karkala in Uttar Kannada district, thereby establishing Mysuru as a hub for sculpting.

Traditional Craftsmanship:

Despite utilizing modern software for visualization, Yogiraj relied on traditional methods, employing manual sculpting techniques involving hammers and chisels to bring the idol to life.

Hindu American Community Holds Grand Car Rally in Greater Boston to Celebrate Ram Mandir Inauguration

Over the weekend, Greater Boston witnessed a spectacular display of unity and celebration as the Hindu American Community organized one of the largest car rallies in the region. With an impressive turnout of over 250 cars and more than 500 attendees, the rally covered a total distance of 70+ miles, making stops at five prominent temples along the route. This event, which took place in frigid temperatures of 16 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 Celsius), stands out as one of the longest car rallies in the United States, as affirmed by the organizers.

The participants, undeterred by the chilly weather and biting winds, embarked on the rally to mark the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. The rally commenced at 7:30 AM following a Puja ceremony at the Sri Chinmaya Maruti Mandir in Andover, Massachusetts, and continued on to include stops at the ISSO Swaminarayan Mandir in Lowell, Shri Radha Damodar Mandir in Shrewsbury, Sri Radha Krishna Mandir in Northborough, and concluded at the Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland.

Devotees from various other mandirs, including BAPS in Lowell, Satsang in Woburn, Dwarkamai Temple in Billerica, Sarv Dev Mandir in Oxford, and Sri Raghavendra Swami Matha, Shri Gita Mandir in Shrewsbury, joined the main rally at different stopping points, contributing to the overall enthusiasm of the participants.

During each stop, young representatives from the rally extended invitations to the temples to partake in the festivities related to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Temples and Hindu Americans were encouraged to perform puja-archana to the temple deity, light five diyas in celebration of Diwali, engage in kirtan-bhajan, recite the Hanuman Chalisa, ring bells, and watch the online broadcast of the Pran Pratishta (consecration) at the newly constructed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya at 12:30 PM IST on January 22nd, 2024.

The youths also shared brief statements about the divine qualities of Bhagwan Ram, emphasizing virtues such as courage, sacrifice, justice, compassion, ideal behavior, and good governance (Ram Rajya). They highlighted how the exemplary life of Lord Rama has influenced the culture in numerous Southeast Asian countries. As a gesture of goodwill, the participants carried small gift packages containing Jap Malas, the Hanuman Chalisa, and a token cash offering. The temples warmly received them, extending welcomes with kirtan, tilak, and Prasad.

The participating temples reciprocated the rally participants’ warmth with open hearts and lively festivities. At ISSO, Vivek Swami, the resident, blessed the participants and spoke about the importance of incorporating the core qualities of Shree Ram into one’s life. The India Heritage Foundation in Shrewsbury presented all rally participants with a copy of the Gita and other relevant books. Additionally, at the Sri Lakshmi Temple, everyone received a Jap Mala to take home for their Japa of “Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram.”

The cars that formed the caravan were adorned with vibrant orange flags and signs, proudly displaying the message “Jai Shri Ram,” which translates to “victory to the virtues” as Lord Ram is considered a symbol of virtues. The cooperation and warm welcome from the police departments in the four towns through which the rally passed reflected the excellent reputation the Indian community holds with law enforcement authorities.

This grand rally, a celebration of unity and devotion, was made possible through the collaborative efforts of volunteers from various dharmic organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), and numerous Hindu temples.

Shades of Divinity: Debating the Complexion of Lord Ram in Contemporary Politics

“He possesses a voice reminiscent of the resonating tones of a dundubhi (kettledrum). His skin exudes a radiant glow, brimming with splendor. His physique is robust and square-built, with symmetrically proportioned limbs. He is adorned with a dark complexion.”

In the Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayan, when Sita challenges Hanuman to demonstrate his knowledge of Ram and Lakshman, this is his eloquent reply. The repetitive emphasis on Ram’s dark skin appears consistently in various versions of the Ramayana. However, scriptures don’t always mirror the lived reality. In a world marked by diversities, where the struggle between great and little traditions persists, Ram is at times portrayed in blue, black, and occasionally even in white or green.

The question of Ram’s skin color becomes pertinent in a country predominantly inhabited by people labeled as ‘brown’ by the West. In the case of the most politically active deity of the century, who himself engaged in a legal battle to secure rights over his birthplace, the debate over his depiction takes on broader political implications.

The controversy emerged when three renowned sculptors from different regions were commissioned to create a 51-inch idol of five-year-old Ram lalla for the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir. Ganesh Bhatt and Arun Yogiraj sculpted the idol from bluish-grey stone known as Shyam-Shila, sourced from Karnataka. On the other hand, Satyanarayan Pandey fashioned a white idol from the makrana marble of Rajasthan.

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi announced on January 1, through a tweet, that Yogiraj’s idol would be installed in the consecration ceremony. However, reports suggested that during a meeting on December 22, a few senior trust members favored Pandey’s ‘Shweta’ version, despite 11 members supporting Yogiraj’s idol. Does the color of the idol hold significance in contemporary politics? Hindu saints and scholars argue that diverse interpretations lead to varied perceptions and, consequently, multiple depictions.

This isn’t the first instance of Ram being portrayed as white. Various television adaptations, including the widely popular one by Ramanand Sagar, depict Ram as anything but dark. Even when depicted differently, he is often shown in blue. Mythologist and author Devdutt Pattanaik points out the preference for blue over black, stating, “We had gods who were always pink, demons who were always brown, and dark gods who were always blue. Indra, Brahma, and Durga were pink, Asuras and Rakshasas were brown. Vishnu, Ram, and Krishna were blue.” He attributes this preference to the symbolism of blue representing the sky, ether, and divinity.

Discussing the blue depiction of Ram, Deepam Chatterjee, author of The Millennial Yogi, notes, “Blue depicts the infinite. It is the color of the clear day sky and of the deep sea. Divinity is often depicted as infinity. Hence, depictions of Lord Rama as blue are symbolic of his divine nature.” Referring to the Bhakti literature tradition, Chatterjee adds that Ram is called “Nīlameghashyama”—the one with the complexion.

Vatican’s Tech Ethicist, Friar Paolo Benanti, Advocates for Ethical AI Governance

In his humble brown robes, Friar Paolo Benanti, a member of the Franciscan order, takes on the profound challenge of our times – navigating the ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI). Serving as the Vatican’s technology advisor, Benanti, with a background in engineering and a doctorate in moral theology, is on a mission to ensure AI enriches lives without exploitation. His urgency aligns with Pope Francis’s call for an international treaty addressing the ethical use of AI, as highlighted in his 2024 peace message.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Benanti pondered, “What is the difference between a man who exists and a machine that functions?” Expressing the gravity of the issue, he emphasized the growing complexity of a machine that seems to be increasingly humanizing. His expertise extends beyond the Vatican, making him a crucial figure in international AI discussions.

Benanti, at 50, wears multiple hats. He serves on the United Nations’ Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, heads an Italian government commission safeguarding journalism from disinformation, and consults for the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life. His role involves translating technical terms for the Holy Father, a duty that proved invaluable during a 2023 meeting between Pope Francis and Microsoft President Brad Smith, focused on the ethical dimensions of AI.

Pope Francis, with a commitment to those on society’s margins, fears AI’s potential to infringe on human rights. The concern centers around discriminatory impacts on issues like mortgage applications, asylum bids, or assessing an offender’s likelihood to reoffend. Benanti concurs, warning about the dangers of insufficiently inclusive data leading to non-inclusive choices.

Microsoft, recognizing the friar’s unique expertise, sought Benanti’s insights several years ago. In 2023, Smith and Benanti collaborated on a podcast in Rome, where Smith lauded the friar for his extraordinary blend of engineering, ethics, and technology, making him a vital contributor to the AI debate.

One year away from completing his engineering degree at Rome’s Sapienza University, Benanti chose a different path, forsaking both his degree and his girlfriend to join the Franciscans in his 20s. He envisions AI as a potent tool, capable of reducing medical costs and empowering doctors to serve more people. However, he stresses the ethical quandaries posed by AI, which, with human-like capabilities, demand meticulous governance.

Benanti acknowledges that much of AI’s data is sourced from low-wage workers, often in developing countries marked by a history of colonialism and exploitation. Concerned about extracting cognitive resources from the global South, he states, “I don’t want this to be remembered as the season in which we extract from the global South cognitive resources.” He sheds light on the irony that the best AI tools in the West are trained using underpaid workers from English-speaking former colonies.

In addressing the ethical dilemma, the friar emphasizes, “It is a problem not of using (AI) but it is a problem of governance, and here is where ethics come in — finding the right level of use inside a social context.” Benanti’s advocacy resonates with those striving to strike a delicate balance between harnessing AI’s potential and ensuring it serves the collective good, embodying the timeless values of his Franciscan order founded by St. Francis of Assisi.

In new temple to Lord Ram, the Indian city of Ayodhya hopes to shed a disturbing history

AYODHYA, India (RNS) — Once a quaint, if historically and religiously significant, village, this 2,500-year-old city in northern India has been transformed into a global pilgrimage site befitting the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram.

Cobbled streets are being widened to hold tourist buses and VIP vehicles. Storefronts are uniformly being painted with the saffron emblem of Lord Ram. At worksites blaring Hindu-nationalist-themed pop music, laborers from across the country are building throughout the night. At the center of the face-lift is a long-anticipated temple honoring Ram, one of Hinduism’s most treasured deities, said in the Sanskrit epic the Ramayama to have been born here.

“This is a gift for Hindus of this nation and all around the world,” said Manmeet Gupta, a local TV news reporter. “Because after 500 years of struggle, they can finally see Ram lalla (infant) installed in his rightful birthplace.”

But the new temple, which will be the third-largest Hindu place of worship in the world, is a triumph too for the Hindu nationalist movement that in many ways was born in Ayodhya 30 years ago, when a Hindu mob tore down a mosque that occupied the site.

Hindutva, a Hindu-Sanskrit compound that translates to Hindu-ness, has existed for a century, but tensions in Ayodhya began in the 1980s, when Hindus belonging to Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which the CIA identified as a “religious militant organization,” began a campaign to replace the Babri Masjid, or Babri mosque, with a temple to Ram. Pointing to a finding by the government’s Indian Archaeological Survey that remnants of a “non-Islamic structure” and objects with ancient Hindu imagery were discernible beneath the mosque, the group argued that the land rightfully belonged to the god.

Rallies calling for a temple on the site were organized by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, contributing to its rising political power, which in turn emboldened Hindus with a strong nationalist tilt and a distaste for Muslim imperialism. It was a BJP rally in December 1992 that turned violent and resulted in the destruction of the masjid. The demolition sparked riots across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, where more than 2,000 were killed in retaliatory violence.

Murari Kumar Pandey, a Hindu who grew up “500 meters from Ram’s birthplace,” recalls playing in Shaheed Galli, or Martyr’s Alley, where dozens of Hindu volunteers, known as kar sevaks, died at the hands of police. “Our parents and grandparents couldn’t see it. All they saw was the Babri Masjid.”

Apart from the riots, the mosque’s destruction spawned a legal case that raged on through all levels of the Indian justice system for two decades, ending only in 2019. At one point the infant Ram made an appearance as a litigant. Construction on the temple began in 2020, when the land was blessed with water from India’s sacred rivers. Since then, Hindus from Ayodhya’s Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states have come to work on the temple to be part of history.

In the meantime, in 2014, the BJP, running on the promise of restoring the temple site, took power in Congress, led by now Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi and BJP have a comfortable lead in elections that will be held this spring, thanks to Hindus such as Pandey, who takes great pride in the new temple and credits Modi and Yogi Adityanath, a Hindu monk and chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, for making it happen.

Many local residents, such as Chandramal Mishra, a 38-year-old supervisor on the project, have come to work on the temple and other new buildings. Some had never worked in construction before. A native of a village less than 10 miles from Ayodhya, he had juggled several jobs before landing a role as the head of an electrical team at the temple site. For the last eight months, he has slept in a makeshift dorm with 500 beds and 35 bathrooms. “There are times when I’m needed even at 2 a.m. for work on site,” he said.

Far from complaining, Mishra said that the camaraderie among the volunteers is enough to sustain him. “I’m a Brahmin” — considered the highest of India’s social castes — “but no one asks me why I am working on a construction site. To use a shovel on the land of Ram Mandir is a matter of pride for me.”

Many workers, such as Sapna Sahu, tirelessly polish blocks of intricate marble with sandpaper, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” as they work, which they consider seva, or service, to their beloved Lord. Though each block takes two weeks to polish, she said, “I haven’t counted the stones I polished so far in two years.”

In the past year, luxury hotels, an international airport and major clothing brands have established outposts in Ayodhya, offering not only employment opportunities but shiny attractions for outsiders. But as part of the massive revamp to host millions of expected tourists, some residents have been dispossessed of their homes and land and claim that they were compensated poorly. These residents are now questioning the price of the Ram temple.

webRNS Ayodhya Opening16 011124 807x538
Construction crews work on Ram Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram, being built at the site of the demolished Babri Masjid mosque in Ayodhya, India, Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. The 16th century mosque was destroyed by Hindu radicals in December 1992, sparking massive Hindu-Muslim violence that left some 2,000 people dead. The Supreme Court’s verdict allowed a temple to be built in place of the demolished mosque. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Sahu’s friend and fellow stone polisher Snehlata watched as her in-laws’ house was demolished by district authorities. “Ayodhya is our home,” said the 28-year-old. “That’s why we are sad. It is a very sad feeling to lose our home. But if they are well compensated for this, then it is better for all.”

An economic boom, it is hoped, will erase Ayodhya’s political notoriety. The inauguration of the temple “is the day we all have waited for,” Snehlata said. “Until the Mandir exists, this stone will be etched in there. … Our kids will remember that I worked on this.

“A person can earn a living anywhere, but this is beyond belief. An opportunity of a lifetime.”

The area’s Muslims are taking less satisfaction from the city’s growth. In 2019, the Indian government, having awarded the disputed site to the temple, allocated 5 acres in a nearby village for a new mosque, barely 150 meters from the highway to the state’s capital, Lucknow. The trust responsible for the mosque construction, the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation, still awaits funds, an official said.

Mohsin Khan, who grew up near the mosque site, was elated to hear that a “grand mosque” would be built in his neighborhood. “But it has been a long time since then and there has been no work,” he said. “It is saddening and cruel.”

As the sun went down and children finished their prayers at the existing mosque and ran toward the open field where the Ayodhya Mosque is to be built, local women looked after their grazing buffaloes in the field. “Children play here. Sometimes we even join them for a bit. That’s all that happens here,” said Khan. “What’s the point of keeping looking at this land otherwise?”

With little time left until the inauguration date for the temple, roads remain unpaved, stones remain uncarved and the temple is still unfinished. The murti, or idol, of Ram Lalla will be consecrated on Jan. 22, but Mishra suggested that the temple complex will not be fully ready until 2028.

The rush to meet deadlines has triggered political divisions, with opposition leaders declining an invitation to the ceremony. “The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain,” the Congress Party said in a statement on Jan. 10, referring to both their political opponents and the RSS, the religious and social organization that fostered the BJP.

webRNS Ayodhya Opening08 011124 807x605
Construction crews work on the entrance to the new Ram Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram, in Ayodhya, India. (RNS photo/Richa Karmarkar)

Still, tourists are already beginning to arrive, some sneaking construction debris into their pockets to bring home. Others stack rocks to make little “homes” in a spiritual tradition similar to tossing coins in a wishing well.

Nitish Yadav, a 30-year-old pilgrim from central India, traveled with his family for 48 hours to reach Ayodhya. “No one can stop it now,” he said regarding the construction site, as tears welled in his eyes. “Ram has returned home.”

“We have also made a home for Ram lalla on this land,” added Yadav’s wife, Rajni, as she watched her son stack up rocks near the fence. “We couldn’t wait till the opening to see this.”

Yadav has an added sense of pride from having a hand in the event. “After waiting for 500 years, a Hindu of Modi’s stature has come to realize this dream,” he said. “I voted for the BJP in 2014 so that this day can come.”

webRNS Ayodhya Opening03 011124 807x605
A pedestrian avenue will connect an established Hanuman temple to the new Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, India. (RNS photo/Richa Karmarkar)

Grand Celebrations and Global Enthusiasm Surrounding Ayodhya’s Ram Temple Inauguration

As anticipation grows in India for the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya later this month, Indians residing in the United States have displayed their enthusiasm through a grand car rally organized in Edison, New Jersey. More than 350 cars, adorned with flags depicting images of Lord Ram, participated in the event, as captured in visuals accessed by ANI.

Simultaneously, preparations for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22 have taken on a global scale. Giant billboards featuring Lord Ram and the majestic shrine have been erected in over 10 states in the United States, thousands of miles away from Ayodhya. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), US chapter, in collaboration with Hindus from across the country, has installed over 40 billboards, conveying the significance of the grand ceremony at the birthplace of Shri Ram Lalla.

These billboards are prominently displayed in states such as Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. Additionally, Arizona and the State of Missouri are scheduled to join this visual celebration from January 15 onwards, according to the VHP, American chapter.

Amitabh VW Mittal, the general secretary of the Hindu Parishad of America, emphasized the joy and excitement of Hindu Americans, stating, “The resounding message conveyed by these billboards is that Hindu Americans are elated and joyously participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Their emotions overflow as they eagerly await the auspicious day of the consecration ceremony.”

Teja A Shah, joint general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, America chapter, echoed this sentiment, expressing the palpable enthusiasm within the Hindu community in New Jersey. He mentioned the various events leading up to the ceremony, including a car rally, exhibition, curtain raiser, and billboards across New York and New Jersey, culminating in a grand celebration on the 21st night.

To mark the inauguration of the Ram Temple, the Hindu American community in the US has organized several car rallies, with more events planned in the lead-up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya.

Meanwhile, President Bhojraj Ghoorbin of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharm Temples Federation shared the preparations in Mauritius. Temples across the country will organize Ramayan Chanting and celebrations on January 22, commemorating the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. Ghoorbin highlighted the festive atmosphere, revealing that all Hindu brothers and sisters in Mauritius are actively participating in the celebrations, with special events planned, resembling the fervor of Diwali.

“In Mauritius, we are celebrating two Diwalis. The first Diwali is on January 22, and the second Diwali is on October 31. We will do it the same as we all know: after 14 years of Vanwas (exile), Prabhu Shri Ram is coming to Ayodhya. So this time, not after 14 years, Prabhu Ram is coming after 500 years,” added President Ghoorbin. He also announced a cultural program a day before the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, with Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth attending as the chief guest.

On the Indian front, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the ceremonial installation of the idol of Shri Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple on January 22. Leaders and dignitaries from various fields have been invited to the grand temple opening, which will span seven days starting January 16. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has set the date for the enthronement of Ram Lalla at noon on January 22, with Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony beginning on January 16, a week prior to the main event.

Reflecting on the cultural significance of the Ramayan, the Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, highlighted its universal appeal and timeless lessons. Speaking at an event titled ‘Ramayana across Asia and Beyond’ at the US Capitol Hill, Sandhu stated, “The epic gives insights into the complexities of human relationships, governance and spirituality, dharma or duty, justice, sacrifice, loyalty, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

He emphasized the global reach of the Ramayan, serving as a bridge across geographies and influencing diverse cultures in the Indo-Pacific region. Ambassador Sandhu shared his personal observations of the epic’s impact across boundaries, showcasing its adaptability in various artistic, literary, and religious traditions.

The fervor surrounding the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is not confined to the borders of India. The global Hindu community, especially in the United States and Mauritius, is actively participating in and celebrating this historic event, showcasing the universal appeal and cultural significance of the Ramayan.

Hindu Americans Celebrate Ayodhya’s Grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ Across the US with Billboards and Rallies

Amidst the ongoing global events and celebrations leading up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, massive billboards featuring Lord Ram and the majestic shrine in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh have been erected in more than 10 states, extending thousands of miles away in the United States.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) US chapter, in collaboration with Hindus from various parts of the US, has installed over 40 billboards across 10 states, showcasing the message surrounding the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the birthplace of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22. The billboards adorn prominent locations in states such as Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia, with Arizona and the State of Missouri joining this visual celebration from Monday, January 15, as per the VHP American chapter.

Amitabh VW Mittal, the general secretary of Hindu Parishad of America, emphasized the sentiment conveyed by these billboards, stating, “The resounding message conveyed by these billboards is that Hindu Americans are elated and joyously participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Their emotions overflow as they eagerly await the auspicious day of the consecration ceremony,” as reported by ANI.

In commemoration of the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Hindu American community across the US has arranged numerous car rallies and has scheduled additional events leading up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya.

The ceremonial installation of the idol of Shri Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple on January 22 will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A multitude of leaders and dignitaries from various walks of life have been invited to witness the grand opening of the temple in Ayodhya.

According to temple officials, the ceremony is planned over a seven-day span, commencing on January 16. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has finalized the enthronement of Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22.

To mark the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, Vedic rituals will commence on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

The Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, highlighted the cultural significance of the Ramayan during an event at the US Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, titled ‘Ramayana across Asia and Beyond’. He expressed, “Ramayan is a bridge across geographies and teaches people about the complexities of human relationships and the eternal struggle between good and evil.”

Sandhu further emphasized the widespread influence of Ramayan across the Indo-Pacific region, stating, “The lessons and tales from Ramayan are passed down from generations, and it is hard to say exactly when one learns them. The epic gives insights into the complexities of human relationships, governance and spirituality, dharma or duty, justice, sacrifice, loyalty, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.”

In response to the growing anticipation in India regarding the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Mauritian government announced a special break for Hindu public officers on January 22. The Mauritian Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, granted a two-hour special leave for Hindu public officers to participate in local events marking the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla in the Indian temple town.

The official statement from the Mauritian Cabinet read, “(The) Cabinet has agreed to the grant of a one-off special leave of two hours on Monday, 22 January 2024, as from 1400 hours to public officers of Hindu faith, subject to exigencies of service, in the context of the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in India, which is a landmark event as it symbolizes the return of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.”

In Iowa and beyond, evangelical Christian voters follow their party more than their faith

(RNS) — The drive between Eastern Illinois University, where Ryan Burge teaches political science, and Mt. Vernon, Illinois, where he is pastor of a small Baptist church, takes a little more than an hour and a half. Given his two professions, Burge spends a lot of time while commuting across downstate Illinois’ flat, green expanse thinking about religion and elections.

Among the things Burge says he has learned: Faith for most people matters in the pews and, for some, in day-to-day life. But in the voting booth, politics is king.

“Partisanship is the strongest predictor of vote choice,” said Burge. “It was that way in the 1950s, and it’s that way today. Religion does not matter nearly as much as people think it does.”

As an example, Burge pointed out that when the 2024 presidential campaign season begins in earnest with the Iowa caucuses on Monday (Jan. 15), evangelical Christians are likely to be as faithful to the Republican Party as they have for the past few decades. But with evangelical leaders wielding less influence than they have in the past, their choices are going to be driven primarily by their identification as Republicans, not their faith connections.

Evangelical support in Iowa has played a key role in boosting past candidates, notably George W. Bush in 2000. But Bush was the last Republican launched by Iowa Republicans all the way to the White House. Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and Southern Baptist preacher, won in 2008. Rick Santorum, a conservative Catholic favored by evangelicals, won in 2012, as did Ted Cruz, son of an evangelical pastor. But Ron DeSantis, the candidate backed this year by the leader of a prominent evangelical group, is trailing badly in the polls.

Michael Wear, a former official in the Obama faith-based office and author of the forthcoming “The Spirit of Our Politics,” while past Republican presidential candidates would come to events seeking the approval of evangelical leaders, evangelicals are now seeking the approval of conservatives.

Wear pointed to a 2023 candidate forum hosted by The Family Leader, a prominent Christian group in the state. Rather than have an evangelical leader or pastor interview candidates at its Family Leadership Summit, organizers invited former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to play that role. “It shows evangelicals playing for conservative acceptance, as opposed to Republicans playing for evangelical acceptance,” Wear said.

Bob Vander Plaats, president of The Family Leader, long described as Iowa’s evangelical kingmaker for his role in backing Huckabee, Santorum and Cruz, is backing Ron DeSantis this year. The Florida governor trails Trump by more than 35 percentage points, according to FiveThirtyEight.

In a recent op-ed for the Des Moines Register, Vander Plaats argued that while Trump is a friend, his candidacy is doomed. “While Trump could very well win the primary, the system and the sheer number of Trump haters will never allow him to win the presidency,” he wrote. Iowans, evangelical or not, don’t seem to be convinced.

Evangelicals in Iowa and beyond may simply be seeing the downside of their alliance with the Republican Party. In the late 1990s, legendary religious right leaders Paul Weyrich, a co-founder of the Council for National Policy, Gary Bauer, then president of the Family Research Council, and Southern Baptist ethicist and activist Richard Land pushed Republican leaders to deliver on promises made to evangelicals when they came on board as the moral majority in the late 1970s.

These ’90s leaders were angry that their support for Republicans hadn’t led to many results on issues like abortion. “The go-along, get-along strategy is dead,” Land, then president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, told The New York Times in 1998. “No more engagement. We want a wedding ring, we want a ceremony, we want a consummation of the marriage.”

Those promises would eventually be cinched by Trump, who as president delivered the Supreme Court conservative majority that spelled the end of Roe v. Wade, long an evangelical goal. Some evangelicals thought the cost was too high. Trump, a twice-divorced reality TV star, shared few of their beliefs, and they bridled at his caustic rhetoric.

Bob Vander Plaats speaks at the 2015 Presidential Family Forum, hosted by the Family Leader, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Gage Skidmore/Flickr/Creative Commons)

Bob Vander Plaats speaks at the 2015 Presidential Family Forum, hosted by The Family Leader, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Gage Skidmore/Flickr/Creative Commons)

But by 2023, faith-based politicos like Vander Plaats are finding the wished-for marriage didn’t put them in charge. Christian leaders who oppose Trump on ethical grounds now often find themselves exiled from fellow believers who more than ever want to vote for their man, not their spirituality.

Burge speculated that many evangelical leaders treat Trump as some mainstream Republicans in Congress do: back him in public, afraid of the consequences of opposing him, while griping about him behind the scenes.

“A lot of pastors are publicly saying nothing or giving tacit approval of Trump, and then going home to their wives and saying, ‘This is stupid. I don’t want this,’” said Burge. “They are in a terrible spot.”

Ryan Burge. (Courtesy photo)

Ryan Burge. (Courtesy photo)

Evangelicals, however, may determine the race for second place. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who served as Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations, “needs to get DeSantis out of this race,” said Wear. “If she comes second in Iowa, I think that will do it, and if she’s going to do that, she needs to at least hold her own among evangelicals.”

Complicating the picture further is the statistical difficulty in separating voters’ religion from their political allegiance. Some white evangelicals, especially those who aren’t churchgoers, appear to be less motivated by faith than fear about their declining influence in America, driven by demographics and cultural change, said Burge.

“In some ways what you’re seeing is the death throes of a majority religion in its final days,” he said. “And it’s not pretty.”

Brent Leatherwood, president of the ERLC, the public policy entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, suspects that Trump will win the Iowa caucuses and go on to win the Republican nomination, setting up “a replay” of the 2020 election.

“What’s ironic,” he said, “is that it seems no one really wants that.”

Leatherwood, a former executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party, said that when he became ERLC president, he pledged not to try to tell people who to vote for. Instead, he’s focused on the ethical principles that should guide Christians in politics.

He believes that voters are tired of the political, social and economic chaos and polarization of recent years and would like to see some stability in the nation’s leadership.

“They want some peace and quiet on the political arena,” he said. “Think about all the political, social, and cultural upheavals that we’ve seen over the last 15 years. The Great Recession. Obergefell. The drama of the 2016 election. COVID. Jan. 6. The end of Roe. Historic levels of inflation. That’s not even accounting for what we are seeing on the international stage.”

Brent Leatherwood speaks during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Anaheim, California, on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. RNS photo by Justin L. Stewart
Brent Leatherwood speaks during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Anaheim, California, on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. RNS photo by Justin L. Stewart

It’s unlikely, he added, that any candidate will be able to deliver that, no matter their party. “I’m not sure that it is reasonable to expect calm, and no candidate has a magic wand or a set of principles or a group of advisers that he or she can call upon, to set the world at ease.”

Leatherwood said Christians ought to be wary of being closely tied to political parties or the temptation to ignore principles in favor of political gains. Instead, he said, candidates should be evaluated on their ethics and their policies.

If no candidate is fit for office, he added, evangelicals and other Christians should consider withholding their vote. “A principled abstention by a sizable enough group of voters,” he said, “would send an important message.”

Grand Celebrations and Global Enthusiasm Surrounding Ayodhya’s Ram Temple Inauguration

As anticipation grows in India for the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya later this month, Indians residing in the United States have displayed their enthusiasm through a grand car rally organized in Edison, New Jersey. More than 350 cars, adorned with flags depicting images of Lord Ram, participated in the event, as captured in visuals accessed by ANI.

Simultaneously, preparations for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22 have taken on a global scale. Giant billboards featuring Lord Ram and the majestic shrine have been erected in over 10 states in the United States, thousands of miles away from Ayodhya. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), US chapter, in collaboration with Hindus from across the country, has installed over 40 billboards, conveying the significance of the grand ceremony at the birthplace of Shri Ram Lalla.

These billboards are prominently displayed in states such as Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. Additionally, Arizona and the State of Missouri are scheduled to join this visual celebration from January 15 onwards, according to the VHP, American chapter.

Amitabh VW Mittal, the general secretary of the Hindu Parishad of America, emphasized the joy and excitement of Hindu Americans, stating, “The resounding message conveyed by these billboards is that Hindu Americans are elated and joyously participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Their emotions overflow as they eagerly await the auspicious day of the consecration ceremony.”

Teja A Shah, joint general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, America chapter, echoed this sentiment, expressing the palpable enthusiasm within the Hindu community in New Jersey. He mentioned the various events leading up to the ceremony, including a car rally, exhibition, curtain raiser, and billboards across New York and New Jersey, culminating in a grand celebration on the 21st night.

To mark the inauguration of the Ram Temple, the Hindu American community in the US has organized several car rallies, with more events planned in the lead-up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya.

Meanwhile, President Bhojraj Ghoorbin of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharm Temples Federation shared the preparations in Mauritius. Temples across the country will organize Ramayan Chanting and celebrations on January 22, commemorating the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. Ghoorbin highlighted the festive atmosphere, revealing that all Hindu brothers and sisters in Mauritius are actively participating in the celebrations, with special events planned, resembling the fervor of Diwali.

“In Mauritius, we are celebrating two Diwalis. The first Diwali is on January 22, and the second Diwali is on October 31. We will do it the same as we all know: after 14 years of Vanwas (exile), Prabhu Shri Ram is coming to Ayodhya. So this time, not after 14 years, Prabhu Ram is coming after 500 years,” added President Ghoorbin. He also announced a cultural program a day before the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, with Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth attending as the chief guest.

On the Indian front, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the ceremonial installation of the idol of Shri Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple on January 22. Leaders and dignitaries from various fields have been invited to the grand temple opening, which will span seven days starting January 16. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has set the date for the enthronement of Ram Lalla at noon on January 22, with Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony beginning on January 16, a week prior to the main event.

Reflecting on the cultural significance of the Ramayan, the Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, highlighted its universal appeal and timeless lessons. Speaking at an event titled ‘Ramayana across Asia and Beyond’ at the US Capitol Hill, Sandhu stated, “The epic gives insights into the complexities of human relationships, governance and spirituality, dharma or duty, justice, sacrifice, loyalty, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.”

He emphasized the global reach of the Ramayan, serving as a bridge across geographies and influencing diverse cultures in the Indo-Pacific region. Ambassador Sandhu shared his personal observations of the epic’s impact across boundaries, showcasing its adaptability in various artistic, literary, and religious traditions.

https://www.ndtv.com/indians-abroad/watch-indians-in-us-organise-car-rally-ahead-of-ram-temple-consecration-4858644

Puri Shankaracharya Addresses Concerns on Political Interference in Religious Affairs

Reaffirming his stance against participating in the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati emphasized the undesirability of political interference in religious and spiritual matters. He asserted that even the Constitution does not permit such intrusion. The Shankaracharya spoke out against the encroachment of politicians into realms governed by religious and spiritual regulations, labeling it as both irrational and a violation of constitutional principles.

In a statement made at the Ganga Sagar Mela in West Bengal, where he attended the annual ritualistic bath for Makar Sankranti, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati elaborated on the need for politicians to respect their constitutional limits. He stressed, “Politicians have their limits and they have responsibility under the Constitution. There are rules and restrictions in religious and spiritual domain and these rules should be followed. Interfering in every area by politicians is insanity. This is also a heinous crime according to the Constitution.”

Acknowledging his own limitations as a Shankaracharya, he explained the boundaries that dictate where he can go, what he can involve himself in, and even what he can eat. He specifically addressed the ‘murti pratishtha’ (consecration of idols) and underscored that established rules based on scriptures should be adhered to, especially by the head of state or the Prime Minister.

“Overstepping these rules for propagating one’s name is an act of rebellion against God… and going down the path of destruction,” Puri Shankaracharya warned. Despite clarifying that he harbors no resentment towards Ayodhya and occasionally visits, he firmly stated his decision not to partake in the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the Ram Mandir on January 22.

Swami Nischalananda Saraswati emphasized that there exists unanimity among the four Shankaracharyas regarding attending the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir on August 22. He clarified that he does not dissuade anyone from participating in the event.

While expressing his lack of displeasure with the central government, the religious leader did express regret over the invitation to the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Temple. He revealed that he was asked to attend with a colleague, a condition he found disagreeable. The Shankaracharya lamented the fact that despite the religious and spiritual eminence of the Shankaracharyas, they were not granted access to the ‘garbhgriha sanctum sanctorum’ of the temple but were instructed to stay outside. “This is not acceptable to me. I do not like the prospect of watching the inauguration of the Ram Temple by sitting at the event and clapping,” he asserted.

Swami Nischalananda Saraswati also drew attention to certain irregularities within the country’s political system, highlighting how politicians often seek votes by capitalizing on the distress of the population.

When asked about the Ganga Sagar Mela potentially receiving the status of a ‘National Mela,’ the religious leader responded humorously, suggesting that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s habit of gifting kurtas to the Prime Minister might influence such a decision. He remarked, “If she makes the requests while offering these gifts, the Prime Minister might agree and declare the Ganga Sagar Mela a National Mela.”

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/political-interference-not-desirable-in-religious-events-says-puri-shankaracharya/article67738571.ece

Holy See’s Global Diplomatic Network Flourishes: Establishes New Ties, Ratifies Agreements, and Navigates a Robust International Landscape

In the context of the customary audience extended by the Pope to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, the Secretary of State of the Vatican has disseminated updated information regarding the countries maintaining diplomatic ties with the Holy See.

As of the commencement of the year 2024, the Holy See boasts diplomatic relations with 184 countries. This tally includes not only individual nations but also encompasses the European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. The collective presence of embassies headquartered in Rome, inclusive of those representing the European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, amounts to a total of 91. Additionally, Rome serves as the base for the offices of significant international entities such as the League of Arab States, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

In a significant diplomatic development during the course of 2023, the Holy See officially established full-fledged diplomatic relations with the Sultanate of Oman on February 23. Subsequently, on July 19, the “Supplementary Agreement to the Agreement between the Holy See and the Republic of Kazakhstan on Mutual Relations of September 24, 1998,” pertaining to the issuance of visas and residence permits to ecclesiastical and religious personnel from abroad, was ratified. This agreement, initially signed on September 14, 2022, underscores the evolving nature of the Holy See’s diplomatic engagements. Furthermore, on July 27, the Holy See concluded the “Agreement on the Status of the Pontifical Representative Resident and the Office of the Pontifical Representative Resident in Vietnam” with Vietnam. The culmination of this agreement was marked by the subsequent appointment of a Pontifical Representative Resident on December 23.

As of the conclusion of 2023, the United Nations officially recognizes a total of 195 countries.In light of this, it is noteworthy that the Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with 184 countries, leaving 11 nations with which it does not have established diplomatic ties. This positioning underscores the Holy See’s standing as one of the nations boasting one of the most extensive networks of diplomatic relations globally. The historical trajectory of the Holy See’s diplomatic engagements is marked by Spain being the first country ever with which the Holy See established diplomatic relations, while the Sultanate of Oman represents the latest addition to this distinguished list.

It is important to underscore the significance of the Holy See’s diplomatic reach, encompassing a broad spectrum of nations and international entities. The European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta are emblematic of the diverse range of entities with which the Holy See cultivates diplomatic ties. Additionally, the concentration of embassies in Rome, including those representing the European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, highlights the city’s pivotal role as a hub for diplomatic activities.

The diplomatic developments of 2023, particularly the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Sultanate of Oman, exemplify the Holy See’s ongoing commitment to fostering international dialogue and cooperation. The ratification of the “Supplementary Agreement” with the Republic of Kazakhstan reflects the Holy See’s proactive approach in addressing specific aspects of diplomatic relations. Similarly, the conclusion of the “Agreement on the Status of the Pontifical Representative Resident and the Office of the Pontifical Representative Resident in Vietnam” signifies the Holy See’s concerted efforts to formalize and structure its diplomatic engagements with individual nations.

The Holy See’s expansive diplomatic network is particularly noteworthy in the context of the United Nations’ recognition of 195 countries. With diplomatic relations established with 184 nations, the Holy See has positioned itself as a key player in international diplomacy. The absence of diplomatic ties with only 11 countries further underscores the comprehensiveness of the Holy See’s diplomatic outreach.

The historical perspective of the Holy See’s diplomatic relations adds depth to its contemporary engagements. Spain holds a special place in the Holy See’s diplomatic history as the first nation with which it established diplomatic relations. This historical connection serves as a testament to the enduring nature of diplomatic ties between the Holy See and individual countries. The recent addition of the Sultanate of Oman to the list of nations with diplomatic relations further underscores the Holy See’s commitment to expanding its global diplomatic footprint.

https://zenit.org/2024/01/08/with-how-many-countries-does-the-vatican-have-diplomatic-relations-in-2024/?eti=12970

Pope Francis Urges Unity Amidst Church Discontent and Emphasizes Compassion for the Marginalized

In the face of opposition from conservative factions within the Catholic Church, Pope Francis delivered a message of unity, cautioning against the fragmentation of the faithful based on personal ideologies. The pontiff issued this plea during his homily at St. Peter’s Basilica on Epiphany Day, the final significant celebration of the Christmas season.

In his address, Pope Francis specifically discouraged the adoption of “ecclesiastical ideologies” and urged believers to transcend such divisions. He emphasized the need to avoid forming groups rooted in individual ideas, urging unity and a focus on shared faith. The Pope’s words served as a response to internal resistance within the Church, particularly regarding recent policy decisions.

Last month, Pope Francis granted permission for priests to bless couples outside of traditional marriages, including same-sex relationships. However, this move was met with opposition from some conservative bishops who labeled the Pope’s stance as dangerously progressive. In response to the pushback, the Vatican issued a statement earlier this week, clarifying that the blessings did not constitute heresy, and there were no doctrinal grounds to reject the practice.

While Pope Francis did not explicitly reference the controversy surrounding same-sex blessings in his Epiphany homily, he did deviate from the prepared text to emphasize the broader need to abandon ecclesiastical ideologies. The pontiff underscored the importance of ensuring that faith does not become a mere collection of religious devotions or outward appearances.

“We find the God who comes down to visit us, not by basking in some elegant religious theory, but by setting out on a journey, seeking the signs of his presence in everyday life,” Pope Francis remarked. He specifically highlighted the significance of recognizing God in the faces of the poor, urging the Church to focus on compassion and genuine connection rather than theoretical discussions.

Despite turning 87 last month and facing health challenges in the previous year, Pope Francis displayed resilience during the Epiphany ceremony, which included the singing of Christmas hymns. At the conclusion of the 90-minute service, an aide assisted the Pope, who has a chronic knee problem, in navigating the basilica’s center aisle using a wheelchair.

Throughout his almost 11-year papacy, Pope Francis has dedicated significant attention to advocating for marginalized groups, particularly the poor. Despite the Church’s teachings that deem homosexual acts as sinful, the Pope has actively sought to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ Catholics. His recent approval of blessings for same-sex couples outside traditional marriages aligns with his broader efforts to promote acceptance and compassion within the Church.

Italian Priest Excommunicated for Denying Pope Francis’ Papacy

In a recent development, an Italian priest, Father Ramon Guidetti, has faced excommunication from his local bishop for expressing controversial views about Pope Francis during a homily. The Diocese of Livorno, located in Tuscany, issued a decree on January 1, alerting Catholics to Father Guidetti’s actions, asserting that he “publicly committed a schismatic act” during Mass, leading to an automatic excommunication under Canon law.

Bishop Simone Giusti, the local bishop, explicitly directed Catholics not to attend any Masses conducted by Father Guidetti, cautioning that doing so would result in the serious penalty of excommunication. The bishop invoked Canon 751, which defines schism as “the refusal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him.”

A video posted on YouTube captured the contentious homily delivered by Father Guidetti on December 31, 2023, marking the one-year anniversary of Benedict XVI’s death. In the video, the priest referred to Pope Francis as a “usurper” and a “freemason,” questioning the legitimacy of his papacy. Moreover, Guidetti outright denied that Pope Francis had been the pope for the past decade.

The 48-year-old priest had been serving as the parish priest of the Church of San Ranieri since 2017, situated outside the coastal city of Livorno, approximately 150 miles north of Rome. This move by the local bishop to excommunicate Father Guidetti comes after a meeting held before Christmas, where the bishop addressed the priest’s dissent and subsequently issued the official excommunication decree following Guidetti’s public act of schism on December 31.

Bishop Giusti emphasized the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the implications of excommunication for those who defy the directive: “Catholics are not to attend any Masses offered by the excommunicated priest or they would also incur the very serious penalty of excommunication.”

The use of canonical law to address cases of dissent or schism within the Catholic Church is not uncommon. Canon law provides a framework for maintaining order and discipline within the Church, and excommunication is considered one of the most severe penalties. The decision to excommunicate Father Guidetti stems from his public declarations challenging the legitimacy of Pope Francis’ papacy, constituting a direct violation of Canon 751.

Father Guidetti’s controversial statements, as captured in the video, play a central role in the bishop’s decision to issue the excommunication decree. In the homily, the priest not only referred to Pope Francis as a “usurper” and a “freemason” but also asserted that the current pope had not held the position for the past decade. These statements directly challenge the authority and legitimacy of the Supreme Pontiff, a grave offense within the context of the Catholic Church.

The decree issued by the Diocese of Livorno reflects the seriousness with which the Church addresses matters of schism and dissent. The term “latae sententiae excommunication” used in the decree indicates that Father Guidetti incurred automatic excommunication as a result of his actions during the Mass. This means that the penalty is applied automatically by virtue of the actions committed, without the need for a formal declaration from Church authorities.

The bishop’s adherence to canonical law and the use of excommunication as a disciplinary measure underscores the importance of maintaining doctrinal unity within the Catholic Church. While the Church encourages theological discussions and diverse perspectives, actions that directly challenge the authority of the Pope and the core tenets of Catholicism can lead to severe consequences, as witnessed in the case of Father Guidetti.

The decision to excommunicate Father Guidetti also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the need for adherence to the doctrines of the Church. While individuals within the Church are encouraged to engage in open dialogue, the public expression of views that undermine the fundamental beliefs and authority structures of the Catholic Church can result in serious repercussions.

The local paper in Livorno reported that Bishop Giusti had met with Father Guidetti before Christmas to address his dissent. The subsequent excommunication decree indicates that the bishop deemed the priest’s public act of schism on December 31 as a clear and unacceptable breach of canonical norms. The bishop’s decision to proceed with the excommunication highlights the significance of upholding the unity and integrity of the Catholic faith.

The excommunication of Father Ramon Guidetti by the Diocese of Livorno for challenging the legitimacy of Pope Francis’ papacy during a homily underscores the seriousness with which the Catholic Church addresses matters of dissent and schism. The use of canonical law, specifically invoking Canon 751, reflects the Church’s commitment to maintaining doctrinal unity and discipline. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the boundaries set by the Church to safeguard its core tenets and authority structures.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate Majestic Temple Amidst Green Oasis

The grand opening of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is scheduled for January 24, 2024, and will be marked by the inauguration led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The construction, set in motion following a landmark 2019 Supreme Court judgment, is on the verge of completion, covering a vast 70-acre area. The temple itself spans 2.7 acres and has incurred a cost of US$216 million.

In accordance with the vision of the Ram temple trust, the temple stands not only as a religious symbol but also as an embodiment of self-reliance and environmental sustainability. Remarkably, the temple complex boasts a 70 percent green cover, incorporating dense sections adorned with preserved existing trees. The infrastructure further includes sewage and water treatment plants, a dedicated power line, and a strategically positioned fire brigade post.

Designed in the traditional Nagara style, the temple complex is a marvel with three stories, 392 pillars, and an impressive 44 gates on each floor. For the convenience of pilgrims, a facilitation complex has been incorporated, featuring healthcare facilities, a toilet block, and storage provisions for personal items before embarking on the revered ‘darshan.’

Anticipating the momentous occasion, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on December 30. During this visit, he will inaugurate the redeveloped railway station and unveil a new airport. In a significant move, Air India Express is set to initiate its inaugural flight from Delhi to Ayodhya on December 30, with daily services commencing from January 16. Additionally, IndiGo is following suit with its inaugural flight on December 30, commencing commercial services from January 6.

The celebration of this auspicious event extends beyond national borders, as the Ram Temple Trust has extended invitations to political leaders, actors, industrialists, and sports icons. The trust is also gearing up to host representatives from 50 foreign countries, adding a global touch to the grand inauguration ceremony, which is expected to be attended by a gathering of 7,000 people.

In the words of the Ram Temple Trust, “The temple is not just a place of worship; it symbolizes a harmonious blend of spirituality and sustainability. We invite the world to witness this historic moment in Ayodhya, as we open the doors to the monumental Ram Mandir, a testament to our rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess.”

India’s Modi hosts Christian leaders for Christmas amid rising persecution

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), hosted over 100 Christian leaders from all denominations at his official residence on Christmas morning amid criticism for the continued persecution of Christians in India.

Several Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai and Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto, who were seated on either side of Modi during the event, were in attendance.

The archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, and Bishop Thomas mar Anthonios of the Syro-Malankara Church also joined bishops of different denominations and Christian leaders from different walks of life at the gathering.

Asked to comment on the meeting with the prime minister, considering the uptick in attacks on Christians in the country, Bharanikulangara told CNA: “Everybody knows what is happening … But when the prime minister invites [us], how can we decline?”

“It is for the prime minister to show that he is really concerned about the Christians,” said Bharanikulangara, a former Vatican diplomat.

“Christmas is an occasion to remember Jesus Christ’s life’s message and values,” Modi said, addressing the gathering of Christian leaders that included academicians and Christian businessmen from across the country. The prime minister went on to hail the service of the Christians, saying: “The nation proudly acknowledges the contribution of the Christian community.”

“Our government is ensuring that the benefits of development reach everyone and no one is left untouched,” Modi said, adding that many people of the Christian faith, especially poor segments, are benefitting from his government’s welfare programs.

Among several Christians who spoke during the two-hour program was Cardinal Gracias, who thanked Modi for his “efforts” on behalf of the country, the Christian community, and the world.

“Our country could be the leading country in the world,” Gracias said, according to an ANI report.

However, several Christians said they were skeptical about the motivation behind Modi’s Christmas meeting and his failure to address the steadily worsening persecution that has taken place in nearly a decade of Modi rule.

“This [Christmas celebration] is a political gimmick and image-making by Prime Minister Modi ahead of the next elections,” A C Michael, an outspoken Catholic activist, told CNA.

“We are concerned over the silence of Prime Minister Modi, who praises Christian service publicly but does nothing to stop the increasing violence and persecution of Christians,” pointed out Michael, coordinator of the United Christian Forum (UCF), which monitors atrocities and incidents of persecution against Christians.

UCF published a report Dec. 8 recording 687 incidents of violence against Christians in 334 days of 2023 (from the start of the year to the end of November). The report further said that while only 147 incidents of violence against Christians were reported in 2014 (when the BJP regime under Modi came to power), the incidents steadily spiraled to reach 687 by November’s end.

Armed with this data, Michael along with Catholic activist John Dayal and Supreme Court lawyer Sister Mary Scaria addressed a news conference with secular activists on Dec. 28 in New Delhi on the Modi government’s “Lunch Diplomacy and Christian Persecution.”

“The prime minister is not only free but duty-bound to embrace the nation’s religious minorities and invite their leaders to functions at his house on Christmas. … But the Christmas spirit must not let us forget the condition and tribulations of our brothers and sisters who suffer because of government impunity and the brazen political elements who have no respect for the constitution of India and its guarantees of freedoms to the citizens,” the Catholic leaders lamented in their press statement.

“The persecution of the community is rampant, hate towards it from the highest quarters of nationalist religious leadership as deep as it can be,” they decried.

“The government seems keen to starve it [Christianity] out of existence by withdrawing the FCRAs [license to receive foreign donations] of a vast number of churches and its NGOs [nongovernmental organizations], and using the investigating agencies against cardinals and bishops, pastors and laypeople. In UP [Uttar Pradesh], for instance, over 100 pastors and even ordinary men and women are in jail under charges of illegal conversions when celebrating birthdays or conducting Sunday prayers,” the statement said.

Dayal, former president of All India Catholic Union, dubbed Modi’s Christmas hosting of Christian leadership as “just an eyewash to impress the Christians.”

“The prime minister has made a mockery of the pains of the Christian community by remaining silent and [was] not bothered to even visit bleeding Manipur,” Dayal told CNA Dec. 29.

“If he was concerned about peace and safety of the hounded Christians, he could have taken stern preemptive action to curb and stop the Manipur violence,” Dayal added.

Beginning in May, Manipur state in northeast India, which borders Myanmar, has witnessed a protracted violent ethnic clash between the majority Meiteis, most of them Hindus, and the minority Kuki tribals (almost all of them Christians).

St Paul's Church in Imphal capital of Manipur state after the church was set on fire in 2023 Credit Anto Akkara
St. Paul’s Church, in Imphal, capital of Manipur state, after the church was set on fire in 2023. Credit: Anto Akkara

Among the nearly 200 killed and over 60,000 displaced in Manipur, the overwhelming majority are Kukis who have been chased out from Meitei strongholds, such as the Imphal Valley, in the simmering violence.

Media and independent investigators have blamed the BJP-led state government’s condoning of the violence by Meitei groups that have also destroyed or damaged more than 600 churches.

Pope Francis Urges Global Peace and Criticizes Weapons Industry in Christmas Day Address

Pope Francis delivered a powerful Christmas Day message from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, denouncing the weapons industry and its role in perpetuating conflicts worldwide. He specifically addressed the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, lamenting the recent attack by Hamas in southern Israel and calling for the release of hostages. The pontiff urged an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and appealed for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

In his annual “Urbi et Orbi” speech, which translates to “To the City and the World,” Pope Francis dedicated his blessings to a plea for peace globally. Reflecting on the biblical story of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, he acknowledged the current state of sorrow and silence in the region. The Pope’s message extended beyond the Middle East, touching on various global conflicts, from Armenia and Azerbaijan to Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, South Sudan, Congo, and the Korean peninsula. He called for humanitarian initiatives, dialogue, and enhanced security to prevail over violence and death.

Pope Francis emphasized the need for governments and people of goodwill, especially in the Americas, to address the concerning issue of migration. He condemned the actions of “unscrupulous traffickers” who exploit individuals seeking a better life and called for collective efforts to tackle this troubling phenomenon.

A significant portion of the Pope’s address was dedicated to criticizing the weapons industry, which he accused of fueling conflicts worldwide with insufficient public attention. He urged greater discourse and scrutiny on the subject to expose the interests and profits behind the scenes of war. Pope Francis questioned the possibility of achieving peace when arms production, sales, and trade continue to escalate.

“It should be talked about and written about, so as to bring to light the interests and the profits that move the puppet strings of war,” he said. “And how can we even speak of peace when arms production, sales, and trade are on the rise?”

This isn’t the first time Pope Francis has denounced the weapons industry, labeling its participants as “merchants of death.” He has previously asserted that contemporary wars, such as the one in Ukraine, serve as testing grounds for new weapons or a means to deplete existing stockpiles.

Turning his attention to the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Pope called for a resolution through “sincere and persevering dialogue between the parties, sustained by strong political will and the support of the international community.” Vatican officials estimated that approximately 70,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness Francis’ noonday speech and blessing, with some attendees displaying Palestinian and Ukrainian flags.

While Pope Francis, at 87 years old, appeared in good spirits during the Christmas Day address, his recent bout of bronchitis was evident as he occasionally coughed and seemed out of breath. Despite this, he is expected to deliver a blessing on the feast of St. Stephen and preside over a New Year’s Eve vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by Mass the next day, rounding out the holiday season.

Catholic Bishops Worldwide Resist Vatican’s Approval of Same-Sex Blessings, Revealing Deep Divisions Within the Church

In a remarkable display of resistance against Pope Francis, certain Catholic bishops in Africa, Poland, and other regions assert their refusal to implement the new Vatican policy endorsing blessings for same-sex couples. The reactions underscore the continued polarization of the issue and the persistent resistance from traditionalist and conservative Catholic leaders to Francis’ decade-long endeavor to foster a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community.

Bishops in Africa, home to 265 million Catholics, a quarter of the global Catholic population, voiced some of the most robust opposition. Many Catholics in these regions live in societies where homosexuality is condemned and illegal. Out of the 54 countries in Africa, 31 criminalize homosexuality, the highest of any continent, according to the Human Dignity Trust, an organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

Zambia’s bishops conference categorically stated that same-sex couple blessings would not be implemented in Zambia. Malawi’s bishops conference echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing that blessings for same-sex unions would not be allowed. Both countries have stringent anti-gay laws, with severe punishments, including long prison sentences.

Zambian bishops called for “further reflection” on the blessings, citing the country’s anti-homosexuality laws and cultural heritage that rejects same-sex relationships as reasons for their decision. In Poland, known for its conservative stance, the bishops conference, one of the most conservative in Europe, announced it had no intentions of providing blessings to same-sex couples. They reiterated that marriage is exclusively the union between a man and a woman, condemning sexual acts outside of this union as “always an offense against God’s will.”

The Vatican’s doctrinal office issued a document titled “Fiducia Supplicans,” asserting that blessings could be extended to people in same-sex relationships without being confused with the marriage ritual. However, the document reaffirmed that marriage remains a lifelong union solely between a man and a woman. This announcement marked a reversal of the 2021 statement that ruled out blessings for same-sex couples, stating that God “cannot bless sin.”

The U.S. bishops conference sought to downplay any shift, emphasizing that the church’s teachings on marriage remained unchanged. They clarified that the announcement articulated a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings and pastoral blessings, the latter being for individuals seeking God’s grace in their lives.

Notably, Cardinal Gerhard Müller, a German cardinal and former head of the Vatican doctrinal office, criticized the declaration as “self-contradictory.” He argued that the church cannot celebrate one thing and teach another, highlighting the tension within the Catholic leadership regarding the acceptance of same-sex relationships.

Bishops from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, and South Africa issued public statements clarifying that the new policy did not signify official recognition or acceptance of same-sex relationships. The prevailing sentiment among many was a fear that this move signaled a step toward the Catholic church embracing homosexuality.

Nigeria’s bishops reassured the faithful that the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage remained unchanged, explicitly stating that there was no possibility of blessing same-sex unions and activities. In Mali, a priest expressed disagreement with the Vatican’s decision, emphasizing that it pertained solely to the Vatican, not to the local church.

In the United Kingdom, an organization representing 500 Catholic priests released a signed letter reaffirming the Church’s teachings on marriage and same-sex unions to address widespread confusion. In Zimbabwe, where anti-gay laws are in place, LGBTQ+ rights activist Chesterfield Samba anticipated resistance from some church branches and believed the declaration would not alter the stance of Zimbabwean same-sex couples ostracized by the church.

The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference, based in South Africa, where same-sex marriages are permitted, appeared to welcome the possibility of blessings for gay couples. However, they clarified that their interpretation was that the blessing was done with the hope of conversion, reflecting the complex perspectives within the Catholic hierarchy on LGBTQ+ issues.

Legacy of London Missionary Society in Kerala: Pioneering Educational, Social, and Developmental Initiatives Over 211 Years

Macaulay gained recognition from the Travancore Government for the missionary endeavors of the London Mission, initially established in Travancore with the assistance of Col. Munroe, Macaulay’s successor. In 1817, Charles Meed, an LMS missionary, commenced operations from Munroe’s circuit bungalow in Nagercoil, and Rani Lekshmi Bai contributed Rs. 5,000 to the mission in 1818. Notably, a seminary was established in Nagercoil, and churches were constructed in Thanjavur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kochi. The first girls’ school in Travancore was established by Mrs. Charles Meed.

The Maharaja of Travancore visited the Nagercoil seminary in 1831, inviting John Robert to establish a school in Thiruvananthapuram, which later evolved into the University College. Responding to the Maharaja’s request, a press in Nagercoil was relocated to Thiruvananthapuram, ultimately becoming the Government Press. Additionally, a Kunnil Mission Centre was founded on the northern side of the Fort in 1838.

Samuel Matteer, a Methodist Church member born in Ireland in 1835, played a crucial role in the growth of the Thiruvananthapuram Mission for 33 years. Upon returning to England in 1890 due to old age and ill-health, the Thiruvananthapuram Mission boasted 10,060 members. He passed away in 1893, and a church was constructed in Thiruvananthapuram in 1906 in his memory.

Matteer documented his Kerala experiences in two books, “The Land of Charity” and “Nature Life in Travancore,” with the latter translated into Malayalam as “Njan Kanda Keralam” in 2010. He also authored “The Gospel in South India.” The LMS has been operational in Kerala for 211 years, with Keralites assuming administrative control in 1921.

In 1939, the LMS underwent reorganization into southern, central, and northern regions, witnessing the ordination of 15 Archbishops. Concurrently, the Church Mission Society functioned in Central Kerala, aiding Syrian Christians in religious activities. In 1806, Claudius Buchanan’s arrival in Travancore led to the writing of “Asiayile Christava Geveshanam,” and missionaries collaborated with Syrian Christians. The CMS Press in Kottayam, established by Benjamin Bailey in 1821, printed the Malayalam translation of the Bible and an English-Malayalam Dictionary. CMS College, founded by Henry Baker in 1839, and Joseph Fen’s encouragement of Christian studies in seminaries marked pivotal contributions.

Protestant missionaries, facilitated by the Church Missionary Society, initiated educational activities in Travancore, sparking an intellectual renaissance. Discussion forums, clubs, and literary associations emerged, fostering interaction among educated youth. A series of lectures in Thiruvananthapuram from 1863 to 1867 covered literature, science, social issues, and ethics, leading to the formation of various student societies and clubs.

The efforts of CMS workers such as Charles Meed, James T., Ringeltaube, John Cox, Bailey, Charles Molt, Dr. J. C. Thomson, Dr. John Lowe, White House, Mrs. Dathy, Vedamanickam, and Maharajan resulted in the establishment of schools, seminaries, boarding schools, theatres, mission press, hospitals, dispensaries, and libraries in Travancore.

European involvement in plantation development for tea, coffee, cocoa, spices, and rubber, accompanied by the clearing of forests and infrastructure development, was attributed to missionary initiatives. The developmental activities spearheaded by missionaries significantly contributed to the State’s progress.

The Malpan residences in various locations were dissolved with the inception of seminaries. Fr. Carneiro’s account in 1557 mentioned a university in Angamaly for theology students, and seminaries for Syrian Christians were established at Varappuzha in 1682 and Alangad in 1766 under the guidance of Carmelite priests.

US Religious Freedom Watchdog Urges Biden Administration to Designate India as ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Over Alleged Violations

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent federal government commission, has once again urged the Biden administration to categorize India as a “country of particular concern” under the US Religious Freedom Act. This call is based on allegations of India targeting religious minorities beyond its borders. The USCIRF expressed concern over the Indian government’s recent actions, stating that attempts to silence activists, journalists, and lawyers abroad pose a significant threat to religious freedom.

In an official statement, the USCIRF implored the US Department of State to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern, citing India’s systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief. The commission emphasized the seriousness of the situation and urged decisive action.

USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck raised concerns about the alleged involvement of the Indian government in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Additionally, Schneck highlighted a reported plot to assassinate another Sikh activist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in the United States, deeming these developments “deeply troubling.” Notably, the Indian embassy in Washington did not provide an immediate response to these allegations, and the Indian government consistently denies any discrimination in the Hindu-majority nation.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan recently disclosed that an Indian national collaborated with an unnamed Indian government employee in a plot to assassinate a New York City resident advocating for a sovereign Sikh state in northern India. However, India’s government has vehemently denied any involvement in this alleged plot. This development adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as it involves sensitive diplomatic considerations between India and the Biden administration, both seeking closer ties in the face of a perceived threat from an ascendant China.

The USCIRF revealed that it has recommended, annually since 2020, that the State Department designate India as a country of particular concern, leveraging the authority granted by the 1998 US Religious Freedom Act. While the act allows for a range of policy responses, including sanctions or waivers, these measures are not automatic and require a deliberate decision-making process.

Commissioner David Curry of the USCIRF emphasized the gravity of India extending domestic repression to target religious minorities residing abroad, deeming it “especially dangerous” and underscoring the need for attention to this issue. The delicate nature of the matter is evident as both India and the Biden administration work to strengthen their ties amid shared concerns about an increasingly influential China perceived as a threat to democratic nations.

In response to the USCIRF’s previous recommendation in 2020, India’s foreign ministry had dismissed it, criticizing the remarks as “biased and tendentious.” This indicates a longstanding divergence in perspectives on the issue, further complicating efforts to address concerns related to religious freedom and human rights.

Pope Francis Takes Strong Measures Against Dissent Within the Church

In one corner stands Pope Francis, championing a merciful and inclusive Catholic Church, often likened to a “field hospital” tending to the wounds of a suffering humanity. In the opposing corner, a vocal minority, led by US Cardinal Raymond Burke, challenges the Pope’s reforms, setting the stage for a significant showdown.

Pope Francis, committed to upholding the doctrine and principles of the church, aims to propel it forward by shedding certain customs he deems hindering to its mission. The clash arises from differing stances on issues such as communion for divorced and remarried Catholics, pastoral acceptance of LGBTQ individuals, and the Pope’s emphasis on migrants and the climate crisis. Critics desire a Pope who delivers doctrine in unequivocal terms, while Francis advocates for a humbler, service-oriented church focused on bringing the Christian message to the world.

Despite enduring criticisms, Pope Francis has demonstrated resilience, often turning the other cheek and appointing leaders with opposing views to Vatican departments. However, as he enters the 11th year of his papacy and faces health challenges, he has decided to take more assertive measures to address opposition, particularly concentrated in the US and certain Roman circles.

In a significant move, Pope Francis has curtailed privileges for Cardinal Burke, a longstanding opponent. This includes withdrawing a subsidy for Burke’s sizable apartment and monthly stipend. This decision follows the Pope’s recent removal of Texan Bishop Joseph Strickland, who accused Francis of undermining key church teachings. The move has sparked debates, with supporters of Burke and Strickland characterizing Francis as a “dictator” pope, suppressing dissent, while others argue that the Pope is merely addressing critics.

Austen Ivereigh, a papal biographer, shed light on the Pope’s rationale, stating, “Francis told me that he was taking away the apartment and salary of Cardinal Burke because he was using these privileges ‘against the church.’” Ivereigh highlighted the significance of Burke’s prolonged questioning of Francis’ authority and teaching, emphasizing the unusual nature of such dissent within the Catholic Church.

The roots of opposition to Pope Francis extend beyond theological disagreements and delve into the realm of secular politics. Cardinal Burke, aligned with conservative views, expressed satisfaction with President Donald Trump’s election and, along with other bishops, called for denying communion to President Joe Biden due to his support for abortion laws. The intersection of church and politics, particularly amid the polarizing landscape of US politics, is a key element in the resistance to Francis.

Dawn Eden Goldstein, a theologian and canon lawyer, noted that there are forces wishing to see Burke’s vision dominate the church for political purposes. Burke’s alignment with a group critical of Catholic teachings on issues such as care for the poor and the environment further underscores the ideological divide within the church.

The Pope’s decision to strip Burke of privileges may carry unintended consequences, potentially turning him into a “martyr” for the cause, as suggested by church historian Massimo Faggioli. Burke’s support base in the US and the reported financial backing could enable him to maintain a prominent role, akin to the “crown cardinals” of the early modern era.

Critics warn that the Pope’s actions could influence future papal elections by alienating cardinal electors who may seek a candidate governing differently from Francis. However, Pope Francis, seemingly aware of the risks, remains committed to his mission of pivoting the church towards what he deems essential to the Christian faith.

As the Pope navigates this turbulent terrain, it is evident that the clash between traditionalist views and Francis’ vision for a more inclusive and service-oriented church will continue to shape the narrative within the Catholic Church. The tension underscores the broader societal and political challenges that intersect with the ecclesiastical landscape, reflecting the complexities of leading a global religious institution in the modern era.

Government Cracks Down on NGOs: Church of North India’s FCRA License Revoked Amidst Broader Regulatory Sweep

The Church of North India (CNI), a significant evangelical organization with a history dating back to 1970, is facing a setback as the Union Home Ministry has recently revoked its Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) license. This move comes in the wake of alleged violations of regulations, preventing the trust from receiving or utilizing foreign contributions until the license is renewed. According to reports from the Economic Times, the ministry’s decision is part of a broader government crackdown on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) found to be in violation of FCRA rules.

The CNI, a product of the amalgamation of six different churches, including the Church of India, has been actively involved in various social service programs through its Synodical Board of Social Services. Despite its commendable work, the ministry’s action signals a stringent approach towards compliance with FCRA regulations.

The officials, while revoking the FCRA license, pointed out the alleged violations as the primary reason behind their decision. This implies that the CNI, like many other NGOs, failed to adhere to the rules governing foreign contributions, leading to this enforcement action. The trust’s inability to receive or utilize foreign funds until the license renewal further underscores the severity of the allegations.

The CNI has a history of receiving donations from various countries, including the United States, Europe, and Canada. However, the recent decision by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) disrupts this financial support, potentially impacting the organization’s ongoing social service initiatives.

The government’s crackdown on NGOs violating FCRA regulations is not limited to the CNI but extends to a multitude of organizations. The FCRA mandates that NGOs with licenses must apply for renewal, and the deadline, initially set for September 2020, has been extended until March 31, 2024. Despite this extension, the ministry is actively reviewing and taking action against organizations found in violation, as seen in the case of the CNI.

The MHA grants FCRA licenses for a duration of five years, subject to annual reviews based on returns and the specific utilization of foreign grants for designated purposes. The core objective is to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of foreign funds, with any misuse or diversion considered a violation of the FCRA.

Over the past year, numerous NGOs, including well-known entities such as the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust, Oxfam India, Centre for Policy Research (CPR), and Care India, have faced cancellations, suspensions, denial of renewal, or deemed expiration of their FCRA licenses. This indicates a sweeping regulatory action by the government, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing FCRA compliance across the spectrum of non-governmental organizations.

The revocation of the FCRA license for the Church of North India highlights the government’s rigorous stance on enforcing regulations governing foreign contributions. This action is part of a broader crackdown on NGOs, signaling a commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in the utilization of foreign funds. The impact of such decisions extends beyond individual organizations, affecting the landscape of social service initiatives carried out by these entities. As the government continues its scrutiny, NGOs across the country are compelled to reassess and ensure strict adherence to FCRA regulations to avoid adverse consequences.

KK Muhammed, An Archaeologist Sheds Light On Ram Temple Excavation

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) held the first webinar of the five-part series focused on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in association with the Hindu University of America (HUA) on December 9th, 2023.

Padma Shri K.K. Muhammed, a distinguished speaker, provided an informative talk about the excavation history of numerous sites, including the old Babri Masjid, where Islamic structures were constructed atop the foundations of Hindu temples.

KK Muhammed, former Director (North), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was part of the first excavation that was conducted in the year 1976-77 under BB Lal, former director-general of ASI. Muhammed, who was the only Muslim in the team, claims that there is clear evidence that a grand temple stood at the site.

Subsequently, a second excavation was conducted in 2003 as per the directions of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court. By this time, the mosque had been destroyed and so a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey could be conducted. All the archaeological discoveries were also videographed and corroborated to the previous findings that indicated a temple. Muhammed maintains that there is enough archaeological proof of a grand temple below the Babri Mosque.

Muhammed briefed the audience on the artifacts found by his team during his excavation. The audience greatly admired his principled stance in standing by Dr. B. Lal’s work and the excavation team he was a part of in the face of vicious attacks from special interests like Irfan Habib and his colleagues.

(Leader Bio)The community memebrs in the audience was pleasantly surprised by the amount of knowledge Muhammed displayed about Hindu traditions, including his flawless recitation of many Sanskrit shlokas from the scriptures.

K K Muhammed had for the first time acknowledged in 1990 through a newspaper article that he had witnessed the remains of a Ram temple under the mosqu. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019 after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power at the Centre for a second consecutive term.

The excavation of the Kesariya stupa in Bihar, the Ibadat khana and Christian Chapel in Fatehpur Sikri, and St. Augustin Church in Goa were all undertaken by Muhammed, who retired as regional director from the Archaeological Survey of India. During his career, he has faced many difficult conversations across the nation, frequently enlisting the aid of dacoits in the Chambal valley and the Naxal groups of Chhattisgarh. Several international, national, and state awards have been bestowed upon him in recognition of his exceptional contributions to conservation.

In an earlier posting, KK Muhammed had referred to the following as the proof that he had presented about the existence of not just a temple but one that was dedicated to Lord Vishnu:

Pillars, Base and Kalash

“When we went inside, I saw 12 pillars of the mosque which were made from temple remains. In almost all the temples of the 12th and 13th centuries, you get ‘Purna Kalasha’ at the base. It is the structure of a ‘ghada‘ (water pitcher) from which foliage would be coming out. It is the symbol of prosperity in Hinduism and is known as ‘Asht-Mangala Chinha‘ – one of the eight auspicious symbols.”

“When you go inside, you can see a number of ‘Purna Kalash As‘ and a number of gods and goddesses. Similar things were there in Babri mosque also. There were no gods and goddesses but ‘Ashtamangala Chinha‘ were there. So, on the basis of these, any archaeologist would say that these are temple remains. Subsequently, BB Lal undertook excavations on the western side of the mosque. The pillar bases were also excavated.”

Terracotta Sculptures

“A number of terracotta sculptures were found. If it is a mosque, you will never get the depiction of human beings or animals because it is ‘haraam’ (forbidden or proscribed) in Islam. This means there was a temple. But these findings were not highlighted by BB Lal because our excavation purpose was not to establish whether there was a temple or not. We just wanted to see the cultural sequence of the place.”

Second Excavation

More Pillars Discovered

“In the second excavation, more than 50 pillar bases in 17 rows were exposed. It means that the structure was imposing and large. The structure discovered was a temple below the Babri Mosque and dated back to the 12th century AD.”

Temple ‘Pranala’

“They also got the temple ‘pranali‘. We have to bathe the deity and the ‘abhishek jal‘ flows through ‘pranali‘. The pranali is mostly ‘makara pranali‘, having a crocodile face. Crocodile is a symbol of river Ganga. In some of the temples, before reaching the ‘garbha griha‘ (sanctum sanctorum), on the one side, there would be a lady standing on crocodile and on the other side there would be a lady standing on a tortoise. This means that you are taking a symbolic bath in rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the underground Saraswati. After cleansing yourself of all the previous sins, you are going to the main God. This ‘makara pranali‘ was excavated.”

Temple ‘Kalasha’, Amalkam Grivaha and Shikhara

“Also, on top of the temple just below the ‘kalasha‘, there is another architectural member known as ‘amalka‘. It was also excavated. Below the ‘amalka‘ there is the ‘grivah‘ and also the ‘shikhara’ portion of the temple in North India. Many architectural members of the ‘shikhara‘ were also excavated from there by the team.”

More Terracotta Objects

“Besides, 263 pieces of terracotta objects of various gods and goddesses, human figures and female figures were excavated from there. Had it been a mosque, how could you get these terracotta objects of various living beings? Depiction of any living being is prohibited in Islam. Then how could you get sculptures of living beings had it been a mosque? So, it was not a mosque.”

‘Vishnu Hari Sheela Phalak’ inscription

“Apart from all these things, a ‘Vishnu Hari Sheela Phalak’ inscription was also found in two pieces from the site. Of course, they were not part of the excavations but were found after the demolition of the mosque. But they form a piece of important circumstantial evidence which clearly says the temple has been dedicated to that incarnation of Lord Vishnu who had killed Bali and a 10-headed person.”

In an upcoming webinar, Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, an Indian lawmaker, will provide a historical perspective, beginning with Babur’s 16th-century destruction of the Ram Mandir and continuing up to the current day.

Pope Francis Accepts Resignation Of Leader Of Syro-Malabar Catholics In India

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation from the pastoral governance of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church presented by His Beatitude Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, of the Syro-Malabars in India. This is one of the two numerically largest Catholic communities in the country and also one of the largest Eastern Catholic Churches.

For some time now, this church has been experiencing a crisis stemming from a change in the way Mass is celebrated, affecting unity. The largest diocese of the Syro-Malabars is on the verge of schism.

According to canon law, the Administrator of the Syro-Malabar Church until the election of the new Major Archbishop is Bishop Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, Titular Bishop of Troina.

The Holy Father addressed an ongoing bitter dispute in the archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly, directing the faithful there to accept the decision of Church leaders to institute a uniform liturgy.

Canon law dictates that bishops must submit their resignations to the pope at age 75. Cardinal Alencherry turned 78 this year. In his letter on Thursday, Francis told Cardinal Alencherry he “decided to accept your resignation as a sign of your openness and docility to the Holy Spirit.”

Last year, Francis noted, was Cardinal Alencherry’s “50th anniversary of priestly ordination and 25th anniversary as a bishop. “Now that you have reached two significant jubilees and accomplished the pastoral objectives set for the flock entrusted to your care, I consider your resignation not as the conclusion but the fulfillment of your service,” the Holy Father told the prelate.

The Vatican said Curia Bishop H.E. Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, titular bishop of Troina, would serve as the interim administrator of the Syro-Malabar Church until the election of the new major archbishop.

Pope Francis Accepts Resignation Of Leader Of Syro Malabar Catholics In India (Crux Now)
Picture: Crux Now

The Vatican on Thursday said Francis had also accepted the resignation of Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, apostolic administrator of the archeparchy since July of last year. Archbishop Thazhath remains metropolitan archbishop of Trichur of the Syro-Malabars.

Bosco Puthur, bishop emeritus of the Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Melbourne of the Syro-Malabars (Australia), will serve in that role “sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis,” the Holy See said.

In addition to the letter, on Thursday the Holy Father sent a video message addressed to “brothers and sisters of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly” in which the Pope confronted a long-standing liturgical dispute in the Syro-Malabar Church in India.

The Syro-Malabar Church is one of the 23 autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome. The Eucharistic liturgy of the Syro-Malabar Church, known as the Holy Qurbana, has been the subject of a long, complex dispute over which direction the priest should face when celebrating the liturgy.

Protests against the adoption of a uniform liturgy have included a hunger strike by priests and the burning of effigies of cardinals.

Francis has intervened in the dispute several times, including last year when he asked opponents of the uniform liturgy to take the “difficult and painful step” of accepting the change. In August he appointed Slovak Archbishop-Bishop Cyril Vasil’ to help resolve the ongoing disagreement.

Below is the Pope’s letter translated into English.

***

To My Venerable Brother
His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry
Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly
of the Syro-Malabar Church

As you celebrated last year your fiftieth anniversary of priestly ordination and twenty-fifth anniversary as a Bishop, I was pleased to join you in giving thanks to the Lord, expressing as well my gratitude for the dedication shown over the course of those years by your many pastoral and educational efforts and initiatives. In particular, since 2011, the year of your election as Father and Head of the Major Archepiscopal Church of Ernakulam-Angamaly, the signs of your zeal and generosity were numerous, as you laboured unceasingly for the achievement of various important milestones in the life of this Particular Church.

Pope Francis Accepts Resignation Of Leader Of Syro Malabar Catholics In India (Indian Express)
Picture: Indian Express

In this regard, I think of the recognition of the All-India jurisdiction, the establishment of the offices of the Procurator in Rome and the erection of Eparchies in Australia, Canada and Great Britain. It is also encouraging that various provisions for the pastoral care of the faithful in the Arabian Peninsula are under serious consideration. You have attended to all this without neglecting the ordinary path of the Church, in considering, together with the Synod, pastoral care in catechesis and the liturgy, formation of the clergy and accompaniment of young people, especially in the diaspora, while not forgetting to give attention and service to the poor and those most in need.

The year 2022 witnessed another important event in the life of the Saint Thomas Christians as well as in the universal Church: the 1,950th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Apostle who, according to tradition, brought the proclamation of the Gospel to India. There, as a martyr, he conformed himself totally to his Lord and God (cf. Jn 20:28) through the supreme sacrifice of his life. Guided by this example of Saint Thomas, and out of love for the risen Lord and his Church, in 2019 you offered to step away from the pastoral governance of the beloved Syro-Malabar Church when faced with divisions and protests. Yet at that time, the Apostolic See accepted the judgment of the Syro-Malabar Synod of Bishops, which did not consider it the suitable moment. The Synod, however, could not fail to recognize in your request the heart of a Pastor who set the unity and mission of the Church above everything else.

Now that you have reached two significant jubilees and accomplished the pastoral objectives set for the flock entrusted to your care, I consider your resignation not as the conclusion, but the fulfilment of your service. Indeed, this step represents a further witness of fidelity to the Gospel and a new way of serving the Church, above all through contemplative and intercessory prayer, as well as by continuing to offer your counsel to the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia of which you are a member.

In light of these considerations, together with the occurrence of the centenary of the Syro-Malabar hierarchy, and always mindful of the good and unity of the People of God, I have decided to accept your resignation as a sign of your openness and docility to the Holy Spirit. Invoking the intercession of Saint Thomas the Apostle and assuring you of my prayers, I impart my blessing to you and to the whole Major Archepiscopal Church of Ernakulam-Angamaly.

Pope Francis Announces First World Children’s Day 2024 At The Vatican

At the end of the Angelus on Friday, December 8, Pope Francis announced to the entire Church from his apartment window: “I am pleased to announce that on May 25 and 26 next year, we will celebrate in Rome the first World Day of Children. The initiative, sponsored by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, addresses the question: What kind of world do we want to pass on to the children who are growing up? Like Jesus, we want to put children at the center and take care of them.”

The First World Day of Children (WDC) is an unprecedented event. It arises from Pope Francis’s desire to focus on the future of the youngest, asking everyone to care for them, guide them towards good growth, and listen to them.

“On May 25 and 26, we want to imagine with the children – based on their dreams and desires – a different world, where there is peace, care for the environment, and a choice for fraternity. This day is also a message to the adult world to stop and listen to the simple and direct questions of the little ones, who ask for peace and respect,” declared Father Enzo Fortunato, Marco Impagliazzo, and Angelo Chiorazzo, coordinators of the Organizing Committee of the First World Day of Children.

Spirituality Among Americans

7 In 10 U.S. Adults Describe Themselves As Spiritual In Some Way, Including 22% Who Are Spiritual But Not Religious

In recent decades, Americans have become less likely to identify with an organized religion. Yet a new Pew Research Center survey shows that belief in spirits or a spiritual realm beyond this world is widespread, even among those who don’t consider themselves religious. The survey finds that:

17 In 10 U S Adults Describe Themselves As Spiritual In Some Way Including 22% Who Are Spiritual But Not Religious183% of all U.S. adults believe people have a soul or spirit in addition to their physical body.

81% say there is something spiritual beyond the natural world, even if we cannot see it.

74% say there are some things that science cannot possibly explain.

45% say they have had a sudden feeling of connection with something from beyond this world.

38% say they have had a strong feeling that someone who has passed away was communicating with them from beyond this world.

30% say they have personally encountered a spirit or unseen spiritual force.

Overall, 70% of U.S. adults can be considered “spiritual” in some way, because they think of themselves as spiritual people or say spirituality is very important in their lives.

These are among the key findings of a new Pew Research Center survey of American spirituality, conducted July 31-Aug. 6, 2023, among a nationally representative sample of 11,201 members of our American Trends Panel.

This report covers the following topics:

Measuring spirituality

Spiritual beliefs

Spiritual practices

Spiritual experiences

Who are ‘spiritual but not religious’ Americans?

Is spirituality increasing?

Because this is the first time Pew Research Center has asked many of these questions about beliefs, practices and experiences that may be viewed as spiritual, we do not know whether they are more – or less – common today than they were in the past.

Previous research has found a decline in traditional religious beliefs and practices. That includes a drop in the shares of U.S. adults who say they believe in God with absolute certainty, attend religious services regularly, pray daily and consider religion to be very important in their lives.

Some news articles have speculated that young Americans may be turning away from organized religion and replacing it with their own mix of spiritual elements drawn from many sources, including Asian religions and Native American traditions, as well as New Age beliefs about crystals, tarot cards and the like. Media coverage has often focused, in particular, on people who describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.”

While Pew Research Center surveys have documented a decline since 2007 in the percentage of Americans who identify as Christian, the evidence that “religion” is being replaced by “spirituality” is much weaker, partly because of7 In 10 U S Adults Describe Themselves As Spiritual In Some Way Including 22% Who Are Spiritual But Not Religious 2 the difficulty of defining and separating those concepts.

This survey is intended to help fill the gap. We plan to use our new questions about spiritual beliefs, practices and experiences as a baseline, re-asking them periodically to see which measures are rising, which are falling and which are stable. And rather than imposing a definition of spirituality, we will let survey respondents tell us what it means to them and how they practice it.

What is spirituality?

Americans’ beliefs about spirits and the afterlife

An overwhelming majority of U.S. adults (83%) say they believe that people have a soul or spirit in addition to their physical body. A smaller majority (57%) believes that animals other than humans can have their own spirits or spiritual energies.

Half of Americans believe that spirits can inhabit burial places, such as graveyards, cemeteries or other memorial sites. And a similar share (48%) says that parts of the natural landscape – such as mountains, rivers or trees – can have spirits or spiritual energies.

7 In 10 U S Adults Describe Themselves As Spiritual In Some Way Including 22% Who Are Spiritual But Not Religious 3About a quarter of U.S. adults believe that spirits or spiritual energy can reside in certain objects, such as crystals, jewels or stones (26%).

What do Americans believe about life after death?

The survey finds that 71% of Americans believe in heaven, while somewhat fewer – 61% – believe in hell and 60% believe in both. These numbers have held steady in recent years.1 But there is less consensus about whether the dead have various powers, such as the ability to follow what is happening in this world and to watch out for loved ones who are alive.

We explored these beliefs for the first time by asking whether it is “definitely true,” “probably true,” “probably not true” or “definitely not true” that people who have already died can do a variety of things. (Respondents also were able to say they were “not sure.”)

More than half of U.S. adults (57%) believe that in the afterlife, people definitely or probably can reunite with loved ones who also have died.

About four-in-ten or more Americans say that dead people definitely or probably can assist, protect or guide the living (46%), be aware of what’s going on among the living (44%) or communicate with people who are still living (42%). Overall, U.S. adults are more than twice as likely to say that the dead can help the living (46%) as they are to say that the dead can harm the living (18%).

About a quarter of U.S. adults believe it is definitely or probably true that the dead can be reincarnated (27%), defined in the survey as being “reborn again and again in this world.”2

Spiritual experiences and practices

Some kinds of spiritual experiences seem to be relatively common. For example, 46% of U.S. adults say that at least7 In 10 U S Adults Describe Themselves As Spiritual In Some Way Including 22% Who Are Spiritual But Not Religious 4 once or twice a month they feel a deep sense of wonder about the universe. A similar share (44%) say they feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and well-being that often.

Feeling a deep sense of connection with humanity and feeling “the presence of something from beyond this world” are less common. Still, about one-fifth of Americans or more say they have such feelings at least once or twice a month.

To gauge experiences that may be relatively rare, we asked respondents whether they have ever had specific otherworldly experiences.

7 In 10 U S Adults Describe Themselves As Spiritual In Some Way Including 22% Who Are Spiritual But Not Religious 5Fully 45% say they have had a sudden feeling of connection with something from beyond this world, and 38% say they’ve had a strong feeling that someone who previously passed away was communicating with them from beyond this world. Three-in-ten say they believe in spirits or unseen spiritual forces and also say they have personally encountered one.

How do Americans practice spirituality?

To measure some common spiritual practices, we asked survey respondents how often they pursue five activities: looking inward or centering themselves, meditating, doing yoga, exercising and spending time in nature.

Whether these activities are spiritual depends, of course, on one’s definition of spirituality. As previously noted, many Americans explain the meaning of “spiritual” by talking about various kinds of connections – such as with God or something bigger than themselves, with their innermost selves, with loved ones who have died or with all humanity.

With that understanding of spirituality in mind, we asked survey respondents to select the most7 In 10 U S Adults Describe Themselves As Spiritual In Some Way Including 22% Who Are Spiritual But Not Religious 6 important reason why they engage in each of these activities: Is it to “feel connected” with something bigger than themselves, with their “true self” or with other people? Is it to get health benefits, including relaxation? To have fun and enjoy the experience? Or for other reasons?

A total of 77% of U.S. adults say they spend time in nature at least a few times a month, and 26% say they do so mainly to feel connected, such as with something bigger than themselves (18%) or with their “true self” (6%). Half of Americans say they spend time in nature mainly for health benefits, to enjoy themselves or for other reasons.

By comparison, fewer Americans (64%) say they look inward or center themselves at least a few times each month. But a relatively large share – 44% of all U.S. adults – say they look inward or center themselves mainly to feel connected, including 27% who do it mainly to feel connected with their “true self.”

7 In 10 U S Adults Describe Themselves As Spiritual In Some Way Including 22% Who Are Spiritual But Not Religious 7Roughly four-in-ten Americans meditate at least a few times a month (38%), including 22% of U.S. adults who meditate mainly to connect with their “true self” (11%) or with something bigger than themselves (10%).

How many Americans gather in spiritual communities?

Americans are more likely to report gathering in religious communities than meeting in spiritual groups. Fully 39% of U.S. adults say they are involved in a religious community, such as a church or religious congregation, while 14% say they are involved in “a spiritual community, such as a group that helps [them] find a connection with something bigger than [themselves], nature or other people.”

Moreover, most people who are involved in a spiritual community are also involved in a religious one: 10% of U.S. adults say they are involved in both kinds of groups, while just 4% of all U.S. adults say they are involved in a spiritual community and not a religious one.

7 In 10 U S Adults Describe Themselves As Spiritual In Some Way Including 22% Who Are Spiritual But Not Religious 7What kinds of things do Americans have for spiritual reasons?

More than one-third of U.S. adults say they have a cross for spiritual purposes, and 19% say they have some jewelry (which could also be a cross) that serves a spiritual purpose.

Also, 15% of Americans say they maintain a shrine, altar or icon in their home; 12% possess crystals for spiritual purposes; and 9% have a tattoo or piercing for a spiritual purpose.

How many Americans are spiritual?

Seven-in-ten U.S. adults think of themselves as spiritual or say that spirituality is very important in their lives. To be sure, most of these people also consider themselves religious or say that religion is very important in their lives. There is enough overlap between what people mean by “spirituality” and what they have in mind by “religion” that nearly half of U.S. adults indicate they are both religious and spiritual.

Still, 22% of U.S. adults fall into the category of spiritual but not religious. The new survey offers a rich portrait of this group, showing what beliefs they hold, how they practice their spirituality, and how they tend to differ from U.S. adults who embrace the “religious” label.

What do ‘spiritual but not religious’ people believe?

The survey finds that on many questions, “spiritual but not religious” Americans – SBNRs, for short – are7 In 10 U S Adults Describe Themselves As Spiritual In Some Way Including 22% Who Are Spiritual But Not Religious 8 no more spiritual, on average, than U.S. adults who are both religious and spiritual. For example, large majorities in both groups say they believe “people have a soul or spirit in addition to their physical body.” Smaller majoritie“Women suffer a lot of discrimination generally, and so they’re less likely to be willing to stake out a position that could subject them to more discrimination, so they say, ‘I may not be religious but I’m spiritual,’” Cragun said. “And that softens the blow very quickly.”

Politically, the spiritual but not religious identify as Democrats rather than Republicans by a ratio of 2-to-1: — 60% say they identify or lean Democratic; 34% identify or lean Republican. (Among religious Americans only 39% identify or lean Democratic.)

The study, the first of its kind, was fielded in early August. Pew has not previously asked specific questions about spiritual beliefs and practices so the study cannot address decline or growth in spiritual attitudes.

The margin of error for the full sample of 11,201 respondents was plus or minus 1.4 percentage points.

s of both groups believe in the existence of “spirits or unseen spiritual forces.”

Exploring the Depths of Spirituality: Insights from Pew Research

The terms “spiritual” and “spirituality” have posed a challenge for researchers and scholars in the realm of religion, defying easy definition. What constitutes being spiritual? Does it entail a sense of wonder, well-being, or peace? Is belief in God or a higher power a prerequisite? These terms appear so elastic that they encompass a myriad of disparate ideas and experiences.

A recent study conducted by Pew Research delves into the meaning of “spiritual” for those who identify with the term, shedding light on the beliefs and practices of individuals who consider themselves “spiritual but not religious.” In their report titled “Spirituality Among Americans,” Pew surveyed over 11,000 people earlier this year, revealing that 7 in 10 U.S. adults describe themselves as spiritual in some way.

The study finds that almost half of respondents identify as both religious and spiritual. This suggests a dual engagement, where individuals participate in religious institutions while also maintaining personal spiritual practices or perspectives outside formal religious traditions. Meanwhile, 22% of U.S. adults identify as “spiritual but not religious,” 21% claim neither spiritual nor religious affiliation, and 10% identify as religious but not spiritual.

The shifting landscape of religious affiliation in the United States has witnessed increased diversity in recent years. While Christianity remains the predominant faith, there has been a rise in the numbers of Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and other religious groups. However, there is an overarching trend of declining religious affiliation, indicating a reduced identification with specific religious groups.

Lead Pew researcher Becka Alper notes the ongoing attempt to make sense of this shift, asking, “Is the U.S. public becoming more secular? Are they becoming more spiritual?” The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of spiritual beliefs, practices, and experiences.

Key findings from the survey include:

– 83% of all U.S. adults believe in the existence of a soul or spirit alongside the physical body.

– 81% acknowledge the presence of something spiritual beyond the natural world, even if it is imperceptible.

– 74% assert that there are aspects science cannot explain.

– 45% report experiencing a sudden connection with something beyond this world.

– 38% claim to have felt a strong connection with a departed person communicating from beyond.

Regarding the meaning of “spiritual,” the majority (74%) associate it with “being connected to something bigger than myself.” A substantial 70% specify that it means “being connected with God,” while 64% interpret it as “being connected with my true self.” Only 40% equate spirituality with adherence to a specific religious faith. The term also encompasses various other interpretations, such as a connection with nature, other people, deceased loved ones, open-mindedness, or the continuation of family traditions.

A recurring theme across these interpretations is the idea of being “connected.”

Notably, evangelical Christians, predominantly white, and members of historically Black Protestant churches share similar experiences. Both groups overwhelmingly report a deep sense of well-being at least once a month due to their spiritual beliefs and practices, a sentiment less prevalent among other religious groups like Catholics or Mainline Protestants.

In allowing respondents to describe in their own words what being spiritual means, Pew received a diverse range of anonymous responses, including:

– “Being one with your soul, emotions, feelings, actions.”

– “Believing in something larger and more creative than science.”

– “One with the universe!”

– “The belief that a supreme being is the creator of the universe, and that humans’ existence in this realm is transient.”

– “It means having a relationship with God and a belief system that includes a responsibility to do what is right.”

Given that this survey marked the first time Pew posed many of these questions specifically about spirituality, it serves as a baseline rather than establishing trends. Pew plans to continue exploring these themes in subsequent years, offering a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of religion and spirituality among Americans.

Indian-American Doctor Pledges $4M for Hindu Advocacy in the US

Hinduism is not just a religion, it’s a way of life, a prominent Indian-American physician, who has committed $4 million to advocate Hindu advocacy and awareness causes in the United States, has said.

Emergency care physician Mihir Meghani, who founded the Hindu America Foundation along with his friends two decades ago, has pledged to donate $1.5 million more to the Hindu cause over the next eight years.This contribution will raise his total donations for the cause to $4 million in two decades. He ecognize the pledge early this month at the Hindu America Foundation Gala at the annual Silicon Valley.

Stressing that Hinduism is more than a religion, he aimed to increase understanding and appreciation of Hindu identity among Americans, especially those with a Christian background.

Indian American Doctor Pledges $4M for Hindu Advocacy in the USMeghani emphasized the importance of Hindu Americans being proud of their heritage while actively engaging with others to foster better understanding. The Hindu American Foundation, initially volunteer-driven, has now expanded significantly, with plans for further growth to continue advocating for Hindu causes and enhancing awareness of Hinduism in American society.

The announcement by Dr Meghani pos”Ibly’gives him the distinction of being the biggest Indian American donor for the Hindu cause in the United States.

“My wife, Tanvi and I, have contributed $1.5 million to the Hindu American Foundation thus far. We’ve also contributed a million dollars more over the last 15 years to other Hindu and Indian organisations and causes. Over the next eight years, we’re making a pledge of $1.5 million to pro-India and Hindu organisations,” Dr Meghani told PTI in a recent interview.

“I say this to all of you who are viewing this to realise that I don’t have a startup company. I don’t have any side businesses. I’m an emergency doctor on a salary. My wife is a fitness instructor and a jewellery designer. We’re not making millions of dollars a year. We don’t have stock options. We’re doing this because it’s our Dharma, it’s our duty,” he said.

Just out of university, Dr Meghani and three of his friends Aseem Shukla, an associate professor in urologic surgery; Suhag Shukla, an attorney and Nikhil Joshi, a labour law attorney co-founded the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) in September 2003, the first of its kind Hindu advocacy group in the US.

Responding to a question, Dr Meghani said Hinduism is not as easily understood by most Americans because most Americans are Christian. “They come from an Abrahamic background. When they look at different religions, they can’t understand that Hinduism is not just a religion, it’s a way of life. It’s a way of thinking about life,” he said.

Hindus who are coming from India don’t quite understand that they have a Hindu identity and an Indian national identity, he said, adding: “We need to talk about that”.

“What we need are Hindus to be strong in the Bharatiya or Indian identity, which is the political identity for our ecognizedn, but also they should be very proud and open about their Hindu identity. And when they have that, their coworkers, their friends, and neighbours will understand us better,” he said.

One of the early successes of HAF in Washington DC, he said, was to get Diwali ecognized in the US.

“Now you can see that Diwali is celebrated at the White House, with the Vice President, in the US Congress and all across different state and local governments across the country. But it took time to get there,” he said about the three-year effort by them.

The Hindu American Foundation, which in its initial years was all based on volunteerism, now has an annual budget of $2.5 million and has several full-time staffers. Its goal is to increase its budget to $5 million next year and $20 million by the end of the decade, he said.

Losing Their Religion, These 13 Countries Are The World’s Most Atheistic

Many countries turned to the scientific method and embraced atheism, nontheism, and apatheism. As you will notice, there is no clear pattern, though European studies suggest that countries with economic growth are losing their religion more rapidly. The situation in the East is just as interesting, so with that in mind, take a look at some of the most atheistic countries in the world.

People’s Republic of China

The country that gave the world Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism is mostly unreligious. Partly, that is due to China’s unitary one-party ruled by the Chinese Communist Party. This does not mean that the people of China do not cherish their spirituality, though in much less obvious ways than people in other countries.

Losing Their Religion These 13 Countries Are The World’s Most Atheistic 2Japan

The third largest economy’s population is primarily irreligious. Many Japanese people hold onto their traditional philosophies, but the majority are not religious in the Western sense of the word.

Republic of Estonia

The Baltic country is consistent with its no religious affiliation. Around 60 percent of people do not practice religion, and those who do are primarily Christians. The country is doing reasonably well despite being one of the smallest economies in the world.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Around 70 percent of North Koreans are not religious. The rest are divided between Chondoism, Shamanism, and a small percentage of Buddhism. According to one of the State Department reports, Christians were considered the “most dangerous political class of people, and the persecution is violent and intense.”

Czech Republic

This Central European country enjoys a relatively high per capita income due to the car industry and nuclear power plants. In the first half of the XX century, around 90 percent of the population were Christians. As of 2021, less than 12% of the population identified with Christianity, mainly Catholicism, while another 10 percent belonged to other religions. Around seven in ten Czechs are religiously unaffiliated.

South Korea

This highly developed country has seen a rise in Christianity and a revival of Buddhism. However, 60% of its citizens identify with no religion. Like many countries in this region, spirituality is present in everyday life, but it is more about upholding traditions than believing in one religion.

Netherlands

Several of the happiest nations in the world are also mostly atheists or hold little regard for religion. The Netherlands is one of them, with 58% of its people labeling themselves as irreligious. The Dutch, however, believe in ecology, work-life balance, strong family ties, and acceptance of diversity.

France

One of the largest economies and the most developed countries, France has a rich history, but when it comes to religion, things are only going downhill. Projections show that the irreligious population will continue its growth in the upcoming decades.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is also a European country with a rich history and powerful impact worldwide. Over 31 percent of its people are religiously unaffiliated, and that comes as no surprise if you look at the country’s history and relationship with the Catholic church. The British royals are the head of the Church of England, a Protestant Anglican church, and they’ve been a part of this religion since the XVI century.

Australia

The country embraces diversity, so it comes as no surprise that Australians are not that invested in religion. The believers are primarily members of Anglican and Catholic churches, though the country recognizes over 100 religions.

Germany

Around 42 percent of Germans are non-religious, and among them, 12 percent are atheists. Most Germans say religion has no significance in their lives, with only 33 percent believing that higher powers have an effect on their lives.

Sweden

Irreligion is common in Sweden, and a 2023 Gallup International Survey 2023 confirmed the nation has the highest percentage of citizens who do not believe in God. For most citizens, religion is not important, so much so that in 2016, Sweden became the first country to open neutral cemeteries.

Denmark

Around 50 percent of Danish people are not religious, with only 30 percent stating they believe in God or a higher power. Approximately 20 percent are undecided, though over 70 percent are registered at the Church of Denmark. Denmark is open to all religions, and like other Scandinavian countries, it prides itself on being open-minded and accepting.

Pope Francis Urges World Religions To Unite Against Environmental Devastation

(Reuters) – Pope Francis said on Sunday that it was essential for all world religions to unite in opposing the “rapacious” devastation of the environment.

The 86-year-old pope had planned to preside at the opening of the Faith Pavilion at the C0P28 climate conference in Dubai but a lung inflammation forced him to remain in the Vatican.

Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin read the pope’s message in his place, as he did with Francis’ main address to the conference on Saturday.

“Religions, as voices of conscience for humanity, remind us that we are finite creatures, possessed of a need for the infinite,” the pope said, noting that a Faith Pavilion was a first at a COP conference.

“For we are indeed mortal, we have our limits, and protecting life also entails opposing the rapacious illusion of omnipotence that is devastating our planet,” he said.

Pope Francis Urges World Religions To Unite Against Environmental Devastation (NCR)
Picture: NCR

Religions, he said, “need, urgently, to act for the sake of the environment”, educate their members to “sober and fraternal lifestyles” instead of wasteful ones and work for a return to the individual contemplation of nature’s grandeur.

“This is an essential obligation for religions, which are called to teach contemplation, since creation is not only an ecosystem to preserve, but also a gift to embrace,” Francis said.

“A world poor in contemplation will be a world polluted in soul, a world that will continue to discard people and produce waste,” he said.

In his main address to the conference on Saturday, Francis repeated his call for the elimination of fossil fuels.

Hundreds of Catholic institutions around the globe have announced plans to divest from them.

But a Reuters investigation found that in the United States, the world’s top oil and gas producer and where about a quarter of the population is Catholic, not a single diocese has announced it has let go of its fossil fuel assets.

In his address to faith leaders, Francis also said peace and stewardship of the planet were interdependent.

“Before our very eyes, we can see how wars and conflicts are harming the environment and dividing nations, hindering a common commitment to addressing shared problems like the protection of the planet,” he said

(Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Bernadette Baum)

Seven Baskets Full: The All-Embracing Lord’s Supper

Introduction By Rev. Pankiras Aruplappan:

As a little boy preparing for the first Communion, I was taught that the Holy Orders give one the freedom to celebrate the Eucharist and administer the sacraments. As I grew in age, I was told that it was at the Lord’s Supper Jesus instituted the Eucharist and priesthood. And both these intrigued me all along and was on search as to the real meaning of these two, especially the Eucharist, said to be the ‘core mystery of Christian faith’.

Yesterday, on my friendly visit to Fr. Jose Kaleekkal, at his residence at Ades Veedu, Anthamon, near Kottarakkara, while sharing our common concerns, the topic of Eucharist came in and in that context he presented me with a lovely book addressing my above search, the ‘Seven Baskets Full – The All-Embracing Lord’s Supper’ by Subhash Anand, on Eucharist.

I could not wait to read it. So, started from the cover page with the opinions on the book… Not skipping any page came to the Preface which enthused me like anything, I am sharing that with you all verbatim as I felt rather compelled to, of course typing it from the book… (Reverend Father Panky Arulappan.)

The Preface By Subhash Anand

Seven Baskets Full The All Embracing Lord’s Supper‘It was September 1967. Some of us were making our ordination retreat. Our most respected professor of systematic theology, Fr. Josef Neuner, SJ, was with us as our guide. We were fortunate to have him: a man deeply in love with Jesus and his Church. During a conversation with him, I asked him: “Could the historical Jesus institute the Eucharist as we understand it today?” He smiled and remained silent. His silence spoke to me. Since then that question kept on popping up in my mind. The years that followed kept me busy with some other studies, followed by years of teaching and accompaniment. My work at Jnana Deep Vidyapeeth, Pune, required that I focus my attention on Indian Philosophy and Religions. After I retired from Jnana Deep Vidyapeeth, and returned to Udaipur in 2009, I got immersed in the work of a Hindi commentary on the Bible. That kept me occupied for the next nine years.

Sometimes I managed to find some time to get back to my question. Once the work on the commentary was over, I could return to that question with greater leisure.

It(n) the meanwhile I read Jose Antonio Pagola’s bestseller Jesus: An Historical Approximation (Bangalore, Theological Publications in India, 2013). The book made me see better the importance of the question that kept on haunting me all these years. Pagola tells us” “I am convinced that Jesus is the best we have in the Church and the best we can offer to modern society. Even more: I believe, as many other thinkers do, that Jesus is the best that humanity has ever produced” (p.15). At first, I was wondering why Pagola needs to tell his Christian readers that Jesus is the best we have in the Church. I thought every Christian shared Pagola’s conviction. As I continued reading, I began to see the deep anguish the writer experiences at the fact that many Christians, “good women and men, live on the ‘epidermis of faith’, nourished by a conventional Christianity. They find religious security in the beliefs and practices that are within their reach, but do not live in joyful relationship with Jesus Christ” (p.27). In their lives, Jesus has been displaced by Mary and all their patron saints, and by all the dogmas, rituals and rules of the Church. The Church’s claim that devotion to Mary and the saints, that all her dogmas and laws, that all her rituals and rubrics, are meant to lead people to Jesus is just not borne out by empirical data. Coming to Jesus is not a passing sentimental experience; it is an abiding soul-stirring challenge. We cannot really come to Jesus without (effectively and) effectively reaching out to our sisters and brothers, particularly those who are in need and who are neglected by the society at large (Mt 25.31-46).

There are different reasons why we are satisfied with so little. First, unlike the first disciples, the vast majority of Christians today were baptized when they had not yet reached the age of reason. We did not make a mature choice to become Christians. It is time that we seriously reflect on the practice of infant-baptism. One African theologian has lamented that in Africa, there are many baptized people, but very few Christians. Second, most of the churches have fallen into the trap of organized religion, which domesticates the prophetical vision of the founder, and offers an easy way of being ‘religious’. Pagola laments: “I know how tempting it is to live correctly within the Church, without worrying about the one thing Jesus taught: the kingdom of God and its justice (p.27). The leaders of organized religions know quite well that were they to make really difficult demands, they might lose a good part of their clientele and their livelihood.

The domestication of the prophetical vision of Jesus has also left its devastating impact on the Lord’s Supper: it was reinterpreted to serve the agenda of the priestly community; it satisfies our emotional needs but does not challenge us. For instance, in the Roman Catholic Church, the vast majority of bishops and priests celebrate the Eucharist almost daily; yet empirical studies indicate that our life-style is not a challenge to the laity. Sad to say, very often many of us are even lacking in the basic qualities that are expected of a decent human being. So often, Pope Francis has lamented the pervasive presence of clericalism within the Church. Clericalism reveals itself in arrogance, abuse of authority, abuse of the church funds, abuse of helpless people, refusal to consult people, refuse to be accountable, giving more importance to our comforts and conveniences, etc. In short, we can misbehave with impunity.

So too, members of non-clerical religious congregations participate in the Eucharist more or less every day; but many lay people wonder: “Do we still need religious in the Church?” The reason for this question is simple: most religious do not fulfil their primary responsibility: to be a countercultural presence in the world at large. I am not saying that we priests, bishops and religious are all bad people. Most of us are not adequately Christian. We have succumbed to the seductive charm of the consumer culture; we feel carried away by the spirit of competition that characterizes the modern professional world. We believe that assertive action rather than transformative presence is what the society most appreciates today. As a result, even the most powerful symbol of Jesus – the shared meal – has been hijacked by the brokers of organized religion. It has been reduced to a convenient ritual that only serves to reinforce mediocrity.

Jesus was a contemplative. We see him often at prayer all alone in some lonely place. He experienced God as a very loving parent, who is always and everywhere accessible to all his children. Jesus wanted to share this experience with others. Hence, he shared meals with all kinds of people. This was an invitation to the unbrokered experience of the Kingdom of God that shatters all boundaries we lay down and negates all the hierarchies we set up. The Father wants us to approach him directly. The moment we sincerely wish to do so, he runs to meet us and gathers us into his loving embrace. He does not wait for us to go through some atonement ritual. He does not wait for us to be escorted into his holy presence by some professional brokers. To reveal to us his love and compassion he sent his son as our brother. Somehow we find it difficult to believe that God could be so humane and humble so as to bypass all formalities. We prefer to think him as a king who is surrounded with many courtiers and these have been instructed to enforce proper protocol. We are comfortable with brokers not only on earth, but we also seek brokers in heaven. The brokers on earth are busy multiplying brokers in heaven. That brings them additional importance and brokerage.

This was the religion of the Old Testament. It was a thoroughly organized religion, with a highly institutionalized liturgy, controlled by a three-tiered clergy: Levite, priest and high priest. This hierarchy was taken care of by the offerings the people brought to the temple of Jerusalem. Hence, the clergy had to multiply occasions for people to visit the temple. They multiplied rituals for different occasions. It was a veritable religious consumer market. All the adult males had to visit the temple in Jerusalem at least three times a year. The Jews were told that they could not come before the Lord empty-handed (Ex 23:15, 34:20; Deut 16:16). This organized religion, with its institutionalized liturgy, found its expression in a host of cult-related laws. Even the priests could approach the sanctuary only when they were dressed in protective vestments. They generated sacred texts that legitimized their claims, perpetuated their position and ensured their prestige.

The demands of a highly organized religion was the burden (zugos) some early disciples of Jesus wanted to impose on the Gentile followers (Acts 15:28). This was the burden that Jesus had in mind when he invited people to come to him: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden (zugos) is light” (Mt 11:28-30). When the Son of Man comes to judge us, the norm will not be the requirements of any organized religion, but the simple demands our humanity makes of all of us (Mt 25:31-46).

To understand the call to be disciples of Jesus, we need to take very seriously the mystery of Incarnation. The way Roman Catholic theologians make claims about Jesus, makes me feel that they are actually operating within a Docetic frame: the pre-Easter Jesus knew everything: he even knew that he was God! Most of our Eucharistic Theology reveals a Docetic presupposition. The Eucharist of Jesus is an invitation to share a real meal with others, especially with the needy. It is an invitation to break ourselves for others. This is the deeper meaning of Incarnation: God emptying himself for us. He does this not to save us from sin, but to reveal to us his unbounded love. God becomes man to teach us that just by being decent women and men we can come to him. God comes to us, so that we may go out to the others, crossing all boundaries and ignoring all hierarchies. The shared meal of Jesus was meant to symbolize this call to be human and humane.

While working on this book I had some very happy experiences. My deepest convictions were confirmed. A careful reading of the New Testament and the early Church Fathers was a very refreshing and reassuring experience. The foundational texts and the earliest Christian writers speak a lot about worship, but very little about cult – if at all. For them the discipleship of Jesus is the best worship we can render to his Father. They give great importance to love of neighbour and prayer, but speak very little about the Eucharist. One reason could be that already within the life-time of Paul, the Eucharist had been distorted (1 Cor 11:16-34). It became a ritual that did not demand an adequate ethical commitment. John had foreseen this possibility; he does not give us the institution of the Eucharist in his Gospel. During the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and explained his action as an invitation to love one another through humble service, telling them to do this in remembrance of him.

The discipleship of Jesus, the poor prophet from Nazareth, is anything but easy. It calls us to carry our cross and walk with him. This is the best sacrifice we can and ought to offer God. Jesus wants us to remember him by breaking ourselves for others. An actual meal, shared with others, particularly with the needy, expresses our willingness to become the bread broken for others, the cup poured out for others. As his disciples, we are called to give away our most precious belonging to empower others. God calls us as he called Abraham: to sacrifice our only son. God gives the lead. By doing this we will live the mystery of Incarnation: God breaking and pouring out himself for us. This will demand that we go much beyond the rituals and devotions we are so habituated to, that we set out on a journey of contemplation, not knowing where we are going (Heb 11:8), but confident that the Risen Lord is journeying with us.

Cult tends to keep us infantile all our life. True, as humans we need some signs and symbols; but these cannot be mandatory always and everywhere. Very few symbols have an evocative value for all humans; these emerge from our shared humanity and from the awareness of what his humanity really means. True, sometimes we need to come together to pray. But shared silence too can be deep community prayer. Through contemplative prayer we will attain human maturity, and the full stature of Jesus Christ (Eph 4:13). Then we will understand that we are all guests of God. We are trustees not owners. Even the wealth we have acquired through hard and honest labour is not ours. It is meant to be shared with others. Contemplative prayer will shape our vision and our life. We will not be carried away by the pomp and glamour of our consumer markets. We will not allow our need for comfort, convenience and pleasure to dominate us. Our life will be simple: we will use for ourselves as much resources as we really need so that the other sisters and brothers of Jesus will also have what they really need. Our life itself will become our Eucharist. Then, and only then, will we discover the real meaning of the Lord’s Supper. Then, and only then, will our celebration of the Eucharist have some meaning.

Diwali Celebrations Held At BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham

Diwali was celebrated with grandeur at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, featuring an Annakut with hundreds of food items, intricate rangoli designs, 2,700 diyas, and festive lights on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

The largest Hindu mandir in the USA, Akshardham is an iconic testament to Hindu art, architecture, and spirituality, offering profound insights into Hindu traditions and teachings.

Diwali Celebrations Held At BAPS Swaminarayan AkshardhamThe BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham drew thousands of worshippers throughout the day. There was a long line to take part in the Ceremony of Light, a practice of waving a lighted wick before the sacred image of God. The food symbolizes devotion.

“Families will come together to bake what they like. You’ll see cookies and traditional Indian sweets and delicacies. Because we celebrate the mountain of food, you’ll see many items stacked like a mountain,” said Viren Shah, who is among the many celebrating the festival.

Billions of people around the world are celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The holiday is bringing people together across Central Illinois, too. The Hindu, Jain and Sikh faiths are the primary faiths that celebrate Diwali. The festivities span multiple days before and after the official date.

The holiday marks new beginnings for Hindus and a chance to enter their Lunar New Year with fortuitous blessings from the goddess of wealth. It’s their biggest celebration, and is akin to a mix of winter holidays and New Years.

As Indian immigrants have crossed oceans and borders for new countries, the holidays and traditions they brought with them have both endured and evolved with the next generation. Diwali – a festival with various meanings, histories and names depending on the region and religion observing it – is no exception.

Every corner of Akshardham invites everyone to embark on a transformative journey that guides them toward the radiant joy of the Divine. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is a spiritual campus created by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Over 12,500 people volunteered in the creation of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. Students, parents,Diwali Celebrations Held At BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham 3 professionals, and more, dedicated their time and effort—for two weeks, six months, two years, or even more than a decade—to make Akshardham a reality.

The volunteers came to help build the mandir but discovered transformative experiences. Following are a few stories highlighting the devotion and sacrifice of the volunteers excerpted from the book, People of Akshardham: Stories Beyond the Stones.

Akash Patel, a 39-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, reflects on his upbringing and the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy for his daughter. Despite facing financial challenges, Akash worked his way up the corporate ladder, eventually joining Ernst & Young. He decided to volunteer at Akshardham, a spiritual place, during a two-week vacation. This experience led him to realize that material wealth alone wasn’t enough to provide purpose and meaning. Inspired by the spiritual atmosphere, he and his wife, Vandana, made a life-changing decision to move to NJ and volunteer at Akshardham while raising their daughter, Prapti. Akash’s journey highlights the importance of imparting moral and spiritual values to the next generation, valuing inner peace, and leaving a lasting legacy beyond material wealth.

Harmiksha Patel, a 24-year-old registered nurse from Brampton, Ontario, lost her father, Snehal, to cancer in 2020. When presented with an opportunity to serve in the Akshardham construction project, she initially hesitated but ultimately chose to volunteer, as she felt that her dad would be so happy if he knew I was volunteering at Akshardham. For nearly a year, she served in the Akshardham’s inner sanctum, cleaning, treating, repairing, and grouting stones. Harmiksha worked with a sense of reverence that expanded over time. “Every stone, every part of this mandir is touched by God, and so are the people building it: these volunteers have done so much for my guru, and we are all connected because of him. Volunteering in Akshardham has lessened the gap between me and the people around me.” She wishes to bring this attitude home and learn to recognize the beauty in all people.

Yesha Shah, 27, of Skokie, Illinois, volunteered for three days in 2019 but when she returned to pharmacy school, she missed the fulfillment she had felt while volunteering. She took a 1.5-year leave to continue volunteering to be part of this once-in-alifetime opportunity. She served as co-lead of the rebar team. Inspired by the virtues of her teammates, Yesha strove to serve humbly, accept criticism positively, and develop patience. Reflecting on the impact of her time volunteering, Yesha said, “I used to get very easily hurt if someone pointed out my mistakes. Over the last year, I stopped dwelling so much on the external factors I can’t change and chose to focus on things that I can change in myself. This has helped me feel more at peace with myself.”

As a 10-year-old,Nilkanth Rao, 40, accompanied his father, Ramesh, to Kandla, Gujarat, where artisans carved stones for the BAPS mandir in London. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was visiting, and he addressed the artisans, which Nilkanth remembers vividly. Inspired by his father’s years of volunteering in mandir construction, Nilkanth began serving on the Akshardham site in 2012 and joined full-time in January 2022, taking a year’s sabbatical from his work as a manager at Accenture Federal Service. He weatherproofed, cut, clamped, placed, and repaired stones throughout the Akshardham campus. Nilkanthʼs volunteering has taught him to imbue all his actions with spirituality. “With the right sentiments, there is no real difference between physical service on site and devotion we offer in the mandir. Every stone we place, every stone we dip, is an offering to God.” (Courtesy: News India Times)

CIA Labels Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal as ‘Religious Militant Organizations’ in Latest World Factbook, Sparks Strong Rejection and Legal Threats from Indian Officials

The latest edition of the ‘World Factbook’ by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has labeled the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal as “religious militant organizations.” In the report, the CIA, the intelligence arm of the US government, classifies them as “political pressure groups,” denoting organizations involved in politics or exerting political influence without leaders standing for legislative election.

The RSS, Hurriyat Conference, and Jamiat Ulema-e Hind are also included in India’s list of political pressure groups by the CIA. The RSS is described as a “nationalist organization,” the Hurriyat Conference as a “separatist group,” and the Jamiat Ulema-e Hind as a “religious organization.”

The CIA’s ‘World Factbook’ is an annual publication providing intelligence and factual reference material on countries or issues to the US government. Covering aspects such as history, people, government, economy, energy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues, this resource has been available since 1962, with public access granted in 1975. It serves as essential information for US policymakers and is coordinated across the US intelligence community, alongside ‘The President’s Daily Brief’ and ‘National Intelligence Estimates.’

Reacting to the CIA’s characterization, Khemchand Sharma, former national convenor of the BJP’s Samvad cell, dismissed the assertions as “fake news.” He vehemently rejected the classification of VHP and Bajrang Dal as religious militant organizations, stating that they are recognized nationalist groups. Sharma announced the initiation of legal proceedings against the CIA’s reference.

In its ‘World Factbook,’ the CIA designates the VHP and Bajrang Dal as “religious militant organizations,” classifying them as “political pressure groups” engaged in political activities without contesting legislative elections.

The RSS, Hurriyat Conference, and Jamiat Ulema-e Hind are also listed as political pressure groups in India. The CIA describes the RSS as a “nationalist organization,” the Hurriyat Conference as a “separatist group,” and the Jamiat Ulema-e Hind as a “religious organization.”

The ‘World Factbook’ is an annual publication by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that offers intelligence and factual reference material on various aspects of countries or issues to the US government. Covering a wide range of topics, including history, government, economy, energy, and military, it serves as a crucial resource for US policymakers. The CIA has been publishing this material since 1962, with public access granted in 1975.

Khemchand Sharma, former national convenor of the BJP’s Samvad cell, strongly rejected the CIA’s classification of VHP and Bajrang Dal as “religious militant organizations,” labeling it as “fake news.” Sharma emphasized that these groups are recognized as nationalist organizations and announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against the CIA’s reference.

“We completely reject CIA reference to VHP and Bajrang dal as religious militant organizations.. these r the nationalist organizations, all knows it. Legal proceeding will be initiated against this reference soon,” Sharma tweeted.

The CIA’s ‘World Factbook’ designates the VHP and Bajrang Dal as “religious militant organizations,” categorizing them as “political pressure groups” involved in political activities without participating in legislative elections.

In addition to these groups, the RSS, Hurriyat Conference, and Jamiat Ulema-e Hind are listed as political pressure groups in India. The RSS is identified as a “nationalist organization,” the Hurriyat Conference as a “separatist group,” and the Jamiat Ulema-e Hind as a “religious organization.”

The ‘World Factbook’ is an annual publication by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that provides intelligence and factual reference material on various aspects of countries or issues to the US government. Covering topics such as history, government, economy, and military, it is a vital resource for US policymakers. The CIA has been publishing this material since 1962, making it publicly accessible in 1975.

Reacting to the CIA’s classification, Khemchand Sharma, former national convenor of the BJP’s Samvad cell, dismissed the assertions as “fake news.” He strongly rejected the characterization of VHP and Bajrang Dal as “religious militant organizations,” asserting that these groups are recognized as nationalist organizations. Sharma announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against the CIA’s reference.

Pope Francis At First ‘Faith Pavilion’ During Climate Summit

(RNS) — Pope Francis is set to speak at the inauguration of the first-ever “Faith Pavilion” during the upcoming 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates.

As political leaders from across the globe gather from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 to assess how well they are addressing climate change, religious officials — including Francis, who is both a head of state and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church — will have a new place of prominence.

Vatican News reported Thursday (Nov. 9) that the pope will also deliver a speech at the summit and hold bilateral meetings while in Dubai from Dec. 1-3.

The Faith Pavilion will be hosted by the U.N. Environmental Program, the Muslim Council of Elders, the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, the Episcopal Diocese of California and dozens of other faith-based groups.

“There’s been a long-term effort among some of us who’ve been attending the COP from faith bodies to have a physical presence and to be more at the table,” Bishop Marc Andrus, leader of the Bay Area-based diocese, told Religion News Service in an interview.

“We believe that we have to have stronger voices together in order to meet the urgent need to combat climate change effects. The pavilion is really a physical embodiment of our commitment to really be an active sector in climate change work.”

Pope Francis At First ‘Faith Pavilion’ During Climate Summit (NCR)
Picture: NCR

Rabbi Yonatan Neril, executive director of the Jerusalem-based Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, expressed the leaders’ excitement about Francis’ participation in the inauguration of the pavilion, whose cost organizers declined to disclose.

He said the facility can accommodate as many as 100 people and will host 65 sessions about how major religious groups are working to reduce climate change. The religions represented are Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Baha’i, Buddhism, Indigenous religions and Zoroastrianism.

“The Faith Pavilion will be right at the heart of COP28, located near the World Climate Action Summit and the area where the negotiations take place,” Neril said via email. “This demonstrates the significance of the interfaith movement in helping to tackle the climate emergency and provides a unique opportunity for faith-based engagement with key stakeholders, including political decision makers and negotiators.”

A number of high-level faith leaders will be speaking at the pavilion. Those leaders include Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis of the United Kingdom; Bishop Thomas Schirrmacher, secretary general of the New York-based World Evangelical Alliance; and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, president of the India-based Divine Shakti Foundation.

Most of those speakers were signatories on a statement also signed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and representatives of Francis, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, grand imam of Egypt’s Al-Azhar. That statement was released on Monday at the conclusion of a pre-COP28 gathering of global faith leaders in Abu Dhabi.

“We ardently implore all decision-makers assembled at COP28 to seize this decisive moment and to act with urgency, weaving a tapestry of shared action and profound responsibility,” the statement reads. “The urgency of the hour demands that we act swiftly, collaboratively, and resolutely to heal our wounded worlds and preserve the splendor of our common home.”

The California diocese has pioneered the use of a “carbon tracker” app, which helps users reduce their carbon footprint by reviewing how much they fly and drive, the source of heat in their homes and the kinds of food they choose to eat.

Andrus said his church presented the model during Climate Week in September in New York City as Muslims, Hindus, Roman Catholics and others discussed how they can make tangible differences to respond to climate change.

At the Faith Pavilion, he said, representatives of different faiths will be able to speak and present examples of ways they are trying to replenish the Earth or reduce the negative effects they have on it — from Sikhs who have created “small sacred forests” in the Punjab region of India to Ethiopian Orthodox Christians who are “ringing their churches with forest” in the midst of a desert.

Andrus and Neril, like signatories on the statement, hope future U.N. climate summits will also include a pavilion focused on faith, as well as the continued presence of prominent religious leaders.

“Most of the world’s population, and many of the political negotiators at the COPs, affiliate with a religion,” stated Neril. “Yet for the first 27 UN climate conferences, senior religious figures have seldom shown up. At COP28 in Dubai, we have worked to significantly increase the presence of high-level religious leaders, and seek to do so at future COPs.”

In the statement, they committed to guiding members of their organizations on environmental issues and changing consumption patterns to achieve the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement seeking net-zero carbon emissions.

Pope Francis Encourages Theologians to Engage with Real-World Challenges

Pope Francis is urging Catholic theologians to align their work with the everyday struggles of ordinary people and to foster dialogues not only among believers but also with non-believers and those of different faiths.

In a document signed on November 1 and released by the Vatican, Pope Francis addressed the need to update the statutes governing the Pontifical Academy of Theology. The last revision was made almost 25 years ago during the papacy of his predecessor, John Paul II.

The Pope emphasized the necessity for theologians to grapple with “profound cultural transformations” without specifying particular issues. Instead, he encouraged them to embrace “openness to the world, to humanity in its concrete existential conditions, with all its complexities, wounds, challenges, and potentialities.”

This, Pope Francis asserted, represents a “paradigm shift” for theological reflection, enabling it to “interpret the Gospel within the contexts of people’s daily lives in diverse geographical, social, and cultural settings.” He stressed the importance of theologians immersing themselves in the cultures, worldviews, and religious traditions of different communities.

Theology, according to Pope Francis, must evolve within a culture of dialogue that encompasses “various Christian confessions and different religions” and engages openly with both believers and non-believers. He cautioned against theologians isolating themselves and becoming insignificant by turning inward.

Pope Francis also called for theology to be “attentive to the voices of the people,” promoting a “popular” theology that addresses the wounds of humanity, creation, and human history. This approach should prioritize knowledge derived from the “common sense of people.”

Four months ago, when selecting a theological advisor from his native Argentina to lead the Vatican’s doctrinal orthodoxy watchdog office, Pope Francis emphasized the department’s central purpose: safeguarding church teachings to provide hope and understanding, rather than condemning or pointing fingers. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has the authority to discipline theologians whose work deviates from Catholic doctrine.

Throughout his ten-year papacy, Pope Francis has consistently advocated for the Catholic Church to exhibit greater compassion, especially toward those living on the fringes of society, and to adopt a more merciful perspective.

The Pontifical Academy of Theology, established in the early 18th century, serves as an advisory body that occasionally hosts conferences and other events.

Ayodhya Prepares for Spectacular Deepotsava

In an extraordinary display of cultural and spiritual celebration, Ayodhya is gearing up for an unprecedented Deepotsava, aiming to set a world record by lighting an astonishing 24 lakh earthen lamps at 51 ghats along the serene Saryu River. With 25,000 dedicated volunteers, this three-day event, commencing from November 10 to 12, will illuminate the city and captivate the world, paving the way for a grand opening of the Ram temple in January.

The scale of this year’s Deepotsava is nothing short of historic, with a light and sound show scheduled to grace Ram Ki Pauri for the next five years. Furthermore, a monumental digital screen, purported to be the largest in the country, will be deployed to narrate the illustrious history of Ayodhya and the state of Uttar Pradesh.

During a recent review meeting in Ayodhya, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath affirmed the significance of this event, stating, “Ek nav Ayodhya, ek bhavya Ayodhya ka darshan desh aur duniya ko dekhne ko milega. Iska pehla rehearsal deepotsava mein dekhne ko milega.” (Soon, the entire country and the world would see a new and grand Ayodhya, and Deepotsava in Ayodhya this year would be the first rehearsal for the same).

Ayodhya’s District Magistrate, Nitish Kumar, expressed, “Deepotsava this year will certainly be a grand event compared to the past. Apart from aiming to set a world record by lighting 24 lakh diyas, we are aiming to make other records like putting up the country’s biggest digital screen to display the history of Ayodhya as well as Uttar Pradesh.”

The festivities are set to commence on November 11 and extend for a week, encompassing not only the breathtaking illumination of lamps but also a series of cultural events. The awe-inspiring light and sound show at Ram Ki Pauri, making its debut this Deepotsava, will become a regular feature for tourists and pilgrims.

Deepotsav was initiated in Ayodhya six years ago during Chief Minister Adityanath’s first term. Notably, last year’s event saw 15 lakh diyas illuminate various ghats in Ayodhya.

Preparations have been thorough, with volunteers from different organizations, including 27 colleges and 19 intermediate colleges in Ayodhya and nearby areas affiliated with Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University, receiving training in lighting diyas. The logistics are impressive, with approximately 65,000 diyas planned to be illuminated at Ram Ki Pauri alone.

Beyond the 50 ghats, diyas will adorn significant religious and historical locations throughout Ayodhya. Given the magnitude of this endeavor, volunteers will commence placing diyas from November 8 at various ghats. To streamline the process and facilitate an accurate count, these diyas will be arranged in approximately 12,500 blocks, each containing around 196 lamps.

As Ayodhya readies itself for this grand spectacle, the world awaits the illumination of millions of diyas, symbolizing the spirit of unity and celebration that lies at the heart of this historic Deepotsava.

Pope’s Vatican Summit Concludes: No Decision on Women Deacons, LGBTQ Catholics Not Mentioned

Pope Francis’ significant summit addressing the future of the Catholic Church concluded on October 28, but it deferred a decision on the potential ordination of women as deacons and did not openly acknowledge the profound tensions that arose during a month of discussions regarding the Church’s approach to LGBTQ members.

A comprehensive 41-page report, ratified and unveiled that evening, recommended that the findings from prior papal and theological commissions on women’s ordination as deacons should be presented for further evaluation at the forthcoming Synod of Bishops, scheduled for October 2024. The report, titled “A synodal church in mission,” came after an intense month of deliberations at the Vatican among approximately 450 participants, focusing on significant issues, including the involvement of women in church ministries, clerical sexual abuse, and improved inclusivity for LGBTQ Catholics.

In contrast to previous documents leading up to this closely-watched assembly, the synthesis report adopts a much more cautious tone. Although it proposes 81 ideas, they often remain quite open-ended or general, and the text calls for further theological or canonical exploration, evaluation, or deliberation on numerous occasions.

Pope Francis officially launched his “synod on synodality” in 2021, a multiyear, multi-phase process aimed at exploring how the Church’s ministries and structures can become more inclusive. The newly released report outlines areas of agreement, topics for consideration, and ideas discussed during this month’s assembly, expected to set the stage for ongoing debates in the year leading up to next year’s assembly.

The participants voted on each paragraph of the final text through the early evening of October 28, requiring a two-thirds majority of the voting members for passage. The paragraphs primarily concerning the possibility of women becoming deacons faced substantial opposition. One was approved by a vote of 277-69, while the other received approval with a vote of 279-67. A paragraph addressing clerical celibacy also faced significant opposition but was passed with a vote of 291-55.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, one of the leading organizers of the synod, expressed his amazement that many people had voted in favor of the paragraphs discussing women’s leadership in the Church, suggesting that resistance might not be as significant as previously thought.

Regarding LGBTQ Catholics, Cardinal Mario Grech, who heads the Vatican’s synod office, emphasized the need to “respect everyone’s pace” and clarified that having a stronger voice does not guarantee success.

Jesuit Fr. James Martin, a popular spiritual author and editor of the LGBTQ Catholic publication Outreach, who participated in the synod as a voting member, expressed disappointment but not surprise regarding the outcome for LGBTQ Catholics. He wished that some of the open and candid discussions had been included in the final synthesis.

For the first time in the history of the Synod of Bishops, about 50 women were granted voting rights by Pope Francis at this assembly. While the final report they contributed to did not immediately call for the ordination of women as deacons or even mention the ordination of women as priests, it contained explicit language about the role of women in church leadership.

The text acknowledged that women in the assembly spoke of a Church harmed by clericalism, a chauvinistic mentality, and inappropriate expressions of authority. The assembly also made a “clear request” for the recognition and appreciation of women’s contributions and an increase in their pastoral leadership.

The report also asked how the Church can incorporate more women into existing ministries and raised the question of discerning new ministries and the process for doing so.

On the topic of ordaining women as deacons, the report took a balanced approach, acknowledging that some found it “unacceptable” due to a perceived break with tradition, while others viewed it as a way to respond to the signs of the times and revitalize the Church. Pope Francis had previously formed two special commissions to examine the historical aspects of ordaining women as deacons, although the results of these commissions have not been made public.

The report emphasizes the need to continue theological and pastoral research on women’s access to the diaconate, drawing on the results of the special commissions established by Pope Francis. It suggests that the outcomes of this research should be presented at the next session of the assembly.

The report also underscores the necessity for addressing employment injustices and unfair compensation for women in the Church, particularly those in consecrated life, who are often treated as inexpensive labor. Additionally, it proposes a review of liturgical texts and church documents to ensure gender-inclusive language and narratives that reflect women’s experiences.

The synod brought to the forefront emotional discussions on the Church’s response to LGBTQ Catholics, including the tragic testimonial of a bisexual woman who took her own life after feeling rejected by the Church. However, the final report mostly glosses over the tensions that arose on this matter.

Addressing issues related to sexuality and identity, the report acknowledges that these issues raise “new questions.” It emphasizes the importance of “listening and accompanying” such individuals or couples and cautions against using language or making “simplistic judgments” that could harm individuals and the Church.

The report reflects the deep sense of love, mercy, and compassion expressed during the assembly for those who have felt hurt or neglected by the Church. It highlights the need for a safe and welcoming place where individuals can be heard and respected without fear of judgment.

Despite this, the final report notably does not use the acronym “LGBT” or the word “gay.” This decision follows active debate during the synod discussions over the appropriateness of such language. While Vatican documents have used the term “LGBT” for at least five years, the report refrains from doing so.

Regarding the ongoing crisis of clergy sexual abuse, the report suggests creating additional structures to prevent abuse, including the possibility of establishing a new body to review abuse cases, separate from the bishops.

The report recognizes the challenge faced by many bishops in handling abuse cases and proposes exploring the appropriateness of assigning the judicial task to another body. It also recommends providing women with the necessary training to serve as judges in all canonical processes.

The report emphasizes the role of lay people in advising church leaders and makes recommendations for Vatican officials. It briefly touches on the issue of clerical celibacy.

In the section addressing the role of bishops, the report stresses that a bishop’s ministry is truly synodal when it includes co-responsibility, listening to the faithful People of God, and humility and conversion in liturgical celebrations. It proposes making episcopal councils, lay-led groups advising bishops, mandatory, instead of optional as it is now.

The report also suggests reviewing the criteria for selecting priests to become bishops and expanding consultation with the faithful People of God, including lay individuals and consecrated persons.

In terms of the pope and the Vatican’s role in governing the global church, the report recommends enhanced consultation with local bishops. It raises the question of whether curial officials, typically appointed as cardinals by the pope, need to be bishops.

The text addresses various social issues, including climate change and Laudate Deum, Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on environmental matters. It also discusses the Church’s relationships with Indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, and those living in poverty. The report addresses the persistent issue of racism and calls for dialogue and discernment on racial justice.

Among other proposals in the final report:

– Creating new approaches to pastoral engagement with Indigenous peoples, focusing on collaboration rather than actions done to or for them.

– Establishing a permanent council of leaders of Eastern Rite Catholic Churches to advise the pope.

– Inviting more delegates from other Christian denominations to the October 2024 assembly.

– Expressing a desire for a common date to celebrate Easter in Catholic and other Christian churches.

The report briefly touches on clerical celibacy, acknowledging that different opinions exist on the topic. It recognizes the value of celibacy as a profound witness to Christ but also suggests further consideration of its theological appropriateness for priestly ministry in the Latin Church.

Vatican statistics: Africa had biggest increase in Catholics, while numbers fell in Europe

New data from the Vatican reveals significant trends in the global Catholic population. The Vatican’s annual report, released on World Mission Sunday, covers the period from December 31, 2020, to December 31, 2021. The report indicates that Africa experienced the largest increase in the number of Catholics in 2021, while Europe continued to see a decline in Catholic numbers.

The global Catholic population reached 1,375,852,000 by the end of 2021, marking an overall increase of 16.2 million compared to the previous year. The African continent saw substantial growth during this period, with 40 million people added, including 8.3 million new Catholics.

Pope Francis demonstrated a particular focus on Africa by visiting the heavily Catholic regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan in early 2023. Despite this growth, the percentage of Catholics worldwide decreased slightly, standing at 17.67% in 2021 compared to 17.7% in the previous year.

The data also indicates changes in the number of Catholic priests globally. The total number of priests decreased by 2,347 to approximately 408,000. Europe experienced the most significant decline, with 3,632 fewer priests than the previous year. However, Africa and Asia recorded a net gain of more than 1,500 priests and half that many, respectively. The Americas saw a decrease of nearly a thousand priests, while Oceania had a minor gain of fewer than a dozen.

It’s worth noting that the decline in the number of priests in 2021 was less dramatic than in the previous year when there was a decrease of 4,117 compared to 2019.

The data also highlights variations in Mass attendance rates among Catholic populations. Some African countries, such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Lebanon, have high proportions of Catholics attending Mass weekly or more, with Nigeria leading at 94%. In contrast, countries like Germany, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands have less than 15% of Catholics attending Mass weekly.

The number of permanent deacons saw little change, with a gain of 541 worldwide, totaling 49,176. Europe and the Americas recorded the most substantial gains, with 150 and 139 additional permanent deacons, respectively.

In contrast, the number of male religious decreased by nearly 800 globally, primarily due to losses in Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, partially offset by a gain of 205 religious men in Africa.

The situation for women religious was more challenging, with a decline of 10,588 during the study period. Europe experienced a significant loss of over 7,800 religious women, while the Americas also saw a reduction of more than 5,000. In contrast, Africa gained over 2,000 religious women.

The data indicates variations in the number of lay missionaries and catechists across continents. The Americas experienced a significant drop of almost 4,000, while Africa and Europe saw modest gains, and Asia recorded a more substantial gain of nearly 670.

When it comes to major seminarians, Africa was the only continent that registered an increase, with a net gain of 187. Africa also had the highest number of major seminarians overall, totaling nearly 34,000. In contrast, Asia, Europe, and the Americas experienced triple-digit losses, while Oceania’s numbers remained relatively stable. Overall, the number of major seminarians worldwide decreased by nearly 2,000 to around 110,000.

However, the total number of minor seminarians saw a global increase, with a gain of over 300, reaching 95,714. Africa led with a gain of more than 2,000, while Asia experienced the most substantial loss, with 1,216 fewer minor seminarians.

The Catholic Church operates a significant number of educational institutions and healthcare facilities worldwide. There are over 74,000 kindergartens, nearly 101,000 Catholic primary schools, and 50,000 secondary schools. The Church serves around 2.5 million Catholic high school students and 4 million university students.

Africa holds the highest number of infant pupils, Catholic primary schools, primary school students, and Catholic secondary schools. It ranks third in terms of secondary school students, following Europe and Asia. The Americas have the largest number of university students in Catholic schools, representing over half of all Catholic university students worldwide. Asia leads in the number of Catholic high school students, with 1.3 million.

Additionally, the Catholic Church operates 5,405 hospitals worldwide, along with 15,276 homes for the elderly and needy, and 9,703 orphanages, with Asia hosting the largest share of orphanages.

Sikh Coalition Joins Interfaith Education Panel on Capitol Hill

The Interfaith Education Panel, hosted by Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) on Wednesday, October 18, focused on interfaith approaches to preserving academic freedom and inclusivity in
our nation’s public school classrooms and libraries. The Sikh Coalition joined allies including the American Library Association, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, and the Interfaith
Alliance for the conversation.

In the course of the conversation, panelists discussed how our communities can fight back against efforts to ban books that are inclusive of different communities, as well as the wider nationwide campaign to constrain public schools and libraries in the service of extreme political and religious views. The Sikh Coalition understands these issues to be closely linked to highly politicized conversations about “Critical Race Theory” in our nation’s recent political dialogue; to understand how fear-mongering around inclusive education harms our efforts to ensure Sikhi is represented and respected in classrooms, read our community FAQ on this issue.

We continue to believe that all children deserve to feel safe and included in school, which means seeing themselves and their experiences reflected in both instruction and reading materials. As Sikhs, we know what it is like to have inaccurate information about our community taught in schools, and to be left out of classroom conversations entirely—which is why we choose to fight
alongside other communities against this latest wave of marginalization.

Earlier this week, the Sikh Coalition was proud to join a panel discussion titled Banned Beliefs: How People of Diverse Faiths are Fighting to Protect Our Public Schools and Libraries.

The Sikh Coalition continues our comprehensive work to ensure Sikh representation and inclusion in educational materials and classrooms across the nation so that our children feel both
safe and seen by the education system. Earlier this month, we celebrated as Connecticut joined 17 other states and Washington, DC, in adding Sikhi to their state social studies standards as a
result of advocacy by our organization and the local sangat. And in September, the Sikh Coalition was also proud to launch our new Education Advisory Committee, welcoming six Sikh educators, DEI experts, community activists, and parents who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our ongoing campaigns.

Finally, as a reminder, our ‘Back to School Toolkit’ includes a wide range of content—including our Educator’s Guide to Sikhism; lesson plans and classroom content for both elementary and
middle/high school-aged students; anti-bullying content for parents and administrators; content for librarians; accommodation letters (scroll down after clicking link) for students who maintain
articles of faith; and more—all available for free on our website.

Pope Francis May Attend COP28 Climate Conference to Amplify His Climate Message

Vatican insiders reveal that Pope Francis is considering attending the upcoming COP28 climate conference in Dubai, set to commence next month. This historic move would mark the first time a Pope has participated in a United Nations climate change conference since their inception in 1995.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, expressed Pope Francis’ desire to travel to Dubai during a recent Catholic-Jewish event in Rome, stating that a final decision had yet to be made. According to other Vatican sources, the likelihood of the Pope’s attendance at the event, scheduled from November 30 to December 12, stands at a substantial 90 percent.

Typically, heads of state attend the opening sessions of such conferences, delivering keynote speeches. For instance, U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the commencement of the previous two conferences held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in the previous year and Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021. These conferences also provide opportunities for bilateral meetings between world leaders.

Pope Francis, at 86 years old, has prioritized environmental protection throughout his papacy. Recently, he held a meeting with Sultan al-Jaber, the President of COP28. In a significant statement on October 4, Pope Francis appealed to climate change skeptics and hesitant politicians, urging them to recognize the human impact on climate change and the importance of scientific evidence. He emphasized that the planet may be on the brink of a crisis. This document, referred to as an Apostolic Exhortation and titled “Laudate Deum” (Praise God), serves as a follow-up to Pope Francis’ 2015 environmental encyclical, “Laudato Si” (Praise Be). It was spurred by the occurrence of recent extreme weather events and mentioned the challenges that COP28 faces on multiple occasions.

The document also warns that failure at the Dubai conference would be a grave disappointment and would jeopardize the progress made thus far. Despite mobility challenges due to a knee ailment, Pope Francis has maintained an active schedule. In September, he undertook trips to Mongolia and the French city of Marseilles.
There is a strong possibility that Pope Francis will attend the COP28 climate conference in Dubai next month, signaling a significant moment in the history of United Nations climate change conferences. The Pope’s commitment to addressing climate change and his willingness to participate in this event underscore the urgency of the global environmental crisis.

The Impact of Religion on Well-Being: A Global Perspective

A recent Gallup report reveals that religious individuals worldwide tend to exhibit more positivity, higher social support, and greater community involvement when compared to their non-religious counterparts. This comprehensive study, spanning a decade of data, highlights the complexity of measuring the well-being of religious people, and it emphasizes that the benefits of religion can vary significantly from one country to another. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that not everyone is equally interested in or receptive to the potential advantages of religious engagement.

The report, released on October 10, states, “Gallup World Poll data from 2012-2022 find, on a number of wellbeing measures, that people who are religious have better wellbeing than people who are not.”

To assess these differences, the study evaluated nine aspects of individuals’ lives, covering positive interactions, social lives, civic engagement, physical health, community basics, optimism, and more. Each of these nine indexes was scored on a scale from 0 to 100, based on responses to a series of questions.

For instance, the positive experience index included questions like “Did you smile or laugh today?” and “Were you treated with respect?” The civic engagement index inquired about charitable donations and assisting strangers, while the physical health index asked about limitations in performing typical age-related activities and the presence of physical pain. The community basics index explored housing and infrastructure.

Religious individuals scored higher than their non-religious counterparts on five of Gallup’s indexes: social life (77.6 compared to 73.7 for non-religious individuals), positive experience (69 to 65), community basics (59.7 to 55.6), optimism (49.4 to 48.4), and civic engagement (35.8 to 31).

In two indexes, religious and non-religious individuals showed similar scores: the “life evaluation” index, which assesses whether individuals are thriving or suffering, and their local economic confidence.

However, religious individuals scored lower on two other indexes: negative experience and physical health.

Notably, these differences between religious and non-religious individuals were most pronounced in highly religious countries. Even small variations can have significant global implications. The report states, “Each one-point difference in index scores between religious and nonreligious people represents an effect for an estimated 40 million adults worldwide.”

For example, the four-point difference in the Positive Experience Index means that approximately 160 million more adults globally have positive experiences due to their religious affiliation.

The report suggests that religion and spirituality might serve as valuable resources for addressing the mental health crisis prevalent in many countries. However, the report also highlights the declining interest in and engagement with religion.

Gallup partnered with the Radiant Foundation for this report. The Radiant Foundation is associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and promotes a positive view of religion and spirituality.

Jeff Jones, Gallup’s senior editor, commented on the complexity of quantifying the impact of religion and spirituality on well-being, especially as religious landscapes change and spiritual practices evolve. He noted, “With the changing nature of religious landscapes and spiritual practice, it can make quantitative measurement amid the changes challenging, as the traditional forms of spirituality — namely, attending formal religious services, are becoming less common, and people are seeking other ways to fulfill their spiritual needs.”

The report also cites several factors contributing to the decline of religious engagement around the world. These include growing polarization, which pits religious and non-religious individuals against each other, with the latter sometimes viewing the former as a threat. Religious groups, particularly from larger faith traditions, may wield their power in ways that others perceive as harmful.

The report suggests that “religious groups and individuals — particularly from the dominant religious group in a society — who are hostile to other religious groups may promote a cultural context that is harmful to the wellbeing of those outside the group. Resentment toward the dominant group may also tune people out to their messages, both those that are harmful (out-group animosity) but also that are helpful (serving others).”

The Gallup report provides valuable insights into the impact of religion on individuals’ well-being and the intricate dynamics at play in various countries. It underscores the potential benefits of religious engagement while acknowledging the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of spirituality and the declining interest in religion worldwide.

Pope Francis Suggests Possibility Of Blessing Same-Sex Unions

Pope Francis has responded to a challenge posed by five conservative cardinals regarding church teachings on homosexuality, indicating the potential for blessings of same-sex unions under certain conditions. The Vatican recently released a letter, dated July 11, written by Pope Francis in response to a set of five questions, or “dubia,” raised by the cardinals a day earlier. In the letter, Pope Francis suggests that the possibility of blessing same-sex unions could be explored, provided it does not confuse such blessings with sacramental marriages.

New Ways Ministry, an organization advocating for LGBTQ+ Catholics, considers this letter a significant step forward in making LGBTQ+ Catholics feel more welcome in the church and a step away from their marginalization.

While the Vatican maintains that marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman, it has traditionally opposed same-sex marriage. However, Pope Francis has previously expressed support for civil laws granting legal benefits to same-sex couples. In certain parts of Europe, Catholic priests have been blessing same-sex unions without facing reprimand from the Vatican.

The Pope’s response to the cardinals represents a shift from the Vatican’s official stance. In a 2021 explanatory note, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith stated that the church could not bless gay unions because “God cannot bless sin.”

In his recent letter, Pope Francis restated that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. However, in response to the cardinals’ inquiry about homosexual unions and blessings, he emphasized the importance of “pastoral charity,” which requires patience and understanding. He noted that priests should not merely reject or exclude but should consider forms of blessing requested by individuals that do not convey a mistaken view of marriage.

Pope Francis explained that when a blessing is requested, it is a plea for God’s assistance, a desire to live a better life, and trust in a benevolent higher power. While there are situations that are objectively “not morally acceptable,” he stressed that “pastoral charity” requires treating people as sinners who may not bear full responsibility for their circumstances.

He further advised that dioceses and bishops’ conferences need not establish fixed norms or protocols regarding this issue. Instead, it can be addressed on a case-by-case basis, recognizing that the life of the church operates beyond mere regulations.

Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, welcomed the Pope’s stance, stating that allowing pastoral ministers to bless same-gender couples implies recognition within the church that holy love can exist between same-gender couples. He viewed this as a significant step towards greater equality for LGBTQ+ Catholics.

The five cardinals, all of whom are conservative prelates from various parts of the world, had posed several challenges to Pope Francis regarding church teachings on homosexuality, women’s ordination, papal authority, and other matters in their letter. They made this material public just two days before the commencement of a major three-week synod at the Vatican, where LGBTQ+ Catholics and their role in the church were among the discussion topics.

Picture: ABC

These cardinals, who are among Pope Francis’ most vocal critics, are all retired and belong to the doctrinaire generation of cardinals appointed by St. John Paul II or Pope Benedict XVI. The signatories included Cardinals Walter Brandmueller of Germany, a former Vatican historian; Raymond Burke of the United States, who was removed by Pope Francis from his position as head of the Vatican supreme court; Juan Sandoval of Mexico, the retired archbishop of Guadalajara; Robert Sarah of Guinea, the retired head of the Vatican’s liturgy office; and Joseph Zen, the retired archbishop of Hong Kong.

Some of these cardinals had previously signed a set of “dubia” in 2016 challenging Pope Francis’ position on allowing divorced and civilly remarried couples to receive Communion. At that time, they were concerned that his stance contradicted the church’s teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. Pope Francis did not respond to their questions, and two of their co-signatories subsequently passed away.

In response to their latest questions, Pope Francis did reply, although the cardinals found his response unsatisfactory. They revised their five questions, resubmitted them to the Pope, and requested a simple “yes” or “no” response. When they did not receive such a response, they decided to make the texts public and issue a “notification” to the faithful.

The Vatican’s doctrinal office later published the Pope’s reply to them, although it omitted his introductory remarks encouraging the cardinals not to fear the synod.

Largest Hindu Temple Outside India Inaugurated In New Jersey

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple in the United States, opened its doors on Sunday, October 8th, in New Jersey. Situated in the city of Robbinsville, New Jersey, this temple is heralded as the largest Hindu temple outside of India in the modern era.

In a letter to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed the profound spiritual significance of this occasion for devotees worldwide, stating, “It is an occasion of profound spiritual significance for the vast legion of devotees worldwide.” The temple will be accessible to the public starting from October 18th.

Architectural Marvel

This magnificent temple is a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship. Its construction involved four distinct varieties of marble from Italy and limestone from Bulgaria. These precious materials embarked on an extraordinary journey, spanning thousands of miles from their origins to India and ultimately reaching their final destination in New Jersey, as reported by the Associated Press. On-site, skilled artisans meticulously assembled these intricately carved pieces, akin to assembling a colossal jigsaw puzzle, resulting in the creation of this monumental Hindu temple.

Covering an expansive 126-acre area, this architectural masterpiece owes its existence to the unwavering dedication of artisans and volunteers who devoted approximately 4.7 million hours to painstakingly hand-carve around two million cubic feet of stone, according to the report.

The temple’s walls are adorned with carvings of historical figures, including prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln, as highlighted by Yogi Trivedi, a temple volunteer and a scholar of religion at Columbia University, in a statement to NBC News. He marveled at the temple’s beauty, saying, “I wake up every morning and scratch my eyes thinking, ‘Am I still in central New Jersey?’ It’s like being transported to another world, specifically to India.”

Construction Efforts

The construction of the Akshardham temple, a collaborative effort involving 12,500 volunteers from around the world, commenced in 2011, according to PTI.

This monumental achievement marks a significant milestone for the Hindu community in the United States and stands as a symbol of the dedication, craftsmanship, and unity of its creators. As it opens its doors to the public, it is poised to become a source of inspiration and a place of spiritual significance for devotees and visitors alike.

Catholic Church to Hold Synod on Synodality: A Global Gathering of Bishops and Laypeople for Dialogue

The Vatican is set to host a significant ecclesiastical event from October 4th to 29th, bringing together Catholic clergy and laypeople from around the world. This assembly, known as a synod, serves as a platform for discussions on the concept of synodality, with a particular focus on the themes of communion, participation, and mission within the Church.

While some might perceive this event as merely a gathering to discuss gatherings, the term “synodality” has taken on a broader meaning under the leadership of Pope Francis, reflecting his vision for dialogue and decision-making within the Catholic Church.

Addressing concerns about the perceived complexity and insularity of the event, Pope Francis acknowledged, “I am well aware that speaking of a ‘Synod on Synodality’ may seem something abstruse, self-referential, excessively technical, and of little interest to the general public.”

This synod will bring together a diverse group of 464 participants, including Catholic clergy, laypeople, and women, to engage in discussions on pressing issues confronting the Church, ranging from sexual abuse and LGBTQ inclusion to the ordination of women. Pope Francis emphasized the significance of this gathering, stating, “It is something truly important for the church.”

Understanding the Synod on Synodality

The Synod on Synodality is the culmination of a two-year process that commenced in September 2021 when the Vatican released a preparatory document and guidelines for preparing for the synod. Catholic communities worldwide then convened in their parishes to deliberate on the questions posed by the synod. The outcomes of these local conversations were subsequently relayed to their respective bishops’ conferences.

After thorough discussions and debates among bishops, their conclusions were forwarded to the Vatican. In September 2022, a group of approximately 30 experts, theologians, and pastoral workers convened in Frascati, near Rome, to craft a guiding document for the next phase, titled “Enlarge the Space of your Tent.” This document was dispatched to Continental Assemblies, comprising groups of bishops divided by continents. Additionally, Eastern churches and Catholic advocacy groups offered their perspectives on the synodal topics.

The outcomes of these continental discussions were once again communicated to the Vatican. The synod office then produced another document, “Instrumentum Laboris 2,” which will shape the discussions at the forthcoming synod.

Key Dates and Events

The synod’s official activities will commence with a consistory on September 30th, during which 21 new cardinals will be appointed. This will be followed by an ecumenical vigil in St. Peter’s Square. Subsequently, synod participants will embark on a spiritual retreat in the town of Sacrofano, where they will have the opportunity to interact and converse with one another until the eve of the synod on October 3rd.

Picture: Catholic Review

On October 4th, Pope Francis will preside over the inauguration Mass for the synod. In an announcement made in April, the Vatican revealed that the synod will be extended, with participants reconvening for a second session in the fall of 2024.

Throughout the month-long synod, various significant gatherings and events are scheduled, including Masses, pilgrimages, retreats, and a prayer session for migrants and refugees on October 19th. On October 25th, attendees will gather in the Vatican gardens to recite the rosary.

Location of the Synod

In a departure from tradition, the synod will be hosted at the larger Pope Paul VI Hall, which can accommodate over 6,000 individuals. This choice reflects the growing number of participants attending the synod.

Notably, representatives from Eastern churches and high-ranking members of the Roman Curia will also be in attendance. Pope Francis personally selected 120 delegates. To foster a synodal atmosphere and encourage what the “Instrumentum Laboris” describes as “conversations in the spirit,” there will be spiritual assistants, 28 theologians, and 34 facilitators. While the spiritual assistants will participate in the retreat alongside synod attendees, the facilitators and theologians will remain in Rome to prepare for the summit. These theologians and facilitators will be encouraged to document their reflections and observations during the synod proceedings.

Remarkably, two bishops from China will participate, having received approval from Beijing authorities and the Vatican’s endorsement. This marks the second time that Chinese bishops have been permitted to attend a synod, with the first instance occurring during the synod on young people in 2018. It’s worth noting that the Vatican and China lack formal diplomatic relations, although they recently renewed an agreement regarding the appointment of bishops.

Participants in the synod were selected by their respective bishops’ conferences, with guidance from the Vatican, which recommended the inclusion of laypeople and, notably, women. However, it’s important to note that there are participants, such as U.S. Cardinal Raymond Burke, who dissent from the synod itself, with Burke having referred to it as a “Pandora’s box.” Additionally, the synod will host several German attendees who support the Synodal Way, a consultative process involving bishops and lay Catholics in Germany that unfolded between 2019 and 2023 and proposed progressive positions on issues related to sexuality and the inclusion of women.

The upcoming synod, a significant event in the Catholic Church’s calendar, aims to revolutionize the way synodality is put into practice. Traditionally, synods involved lengthy speeches by a panel of speakers, often criticized for their predetermined outcomes. Pope Francis has hinted at this issue in past synods led by his predecessors.

In this unique synod, participants will present their views briefly, followed by a moment of silent reflection and prayer. The event is structured into five modules: Synodality, Communion, Participation, Mission, and a final assembly for voting. Following the general assembly’s public speeches and testimonies, attendees will be divided into language groups such as English, Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

These working groups, known as “circoli minori,” will delve into the topics in detail, commencing their discussions with a prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Theologians and facilitators will only participate in plenary sessions, not within the working groups. Summaries of the discussions generated by the smaller groups will be forwarded to the Secretariat of the Synod office, led by Cardinal Mario Grech. This office will compile all the information and provide a digital copy to the theologians who attended the synod. These theologians will be responsible for crafting a final synthesis, which will be submitted for a vote during the plenary assembly.

Rev. Orm Rush, a professor at Australian Catholic University and a member of the theological commission on the synod, likened the process to the unfolding of a mystery novel. Interestingly, the Vatican has opted to keep the conversations at the synod confidential. While the opening session will be livestreamed to the public, the subsequent plenary sessions and discussions within the circoli minori will be conducted behind closed doors. Journalists covering the synod will rely on occasional briefings from the Vatican’s communication department.

This decision, according to Rush, is not intended to exclude journalists but rather to create an environment where participants can engage without the distractions of external influences and animosity. The aim is to foster a spirit of constructive dialogue.

The Significance of the Synod

The organizers of the synod acknowledge that predicting the outcomes of the discussions is impossible, as they assert that the process will be guided by the Holy Spirit. However, the path leading to the event offers insights into the expectations of participants and observers.

At the parish level, synodal discussions highlighted the need for reflection on the role of women in the church, the inclusion of gay and lesbian Catholics, and the possibility of a married priesthood. These concerns resonate not only in Western churches but also among faithful in parishes worldwide, who grapple with aligning these issues with their beliefs.

Synod organizers have affirmed that these concerns will be central to the discussions, with the “Instrumentum Laboris” containing questions addressing them. The synod also provides an opportunity to reconsider decision-making processes within the church’s hierarchy, emphasizing the importance of bishops collaborating with parish councils, assuming responsibility for their dioceses, and ensuring accountability in cases of sexual abuse.

Although the Vatican has yet to confirm the production of an official synod document, it is likely that participants will vote on such a document emerging from their conversations. This document will probably be sent back to the local church level for further discussion and potential amendments before the 2024 summit.

It’s important to note that changes in doctrine and morality are not on the table, according to Vatican officials. However, reshaping decision-making processes and power structures within the historically hierarchical institution could pave the way for future changes in these areas.

In Hindu Heritage Month, Hindu Americans Seek To Educate The Public — And Themselves

(RNS) For Hindu Heritage Month this year, Hindus want to highlight their faith for external audiences, but also grow broader awareness amongst Hindus themselves.

When Hindu Heritage Month was held for the first time two years ago, its organizers hoped to educate their fellow Americans about the contributions Hindus have made in the world. Most could name yoga as a Hindu influence; some might bring up the holistic health practices of ayurveda. But since ancient times, Hindus have been pioneers in astronomy, architecture, mathematics and numerous other fields.

“We have so much to be proud about, and we’ve been very modest in keeping it to ourselves,” said Ramya Ramakrishnan, community outreach director for the Hindu American Foundation, one of the sponsors of the month’s activities. “This is the way to tell people: ‘Look at what our faith has accomplished.’”

Now, the organizers of this third Hindu Heritage Month hope their movement will educate not only the wider public, but Hindu Americans themselves, about their faith’s growing profile in the United States.

“Thirty-five years ago, we didn’t have these organizations and institutions,” said author Rajiv Malhotra at the kickoff event for this year’s program, held in Monroe Township, New Jersey. The leaders of those that existed “were scared,” he said, “and stayed within the temples, but not out there the way we are today.”

Vijay Satnarine, the director of education strategy for the Hindu American Foundation, said that there is work to be done within the Hindu community. Even today, many Hindus’ knowledge of their faith remains at a “high-school level,” he said, adding that Hindus in positions of power do not always bring the fullness of their culture or heritage to their professions.

For decades, some Hindu Americans have blamed the U.S. education system, which has given short shrift to Hinduism’s legacy in world thought. At the same time, critics say, American educators restrict their discussions of Hinduism and Hindu culture to polytheism, caste hierarchy and arranged marriages, misleading not only outsiders but practitioners themselves.

“This very constricted education has left us unable to talk about our own diversity,” said Satnarine.

But the emergence of India, the birthplace of Hinduism, as a nascent superpower has begun to change how the world thinks about the country and the faith. The inaugural event included the reading of a written statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. “The rise of Indians and Indian diaspora in diverse fields, from space to sports, trade to technology, has created an immense interest in India, its people and its culture,” it said.

The month’s organizers want people to know that Hindus and Indians are not synonymous. Instead, the month is meant to highlight the global Hindu community, which extends from Indonesia to Kenya to the Caribbean and is rooted in a shared value of universal oneness.

The Hindu American Foundation has been marking  Hindu American Awareness Appreciation Month since 2013 to recognize the specific contributions of the Hindu American diaspora, such as temples built on American land or the first Hindu members of Congress.

But the increasing attention to Hinduism in the past few years prompted a small group of Hindus to found the current initiative two years ago, aiming to rewrite a narrative centered on the caste system, Hindu nationalism and idol worship.

“We need to bring our cultural values, our mantras, or beautiful bindis and tilaks and colors to the world and be known for all of the good things that Hinduism has to offer,” said Richa Gautam, a member of the HHM core committee.

Despite its beginnings in the depths of the pandemic, the effort has taken off. Last year, about 100 proclamations in cities and school boards across the nation were issued. Virginia became the first and only state to sign a bill making October Hindu Heritage Month in perpetuity. And in 2023, the states of Georgia, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey proclaimed the month Hindu Heritage Month.

This year, the organizers are emphasizing Hindus’ involvement in American life, hoping to dispel the view of Hinduism as a mystical, inward-looking faith.

“Hindu Americans have been very good citizens, enriching the tapestry through our cultural heritage and our universal Sanatan values,” said Gautam. “If we build awareness, there won’t be that exotic element that exists for us.”

Part of that task is to counter academics, even those in departments of religious studies, who have approached the faith from a Western, often Protestant Christian, paradigm of what “religion” means, advocates say.

Educational efforts like the Hindu American Foundation’s “Dharma Ambassadors” training program, which allows for Hindus to promote a streamlined narrative of the faith, or the accredited Hindu University of America, which offers courses on everything from Hindu feminism to advanced Sanskrit, strive to combat just that.

“A lot of our students, even though they were born and brought up as Hindus, they still have a very basic, partial, even sometimes erroneous knowledge about Hindu traditions,” said Aravind Swami, the vice president of operations for HUA. “When our students have discussions with anyone in the Hindu community, they’re able to speak with a greater sense of confidence and purpose.”

Jai Bansal, vice president of education for the World Hindu Council of America and one of the main organizers of Hindu Heritage Month, said the most valuable aspect of the initiative is to make all Americans recognize the Hindu values, from nonviolence to karma, as part of their history and their everyday lives. That, he said, is a job for all Hindus.

“One of the fundamental beliefs in our dharma is that ignorance is the root cause of all problems,” said Bansal. “It’s up to community leaders to try and distill our dharma in a form that modern society can easily digest.”

Bansal believes Hindu Heritage Month is a way to rally the global Hindu community, diverse as it is, to that task.

“If we continue with it, just think of someday 1 billion Hindus around the world celebrating their common heritage together — what kind of a message that will send to the world at large,” he said. “I’m just hoping for that day, whether I see it myself, or the next generation sees it.”

The Largest Hindu Temple On American Opens Its Doors

After a lengthy period of planning and construction spanning 12 years, the grandest Hindu temple outside of India is poised to open its doors to the public in October. The BAPS Akshardham, located in Robbinsville, New Jersey, will be the third of its kind, following the temples in Gujarat and New Delhi, with the latter being recognized as the largest Hindu temple complex globally.

This architectural marvel, known as Akshardham, which translates to the “abode of the Divine,” is a testament to the harmonious blend of ancient scriptural principles and the intricacies of New Jersey zoning regulations. Sprawling across a vast 183-acre expanse, the New Jersey Akshardham includes a Maha Mandir (main temple), a traditional temple, a welcome center, a museum, and an event space.

Chaitali Inamdar, a devoted member of the Hindu community, expressed the significance of this achievement: “Having this Akshardham here on American soil is not just the triumph of a community or the triumph of the diaspora — it is the triumph of the nation.”

The construction of the New Jersey Akshardham has garnered significant attention from the Hindu American community over the past decade. However, it has also been marred by legal matters, specifically a lawsuit alleging forced labor within the BAPS organization, which arose in 2021. Although the lawsuit is currently on hold, it has raised important questions about distinguishing between unpaid work and selfless service in the name of the Divine.

Members of the BAPS community are renowned for their commitment to selfless service, known as “seva,” which they consider an act of devotion to God. Through their seva, BAPS has established an impressive network of 100 temples across the United States. Furthermore, the sampradaya, or Hindu sect, is poised to celebrate its 50th anniversary in North America next year.

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, commonly referred to as BAPS, is a Hindu tradition that follows the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. According to their beliefs, Bhagwan Swaminarayan is present on Earth through six spiritual leaders, with Mahant Swami Maharaj currently holding this role.

Devotees explain that Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor, envisioned the creation of a magnificent spiritual campus in the United States when he assumed leadership of BAPS in 1971. Inamdar, a chemical engineer and BAPS member, stated, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s ultimate singular vision [was] that, no matter which belief, which background you come from, this place is here to enrich everybody and allow everybody to feel peace and inspiration. The Akshardham is truly allowing the world to be one family.”

Visitors to the New Jersey Akshardham will enter through the Nilkanth Plaza, named after Swaminarayan’s teenage form, Nilkanth Varni, who is said to have traveled across India to revive the principles of Sanātana Dharma, or Hinduism. Dominating the entrance is a towering 49-foot statue of Nilkanth Varni, representing his 49 years on Earth.

Picture :WP

The Welcome Center, which connects to the vegetarian Shayona Cafe, immerses visitors in Indian celebrations and artistry. Thousands of “diyas” (lights) adorn the walls, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The scent of incense and the resonance of Sanskrit chants fill the air around the Brahm Kund pond, paying homage to the sacred waters of India. Remarkably, waters from rivers spanning all 50 states have been brought to New Jersey by dedicated volunteers.

Over 12,500 volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds and faiths came together from across North America and the world to construct the Maha Mandir. This remarkable structure was meticulously crafted from white sandstone, limestone, marble, and granite by temple artisans in India. Adorning the four characteristic domes of the Mandir are nine shikharas or spires, each themed to represent different aspects of Hindu scriptures, including Vedic astrology.

Within the Mandir entrance, statues of dancers, musicians, and musical instruments serve as reminders of the importance of song and dance in Hindu traditions. Notably, this will be the first structure to showcase all 108 poses of the ancient Hindu dance form Bharatanatyam.

Some volunteers dedicated up to two weeks to this monumental project, while others, like 27-year-old Arjun Pandya, felt compelled to stay for two years. Pandya temporarily paused his career in corporate finance at Amazon to undertake seva in Robbinsville. Reflecting on his experience, Pandya said, “To have an opportunity to build something not only for my family and my community, but for the world, and to make something greater than myself, was very attractive.” He acknowledged that the conclusion of this journey is bittersweet, but the invaluable lessons and friendships he’s gained will remain with him forever.

Pandya eloquently summarized his experience: “I thought I’d be giving time, but I’m now realizing how much I’ve gained, not only in the friendships that I’ve built, but the values that are foundational to me that I’ll take with me forever.”

Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s teachings, according to devotees, emphasize values such as humility, compassion, and harmony. Akshardham will serve as not only a residence for the Swamis of the BAPS faith but also a sanctuary for the deities venerated across the broader Hindu spectrum.

Yagnesh Patel, a devotee originally from Kenya, where the BAPS community grew due to Indian migration patterns during British colonial rule, expressed his thoughts. “Any practicing Hindu, anyone who wants to know more about Hinduism, or even just a friend in my community, I have a place to bring them,” he stated. Patel, who was present with his children 12 years ago when BAPS initiated construction in Robbinsville, participated in the Bhumi Pujan ceremony, a tradition involving offering prayers to Mother Earth and God before commencing construction work. His son and daughter, now in their early twenties, have dedicated their time to Akshardham’s construction. “Both my kids are ideal American citizens, born in America, but they can raise their heads and say, ‘I am an American Hindu, and I am so proud that I was part of a place that many can visit as they come to this country,'” Patel proudly declared. “That has been my proudest moment.”

The construction of Akshardham was a challenging 12-year journey for the thousands of volunteers involved, some of whom arrived in the country on R-1 religious visas. They lived and worked on the mandir campus tirelessly. “It’s nonstop seva,” one worker remarked to another in mid-September, just weeks before the opening.

In 2017 and 2022, two devotees lost their lives while working on the construction, reasons the organization attributed to factors unrelated to safety conditions. As recently as March 2023, the Robbinsville Township police department responded to an offsite BAPS housing unit due to elevated levels of carbon monoxide.

In a headline-making event in May 2021, several volunteers originally from India initiated a class-action lawsuit against BAPS, citing wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and mistreatment of workers. However, the laborers withdrew the lawsuit earlier this year.

“The parties agreed to put the lawsuit on hold pending an investigation with which BAPS continues to cooperate fully,” said Ronak Patel, spokesperson for BAPS Temple Organization. “When the facts emerge, BAPS believes that they will reflect BAPS’ principles of kindness, equity, and respect for all human beings. BAPS continues to pray for all involved.”

Regarding the allegations of unpaid labor, BAPS stressed that worship through seva (selfless service) is at the core of the BAPS community, and the workers came to the U.S. as volunteers, not as employees.

“Because BAPS traditions emphasize serving those who serve, we took care of the artisans’ needs in the U.S., including travel, lodging, food, medical care, and internet and pre-paid phone cards so they could stay in touch with their families in India,” Patel added. “BAPS India also supported the artisans’ families in India, so they did not suffer financial hardship as a result of the artisans’ seva in the U.S.”

For many within the BAPS community, the opening in October represents an opportunity to showcase what can happen when devotees from around the world unite through the common thread of devotion.

“The ability to come together in volunteership, in selfless service, it created a sense of comfort and commonality,” expressed Ashini Parikh, a devotee from Atlanta. She reflected on the exponential increase in American awareness of Hinduism since her childhood as a first-generation kid. Playing a role in Hindu American history, for her, is an incredibly humbling experience.

“I am so proud that we as a community can come together from all walks of life, and we’ve all been able to be a part of this one thing that is going to have ripple effects for so many generations to come,” she remarked. “We all want to leave the planet a better place, and my contributions towards Akshardham allows me to leave the planet a better place well beyond my time.”

Pope Francis Elevates 21 Men To Be Cardinals

Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals at a ritual-filled ceremony Saturday, September 30, 2023, including key figures at the Vatican and in the field who will help enact his reforms and cement his legacy as he enters a crucial new phase in running the Catholic Church.

On a crisp sunny morning filled with cheers from St. Peter’s Square, Francis further expanded his influence on the College of Cardinals who will help him govern and one day elect his successor: With Saturday’s additions, nearly three-quarters of the voting-age “princes of the church” owe their red hats to the Argentine Jesuit.

In his instructions to the new cardinals at the start of the service, Francis said their variety and geographic diversity would serve the church like musicians in an orchestra, where sometimes they play solos, sometimes as an ensemble.

The 86-year-old pope welcomed the new, so-called “Princes of the Church” with mnessage stating, “The College of Cardinals is called to resemble a symphony orchestra, representing the harmony… of the Church,” said Francis, seated under a canopy before the gathered cardinals on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica.

“Diversity is necessary; it is indispensable. However, each sound must contribute to the common design,” said the Argentine Jesuit.

The choice of the new cardinals, who include diplomats, close advisers and administrators, is keenly watched as an indication of the priorities and position of the Church.

One of them could also one day be elected by his peers to succeed Francis, who has left the door open to stepping down in the future should his health warrant it.

Saturday’s ceremony, known as a consistory, is the ninth since Francis in 2013 was named head of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

One by one, the scarlet-clad cardinals knelt before the pope, who bestowed on them the two symbols of their high office: a scarlet four-cornered cap known as a biretta, and a cardinal’s ring. To some, a grinning Francis uttered an encouraging “Bravo!” or “Courage!” as he shook their hand.

Picture : NPR

Eighteen of the 21 newly made cardinals are under the age of 80 and thus currently eligible to vote as “cardinal electors” in the next conclave, when Francis’ successor will be decided. They are among 99 cardinal-electors created by Francis, representing about three-quarters of the total.

That has given rise to speculation that the Church’s future spiritual leader will be cast in the same mould as Francis, preaching a more tolerant Church with a greater focus on the poor and marginalised.

Throughout his papacy, Francis has sought to create a more inclusive, universal Church, looking past Europe to clergy in Africa, Asia and Latin America to fill the Church’s highest ranks.

With his latest roster of cardinals, Francis has again looked to the world’s “peripheries” — where Catholicism is growing — while breaking with the practice of promoting archbishops of large, powerful dioceses.

“He is looking for cardinals who correspond to the times,” an informed observer of the Holy See who asked to remain anonymous told AFP ahead of the ceremony. “These are people who have all taken a step away from the Church of the past, who positively ensure a break,” he added.

“This is the richness of the Church, to bring people together, different cultures, different backgrounds, languages,” the Archbishop of Cape Town, Stephen Brislin, told AFP Thursday before his elevation to cardinal.

The variety of cardinals represent “a richness and a variety of experience, and that’s what the Church is all about,” he added. “The Church encompasses all people, not just a certain group of people.”

There are three new cardinals from South America, including two Argentinians, and three from Africa, with the promotion of the archbishops of Juba in South Sudan, Tabora in Tanzania, and Cape Town’s Brislin.

Asia is represented by the Bishop of Penang in Malaysia and the Bishop of Hong Kong, Stephen Chow, who is seen as playing a key role in seeking to improve tense relations between the Vatican and Beijing.

Some of the new cardinals, such as Chow, have experience in sensitive zones of the world where the Holy See hopes to play an important diplomatic role. The list also includes the Holy Land’s top Catholic authority, Italian Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the first sitting Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to be made cardinal.

“Jerusalem is a small laboratory, interreligious and intercultural, and that’s a challenge that the whole world is facing at this point,” Pizzaballa told AFP.

Also promoted was the apostolic nuncio, or ambassador, to the United States, France’s Christophe Pierre, whose decades-long diplomatic career includes posts in countries including Haiti, Uganda and Mexico.

Francis also tapped top administrators in the Curia, the Holy See’s government. His new choices include Claudio Gugerotti, the Italian prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches; Argentina’s Victor Manuel Fernandez, whom Francis recently named head of the powerful Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith; and Chicago-born Robert Prevost, a former missionary in Peru who leads the Dicastery for Bishops. Following the ceremony, the new cardinals were congratulated by members of the public at the Vatican’s sumptuous Apostolic Palace.

Pope Francis And Bill Clinton Discuss ‘Wind Of War That Blows Throughout The World’

(RNS) — In an online conversation with former U.S. President Bill Clinton on Monday (Sept. 18), Pope Francis stressed the importance of people and nations coming together to care for the environment and to put an end to global conflicts.

“It’s time to shift toward peace and brotherhood. It’s time to put down the weapons and return to dialogue, to diplomacy. Let us cease the pursuit of conquest and military aggression. That’s why I repeat: no to war!” the pope said, answering a question by the former U.S. president.

The conversation between the political and spiritual leaders was livestreamed at the 2023 meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, taking place in New York City Sept. 18-19. The event seeks to address urgent global issues, such as climate change and the flow of refugees.

To these challenges, Francis added another: “the wind of war that blows throughout the world,” fueling what he described as “the Third World War, fought piecemeal.”

The pope urged all nations to take responsibility and stressed that “no challenge can be faced alone — only together, sisters and brothers, children of God,” he said.

Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for peace following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has sought a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. He appointed Cardinal Matteo Zuppi as a peace envoy to meet with the main stakeholders in the war, including President Joe Biden in July.

In his message, the pope also stated that “it is time to work together to stop the ecological catastrophe, before it is too late,” and repeated his intention to publish a new version of his “green” encyclical, “Laudato Si,” for the care and protection of the environment.

Clinton said he had a “wonderful meeting” with the pope at the Vatican in early July.

“You make us all feel empowered and that is perhaps your greatest power as the pope,” Clinton said during the conference. “You make everybody, even those who aren’t members of the Catholic Church, feel like they have power and share in the responsibility.”

The Clinton Global Initiative was created by Bill Clinton in 2005 and collaborates with over 10,000 organizations aiming to provide actionable solutions to global challenges.

Among the main reasons for the online meeting was raising awareness for the Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, commonly referred to as the “pope’s hospital.” The pope spoke of the care that the hospital provides despite its small size, including helping Ukrainian children fleeing the conflict.

“There are illnesses that cannot be cured, but there are no children that cannot be cared for,” he said.

Mahant Swami Maharaj’s 90th Birth Anniversary Celebrated At BAPS New Jersey

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj honored with a garland on his 90th birthday celebration at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ. / BAPS

Hundreds of devotees recently gathered at BAPS Robbinsville, New Jersey to celebrate their spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj’s 90th birthday. The celebration coincided with the Festival of Inspirations, a three-month extravaganza commemorating the opening of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville. 

Speaking at the event, Yogananddas Swami emphasized Mahant Swami’s empowering words, which have catalyzed the spiritual and personal development of countless souls. The attendees, shared how personal letters written to them by Swami Maharaj shaped their lives, offering guidance and support.

World leaders and spiritual luminaries also shared their unique experiences with Mahant Swami Maharaj through video messages. Anandswarupdas Swami highlighted Mahant Swami Maharaj’s consistent humility by describing his role as a servant, even when held in high esteem as a divine being. Mahant Swami Maharaj showed why he is so beloved by shifting attention away from himself and onto the more senior swamis on the day that was meant to be a celebration of his life. 

The senior swamis returned the favor by praying earnestly for him and presenting him with individual garlands to mark the occasion. In his concluding remarks, Mahant Swami Maharaj said, “The grandeur, divinity, and tranquility that visitors experience here are the fruition of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine vision. Taking a  mere fifteen minutes daily for introspection encapsulates all the spiritual wisdom we attain.” “This 90th birthday celebration served not only as a tribute to a revered soul but also as an inspiration for countless others to lead a life of humility, love, and service,” the release maintained.

On Janmashtami, Krishna Devotees Feed The Lord And The Poor

(RNS) — It is said in the Hindu scriptures that the blue-skinned Lord Krishna was a sweet yet mischievous child who would steal handfuls of fresh, sweetened butter from his cow-herding neighbors.

It follows, then, that celebrations of Krishna’s birth, or Janmashtami, include an abundance of food. At midnight Wednesday (Sept. 6), Bhakti yogis, or devotees of Krishna, broke their daylong fast together by welcoming Bal Gopal, or baby Krishna, to the world with his 56 favorite foods. This ritual of Chhappan Bhog, an originally North Indian ritual, includes a specially arranged platter of mouthwatering vegetarian dishes, many of them milk-based. 56 meals represent Krishna’s eight meals a day multiplied by the seven days he is said to have lifted the Govardhan mountain.In addition to feeding the incarnate of Vishnu, International Society for Krishna Consciousness temples around the world doubled up their Chhappan Bhog practice with a community food offering. Home-cooked meals from devotees will be offered to the Krishna and his consort, Radha, before donation — so long as they do not contain mushrooms, canned or frozen vegetables or fruits or store-bought preparations.

These offerings must be satvik: strictly vegetarian, and without any onions or garlic.  While individual Hindus may differ on their definitions of vegetarianism, such as whether or not sulfur-rich bulbs or root vegetables are permissible, pure vegetarian food is considered the most sacred by many, and is thus commonly used in the ritual of naivedyam, or food offering.

Not all Hindus are vegetarians. Even still, animals are revered by many Hindus for their loyal hearts — especially the cow, who offers nourishment in the form of milk, butter and ghee.

“The food we eat can have an impact on our spiritual development,” said Anuttama Dasa, the director of international communications for ISKCON. “If I cause pain to another living entity for my own selfish needs, then I will accrue bad karma.”

ISKCON, which was started under a tree in New York City’s Tompkins Square Park in 1965, is considered a sect under the vast umbrella of Vaishnavism, the Hindu denomination dedicated to Vishnu and his avatars. Often recognized for adherents’ street-side chanting and singing, ISKCON now boasts more than a million followers worldwide, upward of 600 temples with free Sunday dinners and one of the world’s largest vegetarian relief programs.

Tulasi Srinivas, an anthropology professor at Emerson College and the daughter of Rukmini Srinivas, a famous chef and cookbook author, points to the highly aesthetic and complex meals prepared daily by Vaishnavites around India — including the tradition in Udupi of cooking 108 dishes daily for Krishna — as examples of the intricate web of food-based rituals within Hinduism.

“The myths around Krishna are of luxury,” said Srinivas. “If you offer 56 dishes, it’s a return of blessings a thousandfold.” For Hindus worldwide, cooking healthy and seasonal food is often seen as an act of bhakti, or devotion, in itself. Practitioners show daily reverence to God by first offering their food to deities, then only consuming it after it has been sanctified and turned into prasadam.

“The (Hindu) relationship to food is a relationship of abundance,” said Srinivas. “The more you offer, the more you get back.”

For Janmashtami at ISKCON, practitioners who cook and bring offerings to the temples must follow the sect’s four regulative principles: truthfulness, cleanliness, compassion and austerity.

Picture :RNS

Dasa says the sect is rooted in the belief that the ultimate goal for human beings is to reawaken their original, eternal connections with God — whom they believe has sent messengers and prophets to earth over time and across cultures, including Krishna, Jesus Christ and Buddha.

“No matter how much money we get, or how beautiful we are, or how famous we become, we will never be satisfied,” said Dasa, whose name was given to him from the founder of ISKCON, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. “We are spiritual beings in the material world.”

Dasa says that fasting, a tenet of many religions, allows for the mind to be pacified and the body to be centered during auspicious days like Janmashtami. Coupled with the repetitive mantra meditation of “Hare Krishna,” many ISKCON devotees say this practice can deliver the mind from materialistic thinking and closer to a direct line of communication with God.

“It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do,” said Dasa about fasting. “But it’s nice to be able to say, this is a special day for slowing down and thinking about what’s important — our relationship with God.”

Whether Hindus are fasting or enjoying an abundance of food, many Hindu food rituals tie back to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda—a philosophy that dictates that the food we eat influences the way we feel.

India has the highest percentage of vegetarians in the world, largely due to its majority Hindu population. And according to a recent Pew Research study, 51% of Hindus in India and an even larger percentage of Jains said they would never eat food in the home of someone whose religion has different rules about food than theirs.

However, Srinivas says the plurality of Indian food transcends the borders of Hindu dietary restrictions. “Every 100 miles is a different taste, different culture, different tribe, different set of dishes,” said Srinivas. “In the best, all-inclusive plurality of Hinduism, we get these variations. That is part of the beauty of India. And that comes through in the cuisine.”

As Janmashtami is known as the most joyous occasion of the year to followers of ISKCON, devotees were sure to celebrate with singing, dancing and region-specific birthday practices.Also on the menu for Krishna was a large birthday cake — something Dasa says is not necessarily an authentic religious practice, but one that is made with true devotion.

“Spiritual awakening doesn’t have to be difficult,” he said. “It’s actually very pleasurable. We just adjust our lives a little bit to bring Krishna into the picture.”

Acharya Lokesh Highlights Religious Tolerance At G20 Interfaith Summit

Jain Spiritual leader and founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti (AVB) Acharya Lokesh and prominent representatives of various religions from around the world attended the inaugural session of the three-day G20 Interfaith Summit recently held at MIT World Peace University, Pune.

In his opening remarks, Acharya Lokesh emphasized the importance of religious tolerance for a prosperous and peaceful world. According to him, religious leaders can help in the fight against both environmental and ideological pollution. He maintained that religion has a deep connection with development, peace, and goodwill.

Pandit Vasant Gadgil stated that efforts should be made to spread religious texts, promote religious literacy, and foster social cohesion. Only when all faiths and denominations cooperate in this way will India’s message of “Vasudhev Kutumbakam” have any impact, he highlighted.

Picture : TheUNN

Archbishop Felix Machado encouraged the audience to incorporate meditation and yoga into their daily lives. He emphasized the significance of this by saying that it leads to personal contentment, family harmony, and community peace and at the same time, many diseases can be cured.

According to  Dr. Lesan Azadi, Director, Baha’i Academy Panchgani, it is everyone’s responsibility to spread the message of peace and harmony across the country and the world, so that people everywhere can put aside their differences in religion, caste, and society to stand together in times of need.

Saint Baba Balwinder Singh asserted that religion teaches us to unite rather than divide, and that only by embracing this teaching will we be able to achieve world peace and harmony through India’s pluralistic culture and the principle of Vasudev Kutumbakam.

All religions and all sects have something to teach humanity, Hazrat Rifiya Sahib said. Providing today’s youth with positive role models is crucial he said adding that it is important to inspire them to serve the national interest.

Parliament of World’s Religions A Must Attend Convention for Everyone

Growing up in 1960s and 70s in India, I learned that Swami Vivekananda’s speech in the first Parliament of World’s Religions on September 11, 1893, in Chicago was an instant success. He was given just five minutes to talk about his religion, Hinduism. But his greetings “Sisters and Brothers of America” made the audience burst into an emotional applause. Ultimately, he spoke for several minutes and delivered a very impactful speech, that resulted in invitations for a series of lectures in the West.  In my school and college days, I never thought that one day I will attend the Parliament of World’s Religions. But I did it in 2015, when the Parliament of World’s Religion was held in my hometown, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. I would like to share my life-changing experiences with the readers.

Parliament of World’s Religions (PWR) is the world’s premier interfaith convention of civic and spiritual nature, organized by a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization with its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, where the first convention was held in 1893. The PWR is held periodically, with no defined intervals. For instance, after 100 years, it was held again in Chicago in 1993, then in Cape Town (1999), Barcelona (2004), Melbourne (2009), Salt Lake City (2015), Toronto (2018), virtually in 2021, and the most recent one was again held in Chicago from August 14 to 18, 2023.

SAI Kuteer, our stall or booth at the PWR

For the PWR convention in Salt Lake City held from October 15th to 19th, 2015, the theme was Reclaiming the Heart of Our Humanity: Working Together for a World of Compassion, Peace, Justice, and Sustainability. Over 10,000 delegates from all over the world, belonging to different religions and faiths attended the convention. They represented over 50 faiths from 75 nations. There were over 200 stalls or booths representing different faiths. Over 800 programs with eight major plenary sessions were held, where systemic and human-caused challenges of our time were discussed. Specifically, the delegates discussed climate change, bigotry and hatred, rampant violence, preventable wars, abuse of human rights, and unchecked income equality. Emerging issues, such as preservation of the rights, hopes, and beliefs or diverse indigenous people also received equal attention. Women representative spoke about gender equality. Overall, it was a convention that focused not only on religion and faith, but also on human values as they relate to our belief in the Almighty as the caretaker of the world.

Picture : TheUNN

From the point of an ordinary attendee like me, one could experience the beautiful things religion and faith can offer to humanity. The world does not need new religions or faith. The existing ones are adequate if they are properly understood and followed in the right sense. What is needed is proper understanding and mutual respect among different religions or faiths, with love and compassion in the heart for all with no barriers. Then tolerance and acceptance will come automatically. This was clear to anyone who attended the convention. When I spoke to people of some unknown faiths from remote parts of the world we had never heard of, I found that they also shared our aspirations for a better world. Then where is the problem? It seems only a few people in each religion stir the issues that divide us. If we can develop the understanding to live with mutual respect and love and compassion, the world will change and become heaven in no time. The question is can this message be carried across the globe? May be if this type of interfaith conventions is held more frequently in different parts of the world, it is possible to bring the badly needed transformation at the individual level. That only can assure welfare of humanity. As Swami Vivekananda said in his first speech in PWR in Chicago, “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendent, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often with human blood, destroyed civilizations and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.” Those words were uttered 130 years ago by Swami Vivekananda. Now, the time has come to get rid of those evils and move into a promising future for our children and grandchildren. We cannot afford to have these age-old evils in our backyards with Artificial Intelligence in our homes and offices.

Apart from attending the convention in Salt Lake City, we also hosted a booth about our newly launched SAI Kuteer, a faith-based charity. The world needs charity as much as it needs faith. Faith cannot be nurtured without selfless work for the community. Although so many religions and faiths were represented at the PWR convention in Salt Lake City, the highlight was Langar organized by the International Sikh Confederation. While we rented 10 feet x 5 feet stalls in units of one or more, the Sikh organizers rented the space equivalent to a football field. They cooked food on the spot and served delicious lunch for about 10,000 delegates on every day of the convention. It was an amazing feat or service for most Americans, who never saw such mass scale cooking of fresh food and serving. Many Americans were motivated and volunteered serving the food, cleaning the place etc. Some even wore turbans as a token of solidarity with the Sikh community. Sitting on the floor and eating delicious food with many varieties and a glass of mango lassi, I was transposed momentarily to the days I spent in Prasanthi Nilayam, the abode of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, my favorite place on earth. Without my notice, tears rolled down my cheeks. That happens when Divinity manifests in a place where there is absolute selfless service.

Finally, on the last day of the convention, while dismantling our booth, I realized that God could manifest anywhere, provided we have the love and compassion in our heart and realize this world is His place and we should behave like His children and stop fighting among ourselves thinking that our path is the right one or the best one or superior one. It is all a myth. There is no such thing as the best or superior ones. All paths lead to Him. When more and more people among us start realizing this fact, the world becomes a pleasant place to live and grow. So, next time the PWR convention is held near your place or anywhere in your country, please attend it. It is equivalent to going on a pilgrimage. You will come home with lots of pleasant memories, peace of mind and reassurance that despite all its problems, the world is still a good place to live, and we can make it even better, like Vasudevakutambakam

 (Prof. Bellamkonda K. Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBA is an Academician, Innovator, and entrepreneur. Visit:
https://www.bkkishore.online/ 

Young Professionals Get A Crash Course In Keeping The Faith

“Temples are constructed with the youth in mind,” stated Uma Mysorekar, president of the Hindu Temple Society of North America (HTSNA), addressing a gathering of young Hindus at New York’s expansive Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam temple, which spans an entire block in Queens borough.

A diverse assembly of college students and young professionals had congregated for Akshayam, an initiative supported by HTSNA aimed at keeping the teachings of the Hindu faith alive among the upcoming generation of Hindu leaders in the United States. Beyond this, through community engagement and educational collaborations, the organizers of Akshayam seek to regain control over a religion that is being tugged in multiple directions by India’s nationalist politics on one side and Western influence on the other.

Seated in the Parvati Hall of the temple, named in honor of Hinduism’s quintessential mother goddess, attendees immersed themselves in discussions revolving around the Ramayana, an epic narrative chronicling the incarnations of God and their interactions with humanity.

Vishwa Adluri, a philosophy professor at Hunter College in New York and one of the panelists for the day, emphasized, “To be Hindu is to read.” He noted that children of other faiths have long had access to Sunday school classes, Bible studies, and other avenues for engaging in profound theological conversations from a young age. According to him, it’s now time for young Hindus to integrate the study of their faith into their identities.

The young audience exhibited enthusiasm and curiosity as religious scholars expounded on the significance of the unwavering relationships between Ram, Lakshman, and Sita—the Lord, his brother, and his wife. They delved into Ram’s epic quest to rescue Sita from the clutches of Ravana, a half-man, half-demon figure, raising questions about passages that have often posed challenges. One pressing query was why Lord Rama banished his pregnant wife Sita to the forest, ultimately leading to her abduction by Ravana and her subsequent rescue.

Picture: RNS

The responses provided frequently linked these ancient texts to contemporary moral dilemmas. Adluri drew a parallel to Ram’s kingdom, where villagers began to malign Sita’s chastity, which prompted her banishment. This decision was made to safeguard his own honor and the dignity of his kingdom. Adluri highlighted how this same impulse can be observed in today’s social media landscape, where gossip and slander about individuals can spread rapidly, often leading to the acceptance of misinformation.

Adluri aptly pointed out that this is how ordinary people can metamorphose into “asuras,” or demons, in the modern context.

In her address, Uma Mysorekar emphasized the importance of temples in the lives of young Hindus. She stated, “Temples are built for young people.” Her words resonated within the expansive Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam temple in Queens, New York, where a diverse group of young Hindus had gathered.

This assembly of college students and young professionals had convened for Akshayam, an initiative sponsored by the Hindu Temple Society of North America (HTSNA). Akshayam aimed not only to keep the teachings of the Hindu faith alive but also to nurture the next generation of Hindu leaders in the United States. Recognizing the challenges posed by India’s nationalist politics and the influence of the Western world, the organizers of Akshayam sought to provide a firm foundation for the faith through community engagement and educational endeavors.

Seated within the Parvati Hall of the temple, named after the archetypal mother goddess in Hinduism, attendees immersed themselves in discussions centered around the Ramayana. This epic narrative recounts the incarnations of God and their interactions with humanity.

Vishwa Adluri, a philosophy professor at Hunter College in New York and one of the panelists for the day, emphasized the importance of reading in Hinduism. He noted that children of other faiths have long had access to structured religious education, such as Sunday school classes and Bible studies, allowing them to engage in deep theological discussions from a young age. Adluri asserted that it was now time for young Hindus to similarly incorporate the study of their faith into their identities.

The young audience displayed a keen interest in the discussions. As religious scholars expounded on the significance of the relationships between Ram, Lakshman, and Sita—representing the Lord, his brother, and his wife—questions arose about passages in the Ramayana that had long raised eyebrows. One such question pertained to Lord Rama’s decision to banish his pregnant wife Sita to the forest, ultimately leading to her abduction by Ravana and her subsequent rescue.

The answers provided by the panel often drew connections between these ancient texts and contemporary moral dilemmas. Adluri explained that in Ram’s kingdom, villagers had begun to question Sita’s chastity, leading to her banishment—a decision made to preserve both Ram’s honor and the dignity of his kingdom. Adluri astutely pointed out how this impulse manifests in today’s digital age, where gossip and slander about individuals can quickly proliferate, often resulting in the acceptance of false information.

Adluri aptly noted that this phenomenon is akin to how ordinary people can transform into “asuras,” or demons, in the context of modern society.

In conclusion, Uma Mysorekar’s assertion that “Temples are built for young people” resonated deeply within the grand Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam temple in Queens, New York, where a diverse assembly of young Hindus had gathered.

These college students and young professionals had converged for Akshayam, an initiative sponsored by the Hindu Temple Society of North America (HTSNA) with the dual purpose of preserving the teachings of the Hindu faith and nurturing the future leaders of Hinduism in the United States. Acknowledging the complex challenges posed by India’s nationalist politics and the pervasive influence of Western culture, the organizers of Akshayam were committed to fortifying the faith through community engagement and educational collaborations.

Seated within the Parvati Hall of the temple, an homage to the quintessential mother goddess of Hinduism, attendees engaged in profound discussions centered around the Ramayana. This timeless epic recounted the divine incarnations and their interactions with humanity.

Vishwa Adluri, a philosophy professor at Hunter College in New York and one of the day’s panelists, underscored the significance of reading in the practice of Hinduism. He observed that children of other faiths had long benefited from structured religious education, including Sunday school classes and Bible studies, which facilitated their engagement in deep theological discussions from a young age. Adluri asserted that it was now imperative for young Hindus to integrate the study of their faith into their identities.

The young audience exhibited a palpable eagerness for these discussions. As religious scholars expounded on the profound relationships between Ram, Lakshman, and Sita—representing the Lord, his brother, and his wife—questions arose about passages in the Ramayana that had long posed ethical quandaries. One such question revolved around Lord Rama’s decision to exile his pregnant wife Sita to the forest, ultimately leading to her abduction by Ravana and her eventual rescue.

The panel’s responses often drew parallels between these ancient texts and contemporary moral dilemmas. Adluri elucidated that in Ram’s kingdom, villagers had begun to question Sita’s chastity, leading to her banishment—a decision driven by the necessity.

Interfaith Actions Stressed at Parliament of World Religions

The message resonates with clarity and conviction: We must join hands, unite, and safeguard the religious rights of all faiths. The Parliament of World Religions (PoWR) has traversed a remarkable journey since 1893. The 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions brought together 400 men and women, representing 41 diverse religious traditions. It was during this momentous gathering that Catholicism and Judaism gained recognition as significant American religions, and the luminous traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism were unveiled to the Western world.

 In the contemporary landscape, where the specters of religious fanaticism and state-sanctioned alienation loom large, the initial tableau of the plenary challenges our reality. The camaraderie among individuals from Mexico, China, and India on the dais extends a warm invitation to stakeholders of faith, beckoning them towards a realm of peace, harmony, and genuine discourse on pressing matters. Chicago’s atmosphere was electric, and Mayor Brandon Johnson astutely proclaimed, “In this moment, seeking refuge solely within scriptures and holy texts falls short; it is essential to exhibit the most magnificent creation and power of humanity – the act of love.”

 PoWR 2023 resounded as a summons to conscience. The central theme was the defense of freedom and Human Rights. A sojourn through the exhibition hall became a journey into one’s moral compass. Here, spiritual traditions, religious collectives, faith-based seminaries, modern mantras for bonding, ancient sutras for equilibrium, poignant reflections on religious animosity, organizations dedicated to social progress, and revitalizing yoga meditations converged. 

One stall orchestrated interfaith harmonies through melodious songs, while another presented sobering data on minorities targeted by right-wing regimes. Tokens of memory took the form of pens, badges, shirts, chocolates, pins, and meticulously annotated leaflets and brochures. The Boston School of Theology extended courses to fathom the nuances of various religions, while the Divine Life Society resonated with masses, nurturing understanding through the prism of yoga. The panorama was a tapestry woven with the threads of diversity.

 The PoWR embodies an idea. Over 250 breakout sessions grappled with diverse subjects. The inner dialogues, cast as a broad mandate, often witnessed some gems eclipsed in the shadows. The spectrum of topics, spanning the gamut from deconstructing religious patriarchy to the serendipitous revelations in the realm of anti-nuclear activism, enticed discerning minds. Yet, amidst the symphony of simultaneous sessions, flowing with the current was akin to chasing ephemeral wisps. The plenary sessions, a harmonious ensemble of thought, struck deep chords. The Women’s Assembly held profound significance, addressing the very core of female participation within faith-infused societies. Amidst this resplendence, the assembly advocating climate action, the council amplifying indigenous voices, and the solemn rite of climate repentance shone a luminous light on faith’s role.

 Within the tapestry of aspirations, it was religious fanaticism that garnered the earnest ears of all. Rev. Jen Butler, the visionary founder of Faith in Public Life, lamented, “Religion, once the sanctuary of moral teachings, now stands manipulated, its moral fabric corroded by heinous acts of violence. Autocratic forces wield religion as an instrument for amassing power and maintaining control, from the prism of Russian Orthodox nationalism to the fervor of Catholic nationalism in Hungary and Poland, from India’s Hindutva to Israel’s nascent ruling coalition’s Jewish nationalism, and further to the evangelical and Pentecostal strains of religious nationalism in the U.S. and Brazil.” The expo center echoed this sentiment with a clamor of urgency.

 The Langar, an enchanting ritual embedded in past PoWR gatherings, enchanted thousands. Orchestrated by the Birmingham-based Nishkam Seva Jatha, this Sikh tradition was brought to life under the guidance of Bhai Sahab Mohinder Singh, who joyously proclaimed adherence to Sikh guru teachings through service to the world, transcending all biases. Faith leaders, adorned with white scarves, formed orderly queues, savoring Indian delicacies with hearts full of contentment. Within the tent, a grand theater of interfaith harmony and service unfolded. Nishkam Seva Jatha’s legacy of offering free langar since the 2004 PoWR was radiant.

 A poignant tribute unfolded for the 30,000 children lost to gun violence. Scraps of orange fabric coalesced into labyrinthine patterns or transformed into raw tools by the skilled hands of Shane Claiborne’s blacksmith forge. His declaration reverberated, “When we mold that metal, it resounds with the proclamation that the world can be reshaped.”

 The Parliament of World Religions 2023 encapsulates the elements required for reimagining our perceptions of faith. It beckoned forth distinguished faith leaders, entwining them in conversations that bear rich fruit. Concealed within closed chambers, the International Religious Freedom Roundtable murmured profound secrets, reminiscent of the hallowed halls of Washington. The Indian delegation of interfaith leaders radiated with fervor. The quest for a better world necessitates the exchange of ideas. PoWR has evolved into a pertinent platform for intricate discussions, where faith assumes a fresh and actionable agenda.

Vatican Appoints Pontifical Delegate to Address Liturgical Dispute in India

Controversy and division have persisted within an Indian archdiocese over the orientation of the celebrating priest during liturgical events. To address this ongoing issue, Pope Francis has designated Slovak Archbishop Cyril Vasil of Košice as his pontifical delegate. The Vatican disclosed that Archbishop Vasil arrived in Kochi, the hub of the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, on August 4.

A recent report from UCA News, an Asian ecclesiastical news agency, dated August 8, has brought to light that a substantial coalition of priests and laypeople, who are opposed to adopting the standardized liturgical directives ratified by the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in 1999, has contested the legitimacy of Archbishop Vasil’s appointment.

Prior to the Synod’s resolution, there existed variance among priests in terms of their positioning relative to the altar during the celebration of the eucharistic liturgy, referred to as the Holy Qurbana in the Eastern-rite tradition. While some clergy faced the altar throughout the liturgy, others chose to face the congregation. The Synod ultimately ruled in favor of priests facing the altar during the eucharistic prayer, but directing their gaze toward the congregation during the Liturgy of the Word and again after the Communion.

In the majority of Syro-Malabar dioceses, priests promptly adhered to the Synod’s verdict. However, exceptions were made for the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly and a select few other regions. These exemptions were rescinded by the bishops in November 2021.

The Archdiocesan Movement for Transparency, an assembly encompassing priests, religious individuals, and laity within Ernakulam-Angamaly, has expressed dissent regarding the manner in which the dispensation was revoked. The group has consistently advocated for the continuation of the established practice since 1970, wherein the priest engages with the congregation throughout the entire liturgy.

Upon the arrival of Archbishop Vasil, who previously served as the secretary of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, the dissenting group sought evidence of his papal appointment. They sought clarification since neither Archbishop Vasil nor the apostolic nunciature had presented an official letter of designation.

The Vatican’s move to appoint Archbishop Vasil as a pontifical delegate showcases the importance it places on reconciling the deep-seated divisions within the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly. The archbishop’s presence in Kochi, the heart of the conflict, is indicative of the Vatican’s intention to mediate and resolve this ongoing liturgical dispute.

Nonetheless, the controversy remains far from resolved. The UCA News report underscores the skepticism held by a significant group of priests and laypeople who challenge the legitimacy of Archbishop Vasil’s appointment. This skepticism is rooted in the differing perspectives on liturgical practices, with a strong adherence to the prior tradition of the priest facing the congregation throughout the liturgy.

The Synod’s ruling in 1999 aimed to standardize liturgical practices across the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. The decision to have priests face the altar during specific moments and the congregation during others was seen as a compromise to bridge the gaps between varying practices that had emerged over time.

While many dioceses fell in line with the Synod’s guidelines, the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly chose to retain its long-standing practice of the priest facing the congregation. The subsequent decision to retract the dispensation led to substantial discontent among certain clergy and laity, giving rise to the Archdiocesan Movement for Transparency.

This movement’s persistence in adhering to the practice established in 1970, wherein the priest remains oriented towards the congregation, reflects the deep-seated attachment to tradition and resistance to change. The liturgical orientation, for them, is not merely a matter of practice but a symbol of identity and continuity.

The doubts raised by the dissenting group regarding Archbishop Vasil’s appointment reveal a broader skepticism towards the Vatican’s involvement and its proposed solution. The absence of an official letter of designation has fueled suspicions and concerns about the transparency and authenticity of the process.

Riju Kanjookaran, the spokesperson of the Archdiocesan Movement for Transparency, told UCA News Aug.7, “Our delegates met Archbishop Vasil. He is not ready to listen to us, instead, he wants us to simply comply with the uniform Mass adopted by the synod. It leaves no scope for any further discussion or dialogue.”

The liturgical dispute within the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly continues to stir controversy and division. The Vatican’s appointment of Archbishop Vasil as a pontifical delegate to mediate the situation demonstrates its commitment to resolving the issue. However, challenges persist, as a substantial group remains skeptical about the legitimacy of the appointment and steadfastly clings to the traditional liturgical practice. As Archbishop Vasil’s involvement unfolds, the archdiocese and the broader Catholic community keenly await the resolution of this intricate and deeply rooted liturgical conflict.

The Magnificent Belur Temple: A Timeless Legacy of Karnataka’s Hoysala Dynasty

The renowned Belur Temple, also referred to as the Chennakesava Temple, stands as a testament to Karnataka’s rich heritage, located in the district of Hassan. Constructed in the early 12th century by Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana, under the architectural guidance of the Hoysala dynasty, the temple remains a magnificent relic of bygone grandeur. Nestled in the historic town of Belur, which once served as the Hoysala kingdom’s capital, the temple continues to attract enthusiasts from across the nation, offering them a chance to marvel at intricate sculptures and artistic brilliance while experiencing a spiritual elevation.

Historical Splendor of Chennakesava Temple, Belur

The temple’s historical significance is intricately linked to the military triumphs of King Vishnuvardhana, who commissioned its construction in 1117 AD. During this era, the king engaged in numerous battles against the Western Chalukyas and successfully vanquished the Cholas. Architects and artisans involved in the temple’s creation showcased unparalleled skill, introducing innovative designs that would later become emblematic of the temple complex.

Architectural Marvels within the Chennakesava Temple Complex

Among the iconic landmarks of Hassan, the Belur Temple was conceived to embody architectural excellence emblematic of the Hoysala kingdom. As one enters the premises, the gaze is met by the grand Rajagopura, a monumental gateway arching overhead. The central masterpiece of the temple, oriented towards the east, is a sight to behold, encapsulating divine architectural forms.

To the right of the main temple stands the Kappe Channigraya temple, accompanied by a smaller structure dedicated to Goddess Sowmyanayaki, an incarnation of Lakshmi. Slightly behind these stands the Chennakesava Temple, while the Ranganayaki Temple graces its right-hand side. Within the temple complex, two ornate pillars draw attention, one featuring a Garuda (constructed during the Vijayanagara period) and the other adorned with a lamp (hailing from the Hoysala era).

Astonishing Architecture of Chennakesava Temple, Belur

Rising to a towering height of 37 meters, the temple’s exterior walls are adorned with meticulously crafted depictions of dancing women, reflecting unparalleled finesse. Crafted from soapstone according to Hoysala architectural blueprints, the temple boasts intricate detailing. Its early construction within the Hoysala dynasty sets it apart from contemporaneous structures, showcasing an unmatched scale.

Artistry Within Chennakesava Temple, Belur

Within the temple, the stunning pillars serve as a canvas for exquisite sculptures and artwork, captivating visitors with their finesse. The Narasimha pillar is a celebrated centerpiece, among a total of 48 pillars, each uniquely carved and adorned with artistic marvels. Four pillars at the center feature hand-chiseled celestial damsels, or madanikas, capturing diverse poses that enthrall tourists, visitors, and art enthusiasts who grace the temple.

As visitors explore the temple, they encounter depictions and references to significant events from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, enhancing their understanding of the sculptures’ narratives. The temple walls also exhibit depictions of animals such as elephants, lions, and horses.

Intricate Sculptures and Historical Narratives

The main entrance of the mantapa showcases a Hoysala king triumphing over a tiger or lion, symbolizing the victory over the Cholas, with the tiger representing their royal emblem. The temple complex boasts an array of intriguing sculptures, including Gajasurasamhara depicting Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga slaying Mahishasura, and depictions of Ravana, among others. Mini shrines positioned at the entrance add to the allure, while the signatures of various artists offer glimpses into life during the Hoysala era.

Belur Temple: A 900-Year-Old Marvel

The Chennakesava Temple at Belur stands as a remarkable testament to architectural prowess and cultural innovation, an embodiment of Karnataka’s history under the Hoysala dynasty. Recently, this ancient marvel, now 900 years old, celebrated its enduring presence, marking a momentous occasion in the annals of Karnataka’s history. Nestled along the banks of the River Yagachi, the temple’s majestic presence continues to remind visitors of the indomitable legacy of South India’s mighty kingdom.

In conclusion, the Belur Temple, or Chennakesava Temple, remains an awe-inspiring embodiment of Karnataka’s rich history and the architectural brilliance of the Hoysala dynasty. With its intricate sculptures, historical narratives, and timeless charm, this temple complex stands as a testament to the region’s cultural legacy and enduring allure.

Kailasha Temple: Unravelling the Wonders of the World’s Largest Monolithic Marvel

In the heart of India, within the ancient and mystical land of Ellora, lies a monument that defies both time and imagination – the Kailasha Temple. With a colossal monolith structure hewn from the very rock it stands upon, this architectural wonder has captivated the world with its grandeur, complexity, and the enigmatic techniques employed to shape it. Emerging from the depths of history, the Kailasha Temple is more than a mere temple; it is an awe-inspiring testament to the ingenuity of ancient artisans and engineers who left behind a legacy that continues to astonish.

A Monumental Feat of Engineering and Devotion

The Kailasha Temple stands as a testament to human endeavor, a massive monolith carved out of the Charanandri Hills. Comprising over 200,000 tons of rock, this monumental structure is an intriguing enigma that leaves visitors and experts alike in awe. The precision and intricacy of its construction have sparked fascination, questioning how such a remarkable creation was achieved with the tools and technology available during its time of inception.

The Unveiling of an Architectural Mystery

The monolithic rock-cut temple is adorned with intricately carved sculptures and ornate reliefs, showcasing remarkable attention to detail. From top to bottom, the temple emerges as a sublime harmony of artistry and engineering, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. It’s a sacred ode to Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, that draws pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and architectural connoisseurs from around the world.

Carving Through Time: The Tale of Creation

The true marvel of the Kailasha Temple lies not only in its grandeur but in the mystery of how it was sculpted. The process of carving this monolithic temple involves the removal of enormous volumes of rock. Historians and archaeologists have pondered over the techniques used by ancient craftsmen to transform a solid rock into a breathtaking temple complex. Speculations range from chiseling to intricate drilling, with debates continuing to this day.

Unraveling the Techniques of the Ancients

Delving into the techniques employed in the creation of the Kailasha Temple reveals a remarkable blend of art, science, and sheer determination. It is believed that the artisans and engineers harnessed the power of chisels, hammers, and even crude yet effective drilling mechanisms to meticulously carve and shape the rock. Water channels were strategically designed to facilitate carving, while the use of scaffolding and ramps assisted in the complex task of sculpting the intricate details that grace the temple’s facade.

A Spiritual Odyssey and Architectural Marvel

For pilgrims and travelers, the Kailasha Temple is not just a destination; it’s a spiritual odyssey. The act of traversing through the intricately carved corridors and marveling at the colossal sculptures evokes a sense of divine connection and awe. From the magnificent Nandi statue guarding the entrance to the intricately adorned pillars and sanctums, every facet of the temple exudes devotion and reverence.

Legacy Across Millennia

The Kailasha Temple’s legacy extends beyond its physical presence; it is a window into the cultural, religious, and artistic tapestry of ancient India. The temple’s creation is attributed to the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I, who ruled during the 8th century. His vision and devotion led to the manifestation of this unparalleled wonder, which continues to inspire and captivate to this day.

A Living Testament of Human Endeavor

As the largest monolithic structure in the world, the Kailasha Temple stands as a beacon of human endeavor and artistic brilliance. Its intricate carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology, evoking a sense of spiritual contemplation. The temple’s creation not only testifies to the architectural prowess of ancient artisans but also serves as a tribute to their unwavering devotion and dedication.

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

In the modern age, the Kailasha Temple remains a living relic, a reminder of the marvels that human hands can craft. Preservation efforts, combined with advancements in technology, enable a new generation to appreciate and explore this architectural gem. As historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts continue to study its construction, the Kailasha Temple offers insights into the remarkable capabilities of ancient civilizations.

A Journey Through Time and Stone

Visiting the Kailasha Temple is more than a physical journey; it’s a voyage through time and space. The awe-inspiring grandeur of the monolithic marvel leaves an indelible mark on all who stand before it. As the sun’s rays illuminate its intricacies and the winds carry the whispers of history, the temple beckons travelers to witness a fusion of devotion, artistry, and engineering that transcends the ages.

The Kailasha Temple is an architectural marvel that defies comprehension, standing as a testament to human ingenuity and devotion. Carved from solid rock, this monolithic wonder continues to captivate the world, offering a glimpse into the remarkable achievements of ancient artisans. As visitors gaze upon its grandeur and contemplate the mysteries of its creation, the Kailasha Temple stands as a bridge between past and present, inspiring awe and reverence in equal measure.

Parliament Of The World’s Religions Hopes To Harness Faith To Address World’s Ills

(RNS) — Thousands of religious leaders — from Buddhists to Zoroastrians — gathered at Chicago’s cavernous McCormick Place conference center on Monday, August 14th for the opening day of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, a historic and influential gathering.

Picture : RNS

More than 6,500 religious leaders from 95 countries who had gathered in Chicago, urged attendees to appreciate both the uniqueness of their own spiritual traditions as well as the traditions of their neighbors — and to work together to address the world’s biggest problems.

The Rev. Vance Henry, the chief of faith engagement for Chicago’s mayor, told attendees that the world remains filled with darkness and division. But that darkness, he said, can be overcome if people of faith work together.

He drew on a story from his childhood and from a parable of Jesus to make his point — saying it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. “If we decided to put our lights together — we can force the darkness away,” he said.

The Rev. Asayo Horibe, president of the Buddhist Council of the Midwest, described the Parliament as both a spiritual event and a gathering of friends. Horibe, who greeted attendees in English, Spanish and Hawaiian, said she first attended a Parliament gathering in 1993, the last time it was held in Chicago. The Parliament traces its history to an event in 1893, also in Chicago, which is credited with inspiring the interfaith movement in the United States.

“I am so grateful for the friendships that have come my way since the beginning of this journey,” Horibe said. She urged attendees to learn from each other — and to share what they learn. Talk to everyone,” she said. “Greet everyone. And go home with the treasures you have received at this gathering.”

The Rev. Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary greets another participant in the Parade of Faiths in downtown Chicago on Aug. 13, 2023. The parade preceded the Parliament of the World’s Religions, which began Aug. 14. Photo by Lauren Pond for RNS

Eboo Patel, the founder of Chicago-based Interfaith America, told Religion News Service that much of the nation’s interfaith movement, including the organization he leads, was inspired by the work of the Parliament.  “This week it gives a profound gift to the world: demonstration that faith is a source of inspiration, not domination; a bridge of cooperation, not a barrier of division,” he said.

As of Monday afternoon, more than 6,500 attendees from 95 countries, representing 212 spiritual traditions, had registered for the Parliament, with more attending online.

Along with plenary sessions about climate change and defending human rights, the Parliament’s meeting offers hundreds of workshops and panels — as well as networking opportunities.

In her remarks during the Parliament’s opening session, Barbara Abrajano, president of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, reminded attendees of the power of interfaith cooperation.

“No single community of faith working alone can resolve the challenges that all of us face together,” she told attendees. “But if we stand together for all we believe, then our diversity is our greatest strength. We show people that there is another, better way.”

Rashad Hussain, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for religious freedom, echoed the idea that religious diversity is a source of strength. “We don’t seek uniformity,” he told attendees. “But we must have a unity in purpose.”

Hussain, who is Muslim, also stressed the importance of protecting religious freedom for all. During his comments, he pointed out that he succeeded former Ambassador Sam Brownback, who is Christian, and Rabbi David Saperstein, who is Jewish.

In an interview after the opening session, Hussain said he continues to work with his predecessors on matters of religious freedom, which remains a bipartisan issue. Their collaboration and their differing faith backgrounds serve as an example of interfaith cooperation.

“It sends a powerful signal to the world that we will stand up for the rights of all people,” Hussain said. He also said the Parliament can be an example of the way religious communities can help address global challenges.

“Religion can be such a powerful force for good all around the world in bringing us together and addressing some of the challenges that we face,” he said. “And it should always be a force for good. It should never be used to harm people or oppress people.”

Speakers at the Parliament’s opening sessions spoke openly about the ways religion can be viewed with suspicion or used to harm others. That makes the Parliament’s work all the more important, said the Rev. Paul Raushenbush, president of the Interfaith Alliance.

Raushenbush, who was to give a plenary address on Tuesday, told RNS the Parliament’s focus on both religious freedom and human rights is essential, especially at a time when authoritarian forms of organized religion are on the rise.

“The reason the interfaith movement was born was because people decided they were not going to kill each other because they believe different things,” he said. “And we still have people killing each other for believing different things.”

In his address later this week, Raushenbush said, he plans to challenge attendees to put their beliefs and their cooperation into action to counter authoritarian political and religious groups. 

“We are really focusing on the rise of authoritarianism and the rise of the threat of a certain elevation of one religious tradition over others,” he said. “And this is happening around the world working in concert with political and other kinds of power.”

Questions about the role of religion in the world drew a small group of students and staff from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the Parliament.

“We’re here to really ask some serious questions about working together to build a thriving world community,” said Queens University chaplain Adrian Bird.

Katie Pittman, a senior religion major at Queens, said the Parliament was a chance for her to experience a wide range of religious diversity in person. “I’m really here to just soak everything up and learn.”

Indian-American Democrats Support Vivek Ramaswamy Amid Attacks On His Hindu Faith

Indian-American Democrats Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna have come out in support of Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy over an attack on his Hindu faith.  At a public event, Hank Kunneman, the senior pastor of the non-denominational Lord of Hosts Church in Omaha, Nebraska and a televangelist targeted Ramaswamy’s faith in an attempt to prevent people from voting for him.

According to a video posted on Twitter by Right Wing Watch, Kunneman said that as a country, America is in danger. “Listen to me Generation Z, listen to me millennials, those of you who are watching that like this new young guy (Ramaswamy). If he does not serve the Lord Jesus Christ and stand primarily for Judeo-Christian principles, you will have a fight with God.

“You’re gonna have some dude put his hand on something other than the Bible? You’re gonna let him put all of his strange gods up in the White House and we’re just supposed to blink because he understands policies?” Kunneman was heard saying in the video. “Those of you that like this new young guy — if he does not serve the Lord Jesus Christ and stand primarily for Judeo-Christian principles, you will fight with God…”

Reacting to Kunneman’s disparaging comments, Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna said they don’t agree much with Ramaswamy but condemned the “bigoted remarks” against the 37-year-old.

“I don’t agree with @VivekGRamaswamy on much, but one thing is certain: all political parties in America should welcome individuals of all faiths, including Hindus. I condemn the bigoted remarks directed toward Ramaswamy, and I hope that Republican electeds and others do the same,” Krishnamoorthi tweeted on Tuesday.

“I have had spirited disagreements with @VivekGRamaswamy. But this is a disgusting and anti-American attack on his faith. We are a nation of many faiths, & the fact that so many Christian American Republicans are willing to support Vivek speaks to that ideal,” Khanna said in his tweet.

Seen as former President Donald Trump’s supporter, Kunneman calls himself a “prophet” and had said earlier that Trump’s 2020 election loss was God’s way of refuting prophets on Earth.

Ramaswamy was raised by Indian immigrants and is a practicing Hindu, which poses a dilemma for some conservative Christian voters who make up a significant share of the Republican primary electorate and are accustomed to evaluating candidates not just on their policy proposals but also on their biographies and personal beliefs, including religious faith.

“I’m not Christian. I was not raised in a Christian household. But we do share the same Christian values that this nation was founded on,” the Republican presidential hopeful had said in one of his campaign events.

In his address to prospective voters, Ramaswamy often rues that faith, patriotism, hard work and family “have disappeared, only to be replaced by new secular religions in this country”.

In response to a query on faith at a gathering in Nashua, New Hampshire on July 11, Ramaswamy said that the US was founded on Judeo-Christian values.  He clarified, “I am not running to be a pastor-in-chief. I am running to be our commander-in-chief.”

Vivek Ramaswamy Leans Into His Hindu Faith to Court Christian Voters

This spring, Bristol Smith, a manager at a McDonald’s in Maryville, Tennessee, came across the name Vivek Ramaswamy shortly after the entrepreneur Mr. Ramaswamy announced that he was running for president. Mr. Smith was drawn in. He liked Mr. Ramaswamy’s plan to send the military to the southern border to fight drug cartels and the way he “stands up against the wokeness.” He regarded Mr. Ramaswamy’s insight as a money manager worth countless dollars.

Then, at that point, Mr. Smith, 25, looked for Mr. Ramaswamy’s confidence. Mr. Smith is an evangelical Christian who recently established a modest church at his parents’ house.

He recalled, “I looked up his religion and saw he is Hindu.” I planned to decide in favor of him until that surfaced.” Mr. Smith believes that the nation needs to be “put back under God,” and he doesn’t want to risk it with a non-Christian.

By then, he said, “I got back on President Trump’s train.”

Mr. Ramaswamy, 37, is a practicing Hindu who was brought up in India by immigrants. Some conservative Christian voters, who make up a significant portion of the Republican primary electorate and are accustomed to evaluating candidates not only based on their policy proposals but also on their biographies and personal beliefs, including religious faith, face a dilemma as a result of this.

A candidate’s faith is a sign of a candidate’s values, lifestyle, loyalties, and priorities as a leader for many conservative voters. It’s the classic Sunday morning question about which candidate you’d like to have a beer with most: Who is a good fit for your church?

“It’s another obstacle individuals need to cross to go to him,” Weave Vander Plaats, a powerful fervent forerunner in Iowa, said of Mr. Ramaswamy.

Mr. Vander Plaats as of late had Mr. Ramaswamy’s family over for Sunday dinner at his home, where the feast opened with a request and the perusing of an entry from the Good book. He said that Mr. Ramaswamy’s message aligned with the priorities of many evangelical voters and that he left impressed. He referred to Mr. Ramaswamy’s list of ten fundamental “truths,” the first of which is as follows: God really exists. The subsequent: There are men and women.”)

“I believe he’s truly interfacing with the crowds in Iowa,” said Mr. Vander Plaats, who has not embraced an up-and-comer. ” He is open to more in-depth inquiries. In the most recent national polls, Mr. Ramaswamy receives less than 5% of the vote.

Mr. Ramaswamy has taken the direct approach of addressing the issue and arguing that he shares more similarities with observant Christians than they might think.

“I’m not Christian. In June, he addressed Mr. Vander Plaats in front of a small audience at the Family Leader’s headquarters. “I was not raised in a Christian household.” However, we truly do have the very Christian qualities that this country was established on.”

In a meeting in late June, in the wake of leaving a gathering with a couple dozen ministers in New Hampshire, Mr. Ramaswamy said his confidence instructed him that Jesus was “a child of God, totally.” ( That “a” will be a sharp qualification from the focal Christian conviction that Jesus is the child of God. Many Hindus believe in a plethora of deities, and some even consider Jesus to be a single teacher or god.) Hinduism is a fluid and expansive religion.

Mr. Ramaswamy pointed out that even though he is not a Christian, he openly discusses why belief in God is important, why increasing secularism in the United States is bad for the country, and values like marriage fidelity, duty, religious liberty, and self-sacrifice.

Regarding the theological differences between Hinduism and Christianity, he stated, “I don’t have a quick pitch to say, ‘No, no, that doesn’t matter.'” It’s that I see precisely why that would make a difference to you.”

Mr. Ramaswamy cites Thomas Aquinas and makes references to Bible stories at campaign stops, including the crucifixion of Jesus. He frequently discusses his time spent attending a Cincinnati “Christian school” (Catholic St. Xavier High School). Also, he differentiates “religions like our own,” which have gone the distance, with the contending perspectives of “wokeism, climatism, transgenderism, orientation belief system, Covidism,” as he put it to a group of people in New Hampshire.

The campaign of Mr. Ramaswamy has distributed videos of him responding to a New Hampshire man who asked about his “spiritual beliefs” at a town hall and of a pastor in Iowa comparing him to King David from the Bible. A woman blessed Mr. Ramaswamy in the name of Jesus Christ by placing her hand on his chest in Iowa.

“So be it,” Mr. Ramaswamy said as she closed her request.

Mr. Ramaswamy will be able to win over evangelical primary voters in the crowded Republican field in part because of outside forces. Rather than seeking a “pastor-in-chief,” many conservative voters now say they are looking for someone who shares their political and cultural goals and will fight on their behalf.

“The culture has changed, but theology is important. America has changed,” said David Brody, the boss political expert for the Christian Telecom Organization, who has talked with Mr. Ramaswamy. Mr. Brody stated that the fight against “cultural Marxism” and reversing the course of “a country gone haywire” are currently the most important goals.

He compared evangelical priorities in the Iowa caucuses the following year to those in 2008 and 2012, when conservative Christian candidates Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee won.

Mr. Brody stated, “I don’t buy it at all the lazy narrative that he’s Hindu so he can’t appeal to evangelicals.”

As political divides have widened, theological boundaries have become increasingly muddled. Few temples split nowadays over old discussions like the specific timing of the final days or the job of through and through freedom in salvation. About portion of American Protestants presently say they like to go to a congregation with individuals who share their political perspectives, as per surveying from Lifeway Exploration.

Mr. Ramaswamy’s accentuation on his faith in one God has a long history for Hindus in the US, particularly those addressing white Christian crowds, said Michael Altman, a teacher of strict examinations at the College of Alabama.

Master Vivekananda, who addressed Hinduism at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, went to considerable lengths to portray his confidence as monotheistic, rather than the generalizations of its devotees as “pagan” polytheists. Although the religion has a number of deities, they are typically subordinate to a single supreme “reality.” Its theology, according to many scholars and Hindus, is too complicated to be classified as either entirely monotheistic or entirely polytheistic.

“The polytheism obstacle is the principal thing that must be tended to” for the majority American Christian crowds, Mr. Altman said. He believes that Mr. Ramaswamy’s argument against “wokeism” is a way to dispel myths that Hinduism is synonymous with yoga, hippies, and vegetarianism.

According to evangelical observers, former President Donald J. Trump paved the way for Republican candidates who weren’t necessarily the kind of people voters would expect to sit next to on Sunday mornings at church. Numerous fervent citizens embraced the rough, threefold wedded gambling club financier not on the grounds that he was one of them but since they accepted he would battle in the public square for their benefit.

Most Indian Americans, including Hindus, are leftists. However, a segment of the population that places a high value on family, marriage, and education presents a chance for conservatives. Mr. Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House while serving as president, and the Republican National Committee introduced a brand-new Republican Hindu and Indian American Coalition in April. When he appeared with President Trump in Houston in 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew a crowd of 50,000 people, making him a well-known figure to a growing group of right-wing Indian Americans. Mr. Ramaswamy talked last year at a celebration coordinated by the conservative U.S. bunch HinduPACT, which is lined up with Mr. Modi’s style of patriotism.

Nikki Haley, one more Indian American competitor in the 2024 essential, has also underlined her experience as the girl of foreigners. However, Ms. Haley converted to Christianity and now attends a large Methodist church in South Carolina, despite the fact that she was raised Sikh. Bobby Jindal, a Republican from Louisiana who ran for president in 2016, was born and raised Hindu, but he has said that he is an “evangelical Catholic.”

Mr. Ramaswamy goes to a similar sanctuary in Dayton, Ohio, that he did as a youngster that his folks actually do.

In 2015, he had his wedding in New York City officiated by one of the priests from the temple. His wife, Dr. Apoorva Ramaswamy, stated that he, his wife, and their two young sons attend the temple on holidays and for special occasions, including the younger son’s first birthday in early July.

Dr. Ramaswamy, who has spoken out about the family’s faith on the campaign trail, stated that serious and nominal adherents to the same faith share more similarities than committed believers from different traditions.

Dr. Ramaswamy stated, “The fact that we are believers, that we have that sense of humility, that we raise our children with true respect, fear, and love of God — that is so much more unifying than the name of the God to whom people pray.”

The inquiry for her significant other’s mission is whether enough Christian citizens will concur.

Ken Bosse, the pastor of New Life Church in Raymond, New Hampshire, said that he is “an extreme follower of Jesus Christ” and that, all things considered, he would rather have a Christian in the White House. But because “we have had some professing Christians in that position who didn’t follow biblical principles,” he would be open to the right candidate who is not a Christian.

Mr. Bosse welcomed Mr. Ramaswamy to convey a concise discourse at his congregation on a Sunday morning in April. He enjoyed the competitor’s accentuation on recovering a positive American personality, he expressed, and on his story as an independent tycoon who is the offspring of workers. Right now, in any case, Mr. Bosse is inclining in the direction of supporting Mr. Trump. (Courtesy: The New York Times)

New Cardinals Appointments Reflect Pope Francis’ Emphasis on Unity and Reconciliation in the Church

Vatican observers agreed that Pope Francis, who has named more than two-thirds of the men who will vote for his successor, was aiming to consolidate his legacy when he announced on Sunday (July 9) that he would be making 21 new cardinals. In any case, history shows that the School of Cardinals has its own brain with regards to casting a ballot, a reality Francis, chose by thirty years of moderate popes’ deputies, probable appreciates.

All things considered, the new harvest of cardinals might express more about Francis’ emphasis on a school worked for compromise and beating divisions inside the congregation.

These characteristics will be significant to the outcome of the highest point of Catholic diocesans and laypeople that starts Oct. 4 in Rome, intended to address probably the most disruptive issues in the congregation and in more extensive society: the consideration of ladies and LGBTQ individuals. The consistory, the function when the new cardinals will be made, will happen Sept. 30, just a short time previously.

“Can we just be real for a moment, we live in an exceptionally spellbound society. Today’s a troublesome world. In an interview on Wednesday, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Vatican’s representative in the United States and one of the candidates for cardinalhood, stated, “People are separated by ideologies.” The mission of the congregation is particularly to live in this general public which is captivated and separated, yet not to rehash the polarization but rather fix this general public,” he said.

As opposed to just fortifying Francis’ hang on the congregation, Pierre said, he sees his main goal as a cardinal will be to hold the strain in the profoundly isolated U.S. church.

Positively a portion of Francis’ new arrangements are obviously intended to give weight to other late arrangements in the Vatican order. His choice to give a red cap to Diocese supervisor Víctor Manuel Fernández, a long-term companion and individual Argentine as of late delegated to direct the Dicastery for the Tenet of the Confidence, proposes that the pope needed to additionally stress ecclesiastical endorsement for Fernandez’s initiative.

The promotion of American-born Archbishop Robert Prevost, who heads the Vatican department that oversees bishops, is analogous. The red cap for Ecclesiastical overseer José Cobo Cano, as of late tapped to lead the Archdiocese of Madrid, is a significant piece of housekeeping, giving Spanish-talking cardinals a main voice at a future gathering.

In any case, there is an effectively recognizable string of solidarity going through the resumes of large numbers of the cardinals-to-be.

Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town, South Africa, stated in a Zoom Wednesday interview, “The church has a very important role to play in terms of healing relations for us in Southern Africa.” Brislin said he sees his arrangement as a directive for compromise brought into the world from the encounters of isolation and prejudice during his country’s long period of politically-sanctioned racial segregation.

In addition, Brislin, who is currently in charge of the South African Bishops’ Conference, refuted the notion that the upcoming consistory is only meant to select a successor to Pope Francis who shares his views.

Brislin stated, “It’s not all about looking out for his legacy,” adding that he believes the appointments are intended to promote a people-centered church. He stated that diversity can still lead to unity, stressing that “a lot can be done at the local level, without clearly breaking away from the universal church.”

Variety has been a topic of Francis’ cardinal arrangements; He has created 113 cardinals from 64 nations, some of which have never had a cardinal before. He expanded this record with the principal cardinal from the Muslim-larger part nation of Malaysia, Minister Sebastian Francis of Penang. Ecclesiastical overseer Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla will turn into the principal cardinal in the troubled African country of South Sudan.

The soul of compromise is likewise seen in the arrangements of the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who shuffles Catholic relations in the upset Blessed Land, and Diocese supervisor Claudio Gugerotti, who heads the Vatican Dicastery for Eastern Houses of worship and was ecclesiastical nuncio to Ukraine until 2020.

Francis will likewise raise Ecclesiastical overseer Luis José Rueda Aparicio of Bogotá, in Colombia, which has been wrecked by a decades-in length nationwide conflict. Remarking on his arrangement, Rueda appealed to God for all Catholics in the country “to cooperate toward harmony, life and compromise for all Colombians.”

The new cardinal arrangement in Hong Kong, Diocesan Stephen Chow Sau-Yan, endorsed under a disputable power dividing bargain among the Chinese government and the Catholic people group attached to Rome, has been dynamic in advancing solidarity between the formally acknowledged Catholic Church in the nation and the Catholic people group attached to Rome.

As though to underline the subject for the new bunch of cardinals, Francis chose to give the last red cap to 96-year-old Capuchin Minister Luis Dri, who gos through his days offering admissions — authoritatively referred to in the congregation as the ceremony of compromise — to the reliable at the Altar of Our Woman of Pompeii in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Dri, however past the qualified age to choose the following pontiff, features the needs of this pontificate. As priests and lay unwavering plan to accumulate in Rome for the Assembly on Synodality, the capstone of Francis’ vision for the congregation, zeroing in on solidarity, compromise will get you a lot farther than governmental issues and philosophies.

However the requirement for — and, surprisingly, the meaning of — compromise changes broadly starting with one new cardinal then onto the next, wherever Francis gives off an impression of being communicating something specific that the soul of solidarity will get the congregation farther than wading into controversy or philosophies.

It’s a message that Pierre, as ecclesiastical emissary to the U.S., says will take time. ” He stated, “I will certainly continue in my own mission. I don’t know if I have done it well up to this point.” so that even the bishops themselves will start to realize that their job is to bring people together in love and peace, not to cause polarization and culture wars.

Pope Francis’ Cardinal Appointments Emphasize Unity Ahead Of Synod

(RNS) — When Pope Francis announced Sunday (July 9) that he would be making 21 new cardinals, Vatican observers agreed that the aging pontiff, who has named more than two-thirds of the men who will vote for his successor, was aiming to solidify his legacy. But history shows that the College of Cardinals has its own mind when it comes to voting, a fact Francis, elected by three decades’ worth of conservative popes’ appointees, likely appreciates.

Instead, the new crop of cardinals may say more about Francis’ focus on a college built for reconciliation and overcoming divisions within the church.

These qualities will be crucial to the success of the summit of Catholic bishops and lay people that begins Oct. 4 in Rome, meant to address some of the most divisive issues in the church and in broader society: the inclusion of women and LGBTQ people. The consistory, the ceremony when the new cardinals will be made, will take place Sept. 30, only days before.

“Let’s be honest, we live in a very polarized society. It’s a difficult world today. People are separated by ideologies,” said Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Vatican’s representative in the United States and one of those who will be made a cardinal, in an interview Wednesday. “The mission of the church is especially to live in this society which is polarized and divided, but not to repeat the polarization but cure this society,” he said.

Rather than merely strengthening Francis’ hold on the church, Pierre said, he views his mission as a cardinal will be to hold the tension in the deeply divided U.S. church.

Certainly some of Francis’ new appointments are clearly designed to give weight to other recent appointments in the Vatican hierarchy. His decision to give a red hat to Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández, a longtime friend and fellow Argentine recently appointed to oversee the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, suggests that the pope wanted to further emphasize papal approval for Fernandez’s leadership.

The same can be said for the elevation of American-born Archbishop Robert Prevost, who heads the Vatican department overseeing bishops. The red hat for Archbishop José Cobo Cano, recently tapped to lead the Archdiocese of Madrid, is an important bit of housekeeping, giving Spanish-speaking cardinals a leading voice at a future conclave.

But there is an easily traceable thread of unity running through the resumes of many of the cardinals-to-be.

“For us in Southern Africa the church has a very important role to play in terms of healing relations,” Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town, South Africa, said in a Zoom Wednesday. Brislin said he views his appointment as a message for reconciliation born from the experiences of segregation and racism during his country’s long era of apartheid.

Brislin, formally at the head of the South African Bishops’ Conference, also pushed back against the idea that the next consistory is merely aimed at electing a like-minded successor to Pope Francis.

“It’s not all about looking out for his legacy,” Brislin said, adding that he believes the appointments are aimed at promoting a church that is close to the people. Unity can be achieved even through diversity, he said, underlining that “a lot can be done at the local level, without breaking obviously from the universal church.”

Diversity has been a theme of Francis’ cardinal appointments; he’s made 113 cardinals from 64 countries, including some that have never been home to a cardinal. He extended this record with the first cardinal from the Muslim-majority country of Malaysia, Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang. Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla will become the first cardinal in the embattled African nation of South Sudan.

The spirit of reconciliation is also glimpsed in the appointments of the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who juggles Catholic relations in the troubled Holy Land, and Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, who heads the Vatican Dicastery for Eastern Churches and was papal nuncio to Ukraine until 2020.

Francis will also elevate Archbishop Luis José Rueda Aparicio of Bogotá, in Colombia, which has been decimated by a decades-long civil war. Commenting on his appointment, Rueda prayed for all Catholics in the country “to work together toward peace, life and reconciliation for all Colombians.”

The new cardinal appointment in Hong Kong, Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-Yan, approved under a controversial power sharing deal between the Chinese government and the Catholic community tied to Rome, has been active in promoting unity between the officially recognized Catholic Church in the country and the Catholic community tied to Rome.

“For Hong Kong, I hope the city can have more reconciliation,” Chow Sau-Yan told reporters on Monday.

As if to underline the theme for the new batch of cardinals, Francis decided to give the last red hat to 96-year-old Capuchin Friar Luis Dri, who spends his days offering confessions — officially known in the church as the sacrament of reconciliation — to the faithful at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Dri, though well beyond the eligible age to elect the next pontiff, showcases the priorities of this pontificate. As bishops and lay faithful prepare to gather in Rome for the Synod on Synodality, the capstone of Francis’ vision for the church, focusing on unity, reconciliation will get you much further than politics and ideologies.

Though the need for — and even the definition of — reconciliation varies widely from one new cardinal to the next, everywhere Francis appears to be sending a message that the spirit of unity will get the church further than playing politics or ideologies.

It’s a message that Pierre, as papal envoy to the U.S., says will take time. “I don’t know if I have managed to do it well until now, but I will certainly continue in my own mission,” he said. “So that even the bishops within themselves will become more and more aware that their role is to be a source of love and unity and not to be a source of polarization and culture wars.”

Pope Francis Puts His Stamp On Church’s Future With New Cardinals

Pope Francis on July 9th reported that he would raise 21 churchmen to the high position of cardinal, again putting his imprint on the gathering that will one day pick his replacement after his passing or renunciation.

The 86-year-old Pontiff announced that the installation ceremony, known as a consistory, would take place on September 30. Since being elected as the first pontiff from Latin America ten years ago, this will be the ninth consistory called by the pope.

The new cardinals come from nations including the US, Italy, Argentina, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, Colombia, South Sudan, Hong Kong, Poland, Malaysia, Tanzania, and Portugal. Eighteen of the 21 are under the age of 80, so they will be able to attend a secret conclave to select the next pope. They are known as cardinal balloters.

All cardinals, no matter what their age, are permitted to participate in pre-conference gatherings, known as Broad Assemblies, giving them a say in the sort of individual they figure the more youthful cardinals ought to pick.

In the Church hierarchy, Cardinals are second only to the Pope and his closest advisors. Because of their authentic power and impact, they are as yet called the sovereigns of the Congregation, despite the fact that Francis has told them not to live like sovereignty and to be near poor people.

There will be 137 cardinal electors following the consistory in September, with approximately 73% of them selected by Francis. This expands the likelihood that the next pope will share his vision of a more moderate, comprehensive Church.

Francis has likewise expanded the likelihood that the next pope will come from Asia or Africa, having reliably named cardinal balloters from those mainland and giving less significance than his predecessors to nations in Europe.

Three of the new cardinals were as of late named as heads of significant Vatican divisions, including Argentine Ecclesiastical overseer Victor Manuel Fernandez, top of the Vatican’s doctrinal division.

Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-Yan of Hong Kong was the recipient of an additional significant appointment. Chow is one of the significant connections to the Catholic Church in socialist China, where the Vatican is attempting to further develop conditions for Catholics. In April, the bishop went to Beijing.

Another is American Archbishop Robert Francis Prevost, who was recently elevated to head of the Vatican department that assists the pope in selecting new bishops, one of the most powerful positions within the Vatican.

Vivek Ramaswamy Leans Into His Hindu Faith to Court Christian Voters

This spring, Bristol Smith, a manager at a McDonald’s in Maryville, Tennessee, came across the name Vivek Ramaswamy shortly after the entrepreneur Mr. Ramaswamy announced that he was running for president. Mr. Smith was drawn in. He liked Mr. Ramaswamy’s plan to send the military to the southern border to fight drug cartels and the way he “stands up against the wokeness.” He regarded Mr. Ramaswamy’s insight as a money manager worth countless dollars.

Then, at that point, Mr. Smith, 25, looked for Mr. Ramaswamy’s confidence. Mr. Smith is an evangelical Christian who recently established a modest church at his parents’ house.

He recalled, “I looked up his religion and saw he is Hindu.” I planned to decide in favor of him until that surfaced.” Mr. Smith believes that the nation needs to be “put back under God,” and he doesn’t want to risk it with a non-Christian.

By then, he said, “I got back on President Trump’s train.”

Mr. Ramaswamy, 37, is a practicing Hindu who was brought up in India by immigrants. Some conservative Christian voters, who make up a significant portion of the Republican primary electorate and are accustomed to evaluating candidates not only based on their policy proposals but also on their biographies and personal beliefs, including religious faith, face a dilemma as a result of this.

A candidate’s faith is a sign of a candidate’s values, lifestyle, loyalties, and priorities as a leader for many conservative voters. It’s the classic Sunday morning question about which candidate you’d like to have a beer with most: Who is a good fit for your church?

“It’s another obstacle individuals need to cross to go to him,” Weave Vander Plaats, a powerful fervent forerunner in Iowa, said of Mr. Ramaswamy.

Mr. Vander Plaats as of late had Mr. Ramaswamy’s family over for Sunday dinner at his home, where the feast opened with a request and the perusing of an entry from the Good book. He said that Mr. Ramaswamy’s message aligned with the priorities of many evangelical voters and that he left impressed. He referred to Mr. Ramaswamy’s list of ten fundamental “truths,” the first of which is as follows: God really exists. The subsequent: There are men and women.”)

“I believe he’s truly interfacing with the crowds in Iowa,” said Mr. Vander Plaats, who has not embraced an up-and-comer. ” He is open to more in-depth inquiries. In the most recent national polls, Mr. Ramaswamy receives less than 5% of the vote.

Mr. Ramaswamy has taken the direct approach of addressing the issue and arguing that he shares more similarities with observant Christians than they might think.

“I’m not Christian. In June, he addressed Mr. Vander Plaats in front of a small audience at the Family Leader’s headquarters. “I was not raised in a Christian household.” However, we truly do have the very Christian qualities that this country was established on.”

In a meeting in late June, in the wake of leaving a gathering with a couple dozen ministers in New Hampshire, Mr. Ramaswamy said his confidence instructed him that Jesus was “a child of God, totally.” ( That “a” will be a sharp qualification from the focal Christian conviction that Jesus is the child of God. Many Hindus believe in a plethora of deities, and some even consider Jesus to be a single teacher or god.) Hinduism is a fluid and expansive religion.

Mr. Ramaswamy pointed out that even though he is not a Christian, he openly discusses why belief in God is important, why increasing secularism in the United States is bad for the country, and values like marriage fidelity, duty, religious liberty, and self-sacrifice.

Regarding the theological differences between Hinduism and Christianity, he stated, “I don’t have a quick pitch to say, ‘No, no, that doesn’t matter.'” It’s that I see precisely why that would make a difference to you.”

Mr. Ramaswamy cites Thomas Aquinas and makes references to Bible stories at campaign stops, including the crucifixion of Jesus. He frequently discusses his time spent attending a Cincinnati “Christian school” (Catholic St. Xavier High School). Also, he differentiates “religions like our own,” which have gone the distance, with the contending perspectives of “wokeism, climatism, transgenderism, orientation belief system, Covidism,” as he put it to a group of people in New Hampshire.

The campaign of Mr. Ramaswamy has distributed videos of him responding to a New Hampshire man who asked about his “spiritual beliefs” at a town hall and of a pastor in Iowa comparing him to King David from the Bible. A woman blessed Mr. Ramaswamy in the name of Jesus Christ by placing her hand on his chest in Iowa.

“So be it,” Mr. Ramaswamy said as she closed her request.

Mr. Ramaswamy will be able to win over evangelical primary voters in the crowded Republican field in part because of outside forces. Rather than seeking a “pastor-in-chief,” many conservative voters now say they are looking for someone who shares their political and cultural goals and will fight on their behalf.

“The culture has changed, but theology is important. America has changed,” said David Brody, the boss political expert for the Christian Telecom Organization, who has talked with Mr. Ramaswamy. Mr. Brody stated that the fight against “cultural Marxism” and reversing the course of “a country gone haywire” are currently the most important goals.

He compared evangelical priorities in the Iowa caucuses the following year to those in 2008 and 2012, when conservative Christian candidates Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee won.

Mr. Brody stated, “I don’t buy it at all the lazy narrative that he’s Hindu so he can’t appeal to evangelicals.”

As political divides have widened, theological boundaries have become increasingly muddled. Few temples split nowadays over old discussions like the specific timing of the final days or the job of through and through freedom in salvation. About portion of American Protestants presently say they like to go to a congregation with individuals who share their political perspectives, as per surveying from Lifeway Exploration.

Mr. Ramaswamy’s accentuation on his faith in one God has a long history for Hindus in the US, particularly those addressing white Christian crowds, said Michael Altman, a teacher of strict examinations at the College of Alabama.

Master Vivekananda, who addressed Hinduism at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, went to considerable lengths to portray his confidence as monotheistic, rather than the generalizations of its devotees as “pagan” polytheists. Although the religion has a number of deities, they are typically subordinate to a single supreme “reality.” Its theology, according to many scholars and Hindus, is too complicated to be classified as either entirely monotheistic or entirely polytheistic.

“The polytheism obstacle is the principal thing that must be tended to” for the majority American Christian crowds, Mr. Altman said. He believes that Mr. Ramaswamy’s argument against “wokeism” is a way to dispel myths that Hinduism is synonymous with yoga, hippies, and vegetarianism.

According to evangelical observers, former President Donald J. Trump paved the way for Republican candidates who weren’t necessarily the kind of people voters would expect to sit next to on Sunday mornings at church. Numerous fervent citizens embraced the rough, threefold wedded gambling club financier not on the grounds that he was one of them but since they accepted he would battle in the public square for their benefit.

Most Indian Americans, including Hindus, are leftists. However, a segment of the population that places a high value on family, marriage, and education presents a chance for conservatives. Mr. Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House while serving as president, and the Republican National Committee introduced a brand-new Republican Hindu and Indian American Coalition in April. When he appeared with President Trump in Houston in 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew a crowd of 50,000 people, making him a well-known figure to a growing group of right-wing Indian Americans. Mr. Ramaswamy talked last year at a celebration coordinated by the conservative U.S. bunch HinduPACT, which is lined up with Mr. Modi’s style of patriotism.

Nikki Haley, one more Indian American competitor in the 2024 essential, has also underlined her experience as the girl of foreigners. However, Ms. Haley converted to Christianity and now attends a large Methodist church in South Carolina, despite the fact that she was raised Sikh. Bobby Jindal, a Republican from Louisiana who ran for president in 2016, was born and raised Hindu, but he has said that he is an “evangelical Catholic.”

Mr. Ramaswamy goes to a similar sanctuary in Dayton, Ohio, that he did as a youngster that his folks actually do.

In 2015, he had his wedding in New York City officiated by one of the priests from the temple. His wife, Dr. Apoorva Ramaswamy, stated that he, his wife, and their two young sons attend the temple on holidays and for special occasions, including the younger son’s first birthday in early July.

Dr. Ramaswamy, who has spoken out about the family’s faith on the campaign trail, stated that serious and nominal adherents to the same faith share more similarities than committed believers from different traditions.

Dr. Ramaswamy stated, “The fact that we are believers, that we have that sense of humility, that we raise our children with true respect, fear, and love of God — that is so much more unifying than the name of the God to whom people pray.”

The inquiry for her significant other’s mission is whether enough Christian citizens will concur.

Ken Bosse, the pastor of New Life Church in Raymond, New Hampshire, said that he is “an extreme follower of Jesus Christ” and that, all things considered, he would rather have a Christian in the White House. But because “we have had some professing Christians in that position who didn’t follow biblical principles,” he would be open to the right candidate who is not a Christian.

Mr. Bosse welcomed Mr. Ramaswamy to convey a concise discourse at his congregation on a Sunday morning in April. He enjoyed the competitor’s accentuation on recovering a positive American personality, he expressed, and on his story as an independent tycoon who is the offspring of workers. Right now, in any case, Mr. Bosse is inclining in the direction of supporting Mr. Trump. (Courtesy: The New York Times)

Pope Francis Names 21 New Cardinals, Showing Universality of the Church

Pope Francis on July 9 named 21 new cardinals, including the Vatican’s ambassador to the U.S., Archbishop Christophe Pierre; American-born Archbishop Robert Prevost, who oversees the appointments of Catholic bishops worldwide; and the new head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernández.

The pope made the announcement at the end of his weekly Sunday Angelus prayer from a window in the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square. Francis said he would install the new cardinals during a consistory at the Vatican on Sept. 30, saying these new cardinals represent the universality of the global church and the “inseparable link” between the pope and dioceses around the world.

During the past 10 years, Pope Francis has created 121 cardinals from 66 countries, 23 of which had never been represented in the College of Cardinals. His appointments include the first Scandinavian since the Reformation, the first from Goa since an episcopal see was established there in 1533, the first from Latin America’s indigenous peoples, and the first from India’s Dalit class.

As of now, two-thirds of the cardinal electors have been cardinals created by Francis. Francis has shifted membership in the College of Cardinals away from Europe, making it all but certain that the conclave to choose his successor will be the first where Europeans do not account for a majority of electors.

Of the 21 new cardinals, 18 are under the age of 80 and would be eligible to vote in a papal conclave. As of Sept. 30, with the new additions, the total number of eligible cardinal electors will be 137.

Among the new cardinal-designates are three Vatican officials: Prevost, Fernández and Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, 67, an Italian archbishop who in Nov. 22 was appointed as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.

Following the 2022 consistory, 83 of the cardinal electors had been appointed by Francis, 38 by Pope Benedict XVI, and 11 by Pope John Paul II.  Each of Francis’ consistories has increased the number of cardinal electors from less than the set limit of 120 to a number higher than 120, as high as 132 in 2022, though never as high as the record 135 set by Pope John Paul II in 2001 and 2003.

As of the conclusion of the 2022 consistory, of the 83 cardinals appointed by Francis who would be eligible to participate as electors in a papal conclave, only 28 (34%) are European. Some 52% of the electors were Europeans at the 2013 conclave that elected Francis, but only 40% are Europeans as of August 2022.

The creation of the new cardinal electors by the 86-year-old Francis will put the total number of cardinal electors well above the limit of 120 set by Pope Paul VI in 1975. Both Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI also exceeded that number at various points during their papacies.

The September ceremony to create new cardinals, being held on the eve of the pope’s highly anticipated Synod of Bishops in October, will be Francis’ ninth consistory for the creation of new cardinals since his election as pontiff in March 2013. He last created new cardinals in August 2022.

Picture : Vatican

Cardinals rank second only to the pope in the Church hierarchy and serve as his closest advisers. Due to their historical power and influence, they are still called the princes of the Church, although Francis has told them not to live like royalty and to be close to the poor.

Three of the new cardinals were recently named as heads of major Vatican departments, including Argentine Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez, head of the Vatican’s doctrinal department.

Another significant appointment was that of Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-Yan of Hong Kong. Chow is one of the major links to the Catholic Church in communist China, where the Vatican is trying to improve conditions for Catholics. The bishop visited Beijing in April.

Another is Archbishop Robert Francis Prevost, an American who was recently named head of the Vatican department that helps the pope choose new bishops, one of the most powerful posts in the Vatican.

In announcing their names, Francis said the appointment of cardinals from across the globe “expresses the universality of the Church that continues to announce the merciful love of God to all men of the Earth.”

Cardinals serve as advisers to the pontiff on matters of teaching and administration, including the Vatican’s scandal-plagued finances. But their most crucial duty is gathering in a secret conclave to elect the next pontiff.

The full list of new cardinal electors:

Archbishop Robert Prevost, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops;

Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti; prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches;

Archbishop Víctor Fernández; prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith;

Archbishop Emil Tscherrig, retired apostolic nuncio

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States;

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem;

Archbishop Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa

Archbishop  Ángel Sixto, Archbishop of Córdoba, Argentina;

Archbishop Luis José Rueda Aparicio of Bogotá, Colombia;

Archbishop Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Łódź, Poland;

Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, Archbishop of Juba, South Sudan;

Archbishop José  Cobo Cano, Archbishop of Madrid;

Archbishop Protase Rugambwa, coadjutor Archbishop of Tabora, Tanzania;

Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang, Malaysia;

Bishop Stephen Chow, Bishop of Hong Kong;

Bishop François-Xavier Bustillo, bishop of Ajaccio, France;

Bishop Américo Manuel Alves Aguiar, auxiliary bishop of Lisbon, Portugal;

Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, Superior General of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Standing Where Prophet Muhammad Gave His Final Sermon, 2 Million Muslims Perform Hajj

Around 2 million Muslims are converging Tuesday in the valleys and hills around Mecca for the pinnacle day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. They’re gathering at Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon about 1,400 years ago.

This is the largest pilgrimage since 2019, after which the Hajj was dramatically curbed due to coronavirus restrictions that limited the gathering to just a few thousand people.

Here, men and women spend the day in deep prayer and, in what is known as duaa and dhikr, practices in which Muslims recite Allah’s name, they read the Quran and pray for forgiveness, healing and mercy.

Hajj pilgrimage is expected to be the biggest since the COVID pandemic

It’s here, in the area of Mount Arafat on a hill called Jabal al-Rahma, or Mountain of Mercy, where the Prophet Muhammad told his followers in his final sermon that just as men have certain rights over women, that women, too, have rights over men. He described women as partners who must be treated well and with kindness.

He also spoke about racial equality in his sermon, saying that no person has superiority over the other based on ethnicity or race. He said distinction comes only through piety and good deeds. He called for unity and brotherhood among Muslims.

The seamless white terrycloth robes worn by male pilgrims are intended to embody that spirit of unity, so simple in appearance as to make one’s status and wealth nearly indistinguishable. Women are required to forgo makeup, perfume and other aesthetics during the Hajj, letting go of material trappings. They dress modestly in head coverings.

Egyptian pilgrim Haitham Abuwafiya, 41, said he has experienced random acts of kindness from other pilgrims on the Hajj. He said an Algerian man seated near him offered to share his meal rather than waste the food. In another example, a South African man was buying doughnuts in a food court in Mecca and insisted on buying for Abuwafiya, who was standing in line behind him.

“I told him I have money, but he insisted on paying,” he said. “You don’t feel strange or that someone else [from another country] is strange to you. Everyone is here for the same reason, for God and worship. People are compassionate and the mood is great.”

Rituals of the Hajj

While the Hajj in Islam follows the path the Prophet Muhammad once walked, it’s also believed to trace the paths the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail once took, or as they’re known in the Bible, Abraham and Ishmael.

Women also play a role in the history of the Hajj through the story of Ibrahim’s wife, Hajar (known as Hagar in the Bible).

As part of any pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims walk between two hills seven times, retracing Hajar’s search for water for her dying son before a spring appeared that runs to this day there. The sacred well of Zamzam continues to provide drinking water for pilgrims.

That path between the hills today is marbled, shaded and has multiple floors to accommodate the large number of pilgrims performing this ritual known as sa’i, which represents life’s tribulations, God’s mercy and life’s constant movement.

Another key part of the Hajj is circling the Kaaba seven times and reciting prayers.

“Before anything, you have to have conviction,” Abuwafiya said about the Hajj. “You have to believe in it.”

The Hajj takes roughly five days to complete, including three days in Mina, a large tent city where Muslims cast stones at pillars in a symbolic act meant to represent the casting away of sins and spiritual renewal.

The Hajj is one of the largest and most logistically challenging gatherings of people on Earth. It consistently poses a challenge for Saudi authorities as they host people and manage crowds from nearly every country in the world. The kingdom also has mobile clinics and has built hospitals near the various stops of the Hajj to treat pilgrims who need it.

In 2015, more than 2,000 pilgrims died in Mina when crowds converged down a narrow street, causing a crush of people and stampede. The incident drew criticism over the kingdom’s management of the crowds, which were supposed to be directed down one-way roads to avoid this from happening.

The meaning of Hajj

Muslims who are physically and financially capable are required to perform the Hajj once in a lifetime. Many save up a lifetime to perform the Hajj while others rely on donations and charity to make the journey.

With flights, buses, accommodation and visas through authorized Hajj operators, the cost can vary around $1,000 per pilgrim to tens of thousands for those who can afford the upscale hotels overlooking the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Muslims believe the Hajj offers a chance to wipe away past sins by surrendering to God for mercy and strength.

The Hajj coincides with several days of Eid al-Adha celebrations, in which Muslims around the world commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith. On the first day of the Eid, Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute its meat to those who cannot afford to buy and eat it.

Most pilgrims will spend a minimum of two weeks in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and many will also travel to the Saudi city of Medina before departing the kingdom to visit what is known as the prophet’s mosque, where Prophet Muhammad is buried. (NPR)

Pope Francis Joins With Imam In Making Calls For Peace Before UN Security Council Vote

(AP) — Pope Francis and a leading Sunni imam made calls for peace as the U.N. Security Council met Wednesday to discuss the importance of “human fraternity” and condemn the hatreds that kindle conflicts.

The pope, who is in hospital recovering from abdominal surgery, sent a statement saying that a third world war is being fought “piecemeal” and with the potentially catastrophic effects of nuclear weapons “the time has come to say an emphatic ‘no’ to war.”

Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, the 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni learning in Cairo, said in a virtual briefing that human fraternity was the key to global peace, a point he and the pope had made in a joint document released in 2019.

The United Arab Emirates chose the importance of human fraternity in bringing peace as a centerpiece of its presidency of the council this month. After the appeals by the pope and grand imam and council speeches, members adopted a resolution recognizing that hate speech, racism, xenophobia, intolerance, gender discrimination and acts of extremism “can contribute to driving the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict.”

The resolution, co-sponsored by the UAE and the United Kingdom, urges all countries and organizations to condemn these acts and work to prevent them. It was adopted unanimously even though some of the council’s 15 members have been accused of some of the same actions they are condemning.

UAE Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh told The Associated Press after the vote that it was a “landmark” resolution that for the first time brings together previous council resolutions addressing hate speech, racism, incitement and extremism in different ways. She said it promotes tolerance, equality, coexistence and dialogue.

Pope Francis lamented that the world is going backward from the dream when the United Nations was founded in 1945 on the ashes of two world wars that countries would move toward a more stable peace and “become at last a family of nations.”

Instead, he said, the world is seeing “the rise of myopic, extremist, resentful and aggressive nationalisms that have kindled conflicts which are not only anachronistic and outdated but even more violent.”

The pope warned of the dangers of the arms race, which he said was driven by a desire for profits from arms sales.

“It takes more courage to renounce easy profits for the sake of keeping peace than to sell ever more sophisticated and powerful weapons,” he said.

And he said the potential of a nuclear catastrophe means it’s time to seek lasting peace — not built on ”the precarious balance of deterrence” but on “the fraternity that unites us.”

Francis has gone further than any pope before him by saying that not only the use but the mere possession of atomic weapons is immoral.

Prior to that, the Catholic Church had held for three decades that nuclear deterrence could be morally acceptable as long as it was used toward mutual, verifiable nuclear disarmament. The Holy See, however, has seen that the deterrence doctrine has essentially resulted in a nuclear status quo, with arms control treaties collapsing, leading to Francis’ change in church teaching.

Al-Tayeb said his intention in speaking to the council was to urge an end to senseless wars. He cited Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Yemen, and the need for the council to recognize an independent Palestinian state after 75 years.

Without naming either Russia or Ukraine, he said the war unfolding on the eastern borders of Europe has instilled terror and “concern that it may regress humanity to a primitive era.”

The grand Imam said the mission pursued by Al-Azhar and the Roman Catholic Church in the 2019 document on human fraternity for world peace must be pursued by political leaders.

“Our gathering today is not a luxury but a necessity, dictated by concern for the future of humanity,” Al-Tayeb said.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the declaration by the pope and the grand imam “a model for compassion and human solidarity” and urged countries and people everywhere “to stand together as one human family” and forge “an alliance of peace, rooted in the values of human fraternity.”

Rising Muslim Population and Mosque Growth in Japan Creates Tension

Japan’s religious landscape is undergoing a significant transformation due to the increasing number of mosques that have emerged in the country over the past two decades. The change can primarily be attributed to the rising number of immigrants coming from Islamic states. The number of Muslims in Japan has increased tenfold in less than one generation, with current estimates of over 200,000. Mosques that were once rare sights in Japan are now commonplace, with 113 mosques recorded in the country as of March 2021, up from only 15 in 1999.

However, this trend presents challenges and friction in the Japanese society. While it reflects a more inclusive society, it also highlights the need for tolerance and acceptance of different beliefs. A recent incident involving a man from Gambia who vandalized a Japanese shrine and confronted a woman mid-prayer has sparked concerns among Japanese social media users. “Maintaining unwavering beliefs can sometimes blind us to our surroundings and lead to inflexible thinking. It can make us resistant to accepting other perspectives, leading to friction. Islam serves as a prominent illustration of this phenomenon,” said one comment.

Another social media user remarked that “those who attack the beliefs of others cannot share our values, so we cannot live together. The existence of such a dangerous Muslim person endangers also the living environment of all Muslims.” This statement exemplifies the fear that some Japanese citizens feel towards Muslims due to the actions of a few. It also highlights the need for more education and understanding of different beliefs to promote peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.

Islam and Shinto are two distinct religious traditions with unique beliefs and practices. While both religions offer guidance and spiritual meaning to their followers, they differ significantly in their origins and core beliefs. Islam originated in the 7th century as a monotheistic religion centered on the belief in one God, Allah, and the teachings of the Quran, considered the holy book of Islam.

In contrast, Shinto is the indigenous religion of Japan, with roots that trace back to ancient times. It developed organically from Japanese folklore, rituals, and animistic beliefs. Shinto does not have a specific founder or a single authoritative scripture but is characterized by reverence for kami, the divine spirits or forces present in nature and various aspects of life. Shinto emphasizes purity, gratitude, and living in harmony with the natural world.

One notable aspect of Shinto is its inclination to embrace other religions. Shinto considers itself a religion encompassing eight million gods and often coexists with Buddhism. This inclusiveness is exemplified by the presence of the iconic torii inside many Buddhist temples. However, the concept of polytheism in Shinto is incompatible with the monotheistic nature of Islam. Islamic teachings emphasize the oneness of God and strictly prohibit the worship of any other entities, leading to potential clashes of faiths and divergent theological perspectives that make peaceful coexistence between the two religions challenging.

The rise of Islam in Japan also highlights the need for Muslims to adhere to the cultural norms and traditions of the country they reside in. The incident of the Gambia man vandalizing the Shinto shrine and confronting a woman in mid-prayer showcases the need for education and understanding of different beliefs. Respect for others’ beliefs and practices is crucial in a diverse society, and any behavior that endangers the peace and harmony of the community must be dealt with accordingly.

In conclusion, the emergence of Islam in Japan reflects a more inclusive society but also presents challenges and friction. A peaceful coexistence between different religions necessitates understanding, education, and respect for others’ beliefs and traditions. While the rise of Islam in Japan highlights the need for tolerance, it also emphasizes the importance of cultural norms and traditions to maintain peace and harmony in a diverse society.

Asia Society Museum Presents Buddha, Sage of the Shakya Clan

Asia Society Museum presents a selection of 15 masterworks from the Asia Society’s renowned Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, depicting the “Eight Great Events” from the life of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha.

Works in the exhibition date from the second to eighteenth centuries and represent some of the finest examples of Buddhist art, drawn from the Asia Society’s Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection.

Buddhism, founded in India the late sixth century B.C.E., has assumed many different forms but generally draws from the life experiences of the Buddha, his teachings, and the “spirit” or “essence” of his teachings, (dharma), as models for religious life.

While the actual life events of the Buddha are not well documented, there are several legendary stories about significant moments in his life, which became codified in a visual language by around 100 AD. This exhibition is anchored by an illuminated manuscript from the great Indian Buddhist monastic learning center, Nalanda, depicting the “Eight Great Events” around which these legendary stories are centered, including:

  • The Buddha’s princely birth as the son of King Suddhodana and Queen Maya of the Shakya warrior clan
  • His defeat over the demon Mara and attainment of enlightenment
  • The first turning of the wheel of dharma at Sarnath, representing the teaching of the Four Noble Truths
  • Performing of miracles at Sravasti
  • Descending from the heaven of thirty-three gods (Trayastrimsha Heaven) after preaching to the gods and his mother
  • Taming the wild elephant Nagiri
  • Receiving the loyal monkey’s gift of honey leading to the its rebirth as an enlightened being
  • His death and attainment of parinirvana

The scenes illustrated in the exhibition began to appear by the second century in Mathura, in modern-day Uttar Pradesh, India, and within the Buddhist centers of the Gandharan Kingdom, areas in modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Several of the works in the exhibition just returned from a multivenue tour to New Orleans, LA; Jacksonville, FL; Chapel Hill, NC; Fort Worth, TX, and A Coruña, Spain, as part of the enthusiastically received exhibition Buddha and Shiva, Lotus and Dragon.

The exhibition is curated by Laura Weinstein, John H. Foster Associate Curator, Pre-Modern Art, Asia Society.

Buddha, Sage of the Shakya Clan is on view at Asia Society Museum in New York from June 13–August 27, 2023. Find out more and plan your visit at AsiaSociety.org/NY

Goddess Traditions and Mother Figures in Religions Around the World

As Mother’s Day approaches, numerous organizations will host special events or services to commemorate the occasion. Mother’s Day was first established in 1908 at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in West Virginia and gained national recognition in the United States in 1914. The holiday’s mid-May timing has become popular worldwide, although various countries continue to observe their own dates and customs.

Picture : RNS

Religions across the globe utilize these occasions to acknowledge the significance of diverse forms of nurturing, ranging from traditional celebrations to events that recognize modern parenting, fertility challenges, or the grief of losing a child. However, motherhood and nurturing are not solely honored on specific days. Many religious traditions incorporate goddess-centered practices that regard multiple aspects of the divine feminine as central to their belief systems.

As a professor of religious studies who travels with students to explore different cultures and practices worldwide, I’ve frequently observed their fascination with the diverse goddess traditions we come across.

Asian Traditions

Guan Yin, known by several name variations, is venerated as the goddess of compassion and mercy in numerous Eastern traditions. Interestingly, she originated as a male bodhisattva named Avalokiteshvara before being adapted into a goddess figure in various cultures worldwide. Referred to as Kannon in Japan and Quan Am in Vietnam, she is often the center of temple worship and is considered the protector of sailors and a goddess of fertility.

In Hinduism, one of the most famous yet frequently misunderstood goddesses is Kali. Often perceived as a frightening figure, she is depicted wielding multiple weapons and adorned with garments made from severed heads and arms. However, Kali also embodies a vital motherly role, channeling her fierceness into nurturing and defending all creation. As a manifestation of Shakti’s primal force, Kali essentially encompasses all facets of motherhood, often displaying simultaneous care, love, and ferocity.

The Triple Goddess

Picture : Teen Vogue

Neopaganism, a collective term for various new religious movements prevalent in the United States, Australia, and Europe, often features goddess figures as central figures. Neopaganism’s multiple branches include Wicca and Hellenic reconstructionism, which focuses on the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece.

The triple goddess, representing the three aspects of maiden, mother, and crone, holds significant importance for many Neopagans. Sometimes, these goddess figures are based on specific ancient deities like Persephone, Demeter, and Hekate, while other times they are worshiped more broadly as symbols of different life stages.

In recent years, these traditions have been deliberately evolving to challenge notions of gender essentialism and embrace a variety of identities. For some Neopagans, examining the meanings of femininity and masculinity in today’s society is a crucial aspect of their religious beliefs and a way to include individuals who have felt excluded from other religious communities.

Goddess-The Beyond

Numerous other religions hold mother figures in high esteem, even if they are not worshiped or regarded as goddesses. Khadija, Prophet Muhammad’s wife and the first convert to Islam, bears the title “Mother of the Believers,” reflecting her significance in shaping the religion. Devotion to Mary, Jesus’ mother, has been widespread throughout Christianity’s history and continues to be popular today. In Judaism, the concept of “Shekinah” has had a profound impact on some feminist thought. Instead of representing a single woman or female figure, Shekinah is viewed as the feminine aspect of the divine, embodying God’s wisdom on Earth.

Nurturing and compassion are central themes across various religions, whether represented by specific goddess figures, feminine archetypes, or new religious developments that embrace evolving notions of gender.

Pope Francis Meets with Zelensky, Prays for Peace and Stresses Aid for Innocent Victims

Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have discussed the humanitarian and political situation in Ukraine caused by the ongoing war, according to a statement from the Holy See. During a 40-minute meeting, they discussed the need to continue humanitarian efforts to support the population affected by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine launched by Russia last year. The Pope emphasised the urgent need to help “the most fragile people, innocent victims” of the conflict. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated support for a united Ukraine during a meeting with President Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader had talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella before the working lunch with Meloni. Over 1,000 police were deployed, and a no-fly zone was implemented over Rome.

The Pope has assured President Zelensky of his constant prayers and continuous invocation to the Lord for peace since last February when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion. Pope Francis has previously stated that the Vatican was ready to act as a mediator in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and is working on a peace plan to end the war. Ukraine’s relationship with the Vatican has been uneasy at times. A few months after the war in Ukraine began, the Pope commented in an interview that Moscow’s invasion was “perhaps somehow provoked”.

Earlier on Saturday, President Zelensky met with Ms Meloni and invited “all the Italian political leaders and representatives of civil society” to visit Ukraine to see first-hand the effects of the war. Ukraine’s ambassador to the Vatican criticised the Pope last August after he referred to Darya Dugina, the daughter of a Russian ultra-nationalist figure killed by a car bomb, as an “innocent” victim of the conflict. Meanwhile, Germany unveiled its largest military aid package for Ukraine yet, worth €2.7bn (£2.4bn).

The Ukrainian President’s visit came as Russia carried out a new wave of air strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight, with more than 20 people injured in the western city of Khmelnytsky. Critical infrastructure, homes, and government buildings were also hit. Explosions were reported in the Russian-occupied city of Luhansk, about 56 miles behind the front line in eastern Ukraine. Russian-backed separatist forces in the region accused Kyiv of using Storm Shadow missiles, which the UK said it had supplied Ukraine with earlier last week. There were also reports of blasts in Luhansk on Saturday.

Despite Italy’s historic strong ties with Moscow, Meloni stressed that the war would only end when Russia stops its “brutal and unjust aggression” and withdraws from all Ukrainian territory. She also pledged Italy’s support for Ukraine for “as long as necessary”. The German government’s record aid package for Ukraine indicates that Russia is “bound to lose and sit on the bench of historical shame”, according to Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to President Zelensky. It was reported earlier this week that President Zelensky is planning to visit Germany following his trip to Italy, although it is yet to be confirmed.

In other news, a helicopter crashed in Russia’s Bryansk region on the border with Ukraine, injuring one woman. Videos circulating on social media appear to show an S-24 warplane crashing in the region on Saturday, although the footage has not been verified.

Pope Francis Gives Women Right To Vote At Synod

The Pope will for the first time allow women to vote at an influential global meeting of bishops in October – a move that has been welcomed as a historic first.

The new rules announced on Wednesday will give five religious sisters voting rights at the synod, which is a papal advisory body.

In the past, women were only allowed to attend the gathering as auditors.

Men will still cast the majority of the votes at the influential gathering.

Nevertheless, the reforms are seen as a significant shift for the Roman Catholic Church, which has been male-dominated for centuries.

The US-based Women’s Ordination Conference, which advocates for women priests, has called the reform “a significant crack in the stained glass ceiling”.

“For years Vatican representatives and bishops resisted, moving the goalpost with every synod as to why women were not allowed to vote,” the group wrote on Twitter. “The unspoken reason was always sexism.”

“In the near future, we hope that the synod continues to develop into a fully representative body of the people of God.”

In a further break with tradition, Pope Francis announced that voting rights would also be extended to 70 hand-picked non-clerical members of the religious community, moving the synod away from being a meeting solely of the Church hierarchy.

The Pope, who has championed reform, has said that he hopes half of these will be women and there has also been an emphasis on including young people.

“It’s an important change, it’s not a revolution,” said Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, a top organizer of the synod.

Christopher Lamb, Vatican correspondent for the Catholic news publication The Tablet, told BBC World Service’s Newshour programme that the changes were “highly significant” and an attempt by the Pope to make decisions about the Church’s future more inclusive.

He added that the reforms concerning women reflected an “unprecedented” dialogue over the issue of female representation that had been happening for some time.

But Mr Lamb predicted the Pope would face “significant resistance” from some parts of the Church over this latest decision.

Adults In US And 16 Nations Say, Belief In God Is Not Always Linked To Morality

(RNS) — Is a belief in God a prerequisite for being a moral person? Most Americans say it is not, and majorities of adults in other countries with advanced economies agree.

Pew Research Center released the findings — that also hold true among most of those affiliated with a religion — from its Global Attitudes Survey on Thursday (April 20).

“Even among people who are religiously affiliated, most do not think it is necessary to believe in God to have good values,” states the new report on questions asked in the spring of 2022. “In most countries surveyed, half or more of people who say they belong to a religion also say it is not necessary to believe in God to be moral.”

“Even among those affiliated with a religion, most say it’s not necessary to believe in God to be moral” Graphic courtesy of Pew Research Center

In the U.S., 56% of the religiously affiliated said morality and good values do not have to be linked with a belief in God. Globally, countries with the highest percentages of religiously affiliated people agreeing with that statement included Sweden (86%) and Australia (75%).

But differences are more striking in some countries whose general populations were surveyed.

While at least 60% of Europeans and North Americans do not say belief in God and morality must be linked, Israelis are more split on that, with 50% agreeing and 47% saying such a belief is essential. About one-fifth of Malaysians say people can be moral without a belief in God, while more than three-quarters disagree with that view.

Based on research in 16 countries beyond the U.S., a median of about two-thirds of adults say people can be moral without a belief in God, a bit higher than the U.S. share.

Across the globe, there are different views depending on religious and political affiliation.

In the U.S., about 9 in 10 who say religion is not at all important or not too important to them believe morality and belief in God do not need to be linked, but just half of those who think it is somewhat or very important to them agree.

“Most Americans say it’s not necessary to believe in God to be moral, but views differ by religion” Graphic courtesy of Pew Research Center

Black Protestants (39%) and white evangelicals (42%) were least likely among Americans to say it’s not essential to believe in God to be moral, while the religiously unaffiliated (88%) were the group most in agreement with that stance.

Democrats and those who lean Democratic are more likely than their Republican counterparts to say it is not essential to believe in God to be moral (71% compared with 59%). Americans younger than 50 and older adults reflect a similar difference in response.

“In nearly every country where political ideology is measured, people who place themselves on the political left are more likely than those on the political right to say that belief in God is not necessary to have good values,” the report states.

“In addition, younger adults in about half of the countries surveyed are significantly more likely than older respondents to say that a belief in God is not connected with morality.”

More than 4 in 5 Greek adults younger than 30, for instance, unlink morality from a belief in God, in contrast with half of Greek adults who are 50 and older (84% compared with 51%). Substantial age differences also occur in Canada, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

Although the new report focused on countries with advanced economies, 2019 Pew research found that, among 34 nations, including some with developing or emerging economies, higher shares of people in nations with lower gross domestic products said believing in God was crucial for morality.

The new report’s findings were based on a survey of 3,581 U.S. adults from March 21-27, 2022, who took part in an online survey panel, with an overall margin of error of plus or minus 2.3 percentage points. Outside the U.S., the report relied on nationally representative surveys of an overall total of 18,782 adults from Feb. 14-June 3, 2022. In some countries the surveys were completed by phone and in others by face-to-face interviews or an online panel. The margin of error ranged from plus or minus 2.8 percentage points in Australia to plus or minus 4.5 percentage points in Hungary.

“Monster On The Loose,” NASA’s Hubble Spots Black Hole Weighing As Much As 20 Million Suns

“Nothing like it has ever been seen before, but it was captured accidentally by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope,” NASA said.

American space agency NASA has warned that there is an “invisible monster on the loose”, in the form of a “runaway” black hole. According to a press release, the supermassive black hole is barrelling through the universe so quickly that if it were in our solar system, it could travel from Earth to the moon in just 14 minutes. It weighs as much as 12 million Suns and has left a never-before-seen trail of stars, measuring 200,000 light years, which is twice the diameter of the Milky Way.

“There’s an invisible monster on the loose, barreling through intergalactic space so fast that if it were in our solar system, it could travel from Earth to the Moon in 14 minutes,” NASA said in its press note.

“This supermassive black hole, weighing as much as 20 million Suns, has left behind a never-before-seen 200,000-light-year-long “contrail” of newborn stars, twice the diameter of our Milky Way galaxy. It’s likely the result of a rare, bizarre game of galactic billiards among three massive black holes,” the space agency added.

Picture : NDTV

NASA explained that the black hole is pushing into gas in front of it to create the new star formation in a narrow corridor rather than eating up the stars ahead of it. It is assumed that the trail created a lot of new stars since it is almost half as bright as its host galaxy. “Nothing like it has ever been seen before, but it was captured accidentally by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope,” the space agency said.

The “invisible monster” is located at the end of the column of its parent galaxy, with a “remarkably bright knot” of ionised oxygen at the outermost tip. NASA scientists believe that either gas is being shocked and heated from the motion of the black hole or an accretion disk around the black hole is causing radiation.

“Gas in front of it gets shocked because of this supersonic, very high-velocity impact of the black hole moving through the gas. How it works exactly is not really known,” said Pieter van Dokkum of Yale University, as per the press note. “This is pure serendipity that we stumbled across it,” he added.

Mr Dokkum said that he was actually looking for globular star clusters in a nearby dwarf galaxy when he spotted the black hole. He described the trail of stars as “quite astonishing, very, very bright and very unusual”.

In order to figure out exactly what this bizarre image they were seeing was, Mr Dokkum and his team did a follow-up spectroscopy with the W. M. Keck Observatories in Hawaii, where they ultimately concluded they were seeing the aftermath of a black hole speeding through the galaxy.

According to NASA astronomers, the black hole was set free after two galaxies merged about 50 million years ago – which brought together two supermassive black holes at their centres. Then a third galaxy came with its one supermassive black hole, and three combined to form a “chaotic and unstable configuration”.

Researchers believe one of the black holes gained momentum from the other two and escaped out of its host galaxy, while the other two took off in the opposite direction.

Post a comment Now, scientists said that the next step is to confirm the explanation behind the black hole using the James Webb Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory for follow-up observations.

Christianity In America Will Continue To Live Long

Since the 1990s, large numbers of Americans have left Christianity to join the growing ranks of U.S. adults who describe their religious identity as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular.” This accelerating trend is reshaping the U.S. religious landscape, leading many people to wonder what the future of religion in America might look like.

For years, church leaders and commentators have warned that Christianity is dying in America. They say the American church is poised to follow the path of churches in Western Europe: soaring Gothic cathedrals with empty pews, shuttered church buildings converted into skate parts and nightclubs, and a secularized society where one theologian said Christianity as a norm is “probably gone for good — or at least for the next 100 years.”

About 64% of Americans call themselves Christian today. That might sound like a lot, but 50 years ago that number was 90%, according to a 2020 Pew Research Center study. That same survey said the Christian majority in the US may disappear by 2070.

People who are religiously unaffiliated, sometimes called religious “nones,” accounted for 30% of the U.S. population. Adherents of all other religions – including Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists – totaled about 6%.

Picture : Wikipedia

Depending on whether religious switching continues at recent rates, speeds up or stops entirely, the projections show Christians of all ages shrinking from 64% to between a little more than half (54%) and just above one-third (35%) of all Americans by 2070. Over that same period, “nones” would rise from the current 30% to somewhere between 34% and 52% of the U.S. population.

As millions of Americans celebrated the holiest day in the Christian calendar on Sunday, a prediction about the future of Christianity in the US has come as a pleasant surprise.  CNN asked some of the nation’s top religion scholars and historians recently about the future of Christianity in the US, they had a different message.

They said the American church is poised to find new life for one major reason: Waves of Christians are migrating to the US. And they said the biggest challenge to Christianity’s future in America is not declining numbers, but the church’s ability to adapt to this migration.

Joseph P. Slaughter, a historian and assistant professor of religion at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, says people have been predicting the extinction of Christianity in the US for over two centuries, and it hasn’t happened yet.

He pointed to Thomas Jefferson, one of the nation’s founding fathers, who predicted in the 1820s that Christianity would be replaced in the US by a more enlightened form of religion that rejected Jesus’ divinity and belief in miracles.

Instead, Jefferson’s prophecy was followed by a series of revivals, including the Second Great Awakening, which swept across America and reasserted Christianity as a dominant force in American life.  “I’d never bet against American Christianity — particularly evangelicalism,” Slaughter says, “and its ability to adapt and remain a significant shaper of the American society.”

What’s happening in Europe is the church’s nightmare scenario

If one only looks at the numbers, Slaughter’s optimism seems misguided. Virtually every recent poll about Christianity in America has been brutal for its followers. The Covid-19 pandemic also hurt the church in America. Church attendance has rebounded recently but remains slightly below pre-pandemic levels. A 2021 Gallup poll revealed another grim number for Christians: church membership in the US has fallen below 50% for the first time.

In addition, a cascade of headlines in recent years have stained the church’s reputation, including sex abuse scandals in the Roman Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention; the spread of White Christian nationalism; and the perception that the church oppresses marginalized groups such as LGBTQ people.

Church leaders in the US also have fretted about the rise of “nones.” These are people who describe themselves as atheists, agnostics or “nothing in particular” when asked their religious identity.

The ascent of nones will transform the country’s religious and political landscape, says Tina Wray, a professor of religious and theological studies at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. About 30% of Americans now call themselves nones.

“The interest of the nones will soon outweigh those of the religious right in just a matter of years,” Wray says. “Nones are going to vote as a bloc and they’re going to be pretty powerful. White evangelicals will eventually be eclipsed by the unaffiliated.”

Wray says those who are optimistic about the future of the American church underestimate how quickly Christianity can lose its influence even in a place where it once thrived. She cites what’s happened in the Republic of Ireland, an overwhelmingly Catholic country.

The Catholic Church prohibits divorce and was once so powerful in Ireland that the country wouldn’t legally grant its citizens the legal right to a divorce until 1995, says Wray, author of “What the Bible Really Tells Us: The Essential Guide to Biblical Literacy.” But Wray adds that she recently traveled to Ireland and discovered many of its citizens have left the religion. Churches are being closed and turned into apartment buildings, she says.

“People who went to mass everyday stopped going,” she says. “There’s this cultural Catholic identity, but as far as practicing their faith, it’s just disappearing. So within a generation, that’s all it took. It’s just shocking.”

Why the American church’s future may be different than Europe’s

Most of the religious scholars CNN spoke to said the American church may find salvation in another demographic trend: the booming of Christianity in what is called the “Global South,” the regions encompassing Latin America, Africa and Asia.

The world’s largest megachurch, for example, is not in the US. It’s in South Korea. The Yoido Full Gospel Church has a weekly attendance of about 600,000 members.

Perry Hamalis spent time as a Fulbright Scholar in South Korea, where he personally witnessed the vitality of the Christian church in the Global South.  He says the church is not perceived in South Korea as an instrument of oppression, but one of liberation. When South Korea was colonized by the Japanese in the early 20th century, the church aligned with Koreans to protest.

“Christianity was looked at not as a religion of empire and of the colonizers, but as the religion of the anti-colonial movement and of pro-democracy,” says Hamalis, a religion professor at North Central College in Illinois.

The US has more immigrants than any other country. People from Latin America and Asia now make up the overwhelming majority of immigrants to the US, and many are bringing their religious fervor with them.

This migration is known as the “Browning of America,” a phrase describing a demographic shift that is expected to make White people the minority in the US by 2045.  Those who predict that the church in America will collapse often overlook how the migration of Global South Christians to America will revitalize the country’s religious landscape, scholars say. Christianity could rebound in America if White Christians embrace this one change, they say.

Tish Harrison Warren, a New York Times columnist, pointed out recently that Latino evangelicals are now the fastest-growing group of evangelicals in the US.  “We cannot assume that America will become more secular so long as the future of America is less white,” Warren wrote.

The influx of Black and brown Christians from places like Latin America and Asia collides with another trend: a burgeoning White Christian nationalist movement that insists, incorrectly, that the US was founded as a White, Christian nation. It is hostile to non-White immigrants.

Some churches may discover that Jesus’ command to welcome the stranger collides with their definition of patriotism, Hamalis says.

“Many congregations don’t realize how much of their Christian identity is wrapped up with a kind of (Christian) nationalist narrative,” Hamalis says. “There’s nothing wrong with loving one’s country, but from a Christian perspective that ought to always be secondary to the mission of building the body of Christ and witnessing to the Gospel in the world.”

How Christianity could re-establish its dominance

There are other factors hiding in plain sight that point to the continued vitality of Christianity, others say.  For one, declining church membership doesn’t automatically translate into declining influence.

Consider some recent landmark events. White evangelicals played a critical role in getting former President Trump elected. Conservative Christian groups played a crucial role in the recent passage of state laws limiting LGBTQ rights. And the Supreme Court’s decision last year to overturn Roe vs. Wade was a massive victory for many conservative Christians.

And atheism remains a taboo in American politics. American voters still prefer candidates – including presidents Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden – who profess or evoke Christian beliefs.  “Christianity still holds a lot of capital in this country,” says Lee M. Jefferson, an associate professor of religion at Centre College in Kentucky.

“There has always been a popular notion that a religious community’s strength or influence is connected to numbers and attendance,” Jefferson says. “Even if there is ample space in cathedrals, Christianity will still hold some strong relevance in different landscapes in the US.”

Even the rise of the “nones,” the growing number of Americans who say they don’t care about religion, is not as much of a threat to the church as initial reports suggest, scholars say.

A growing number of Americans may no longer identify as Christian, but many still care about spirituality, says Hans Gustafson, author of “Everyday Wisdom: Interreligious Studies for a Pluralistic World.”

“Just because more Americans are disaffiliating with institutionalized religion — most notably Christian traditions — this does not always mean that people are becoming less religious,” says Gustafson, director of the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.

“Many still practice spirituality: prayer, meditation… and sometimes even regularly attend religious houses of worship,” he says.  Among Americans with no religious affiliation, some still pray daily and say religion is very important in their lives, Gustafson says.

He cites a surprising finding from a 2018 Pew Research Center study of religion in Western Europe. The study found that nones in the US are “much more likely” to pray and believe in God than their European counterparts, said Neha Sahgal, a vice president of research at Pew.

“In fact, by some of these standard measures of religious commitment, American ‘nones’ are as religious as — or even more religious than — Christians in several European countries, including France, Germany and the UK,” Sahgal wrote.

Why the Easter message offers a note of hope

Despite the optimism of many religious scholars, the future of Christianity in America still seems uncertain. Poll numbers about the decline of religiousness in the US cannot be ignored, along with something more intangible: the frailties of human nature.

What if the US enters another xenophobic period and limits migration from non-White Christians?

What if progressive Christians prove unwilling to align with non-White immigrants who tend to be more conservative on issues of sexuality and gender?

And what if some Christians still cling to the belief that America is supposed to be a White Christian nation, even if that assumption causes them to close their church doors to non-White immigrants who could be their salvation?

If that happens, an Easter morning symbol in American churches won’t just be an empty tomb, but empty pews.

But Hamalis, the religion professor who saw Christianity boom in South Korea, says Christians who fear that kind of future can take solace in the Easter message.

“From a Christian perspective, there’s nothing to fear because even death has been conquered,” Hamalis says. “When we are liberated from that fear, we can embrace the person who’s different from us, who speaks a different language or comes from a different culture. We can put ourselves out there in a way that we can’t if we’re just afraid.”

He and other scholars envision a vibrant future for Christianity in the US that’s shared by Warren, the New York Times columnist:

“The future of American Christianity is neither white evangelicalism nor white progressivism,” Warren wrote. “The future of American Christianity now appears to be a multiethnic community that is largely led by immigrants of the children of immigrants.”

If the American church can embrace this future and reverse its shrinking membership, it will have experienced its own resurrection. (Courtesy: CNN)

Muslims, Jews & Christians Mark Ramadan, Passover And Easter This Week

Three major religious holidays coincide this week. As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan reaches its halfway point, Jews begin celebrating Passover at sundown tonight, and Sunday marks Easter for many Christians around the world.

In the U.S., most Muslims (80%) mark Ramadan by fasting, most Jews (62%) attend a Seder at the beginning of Passover, and most Christians (62%) say they normally attend Easter services (although attendance has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic), according to various Pew Research Center surveys in recent years.

A religious knowledge survey conducted in 2019 also found that most U.S. adults overall know that Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus (81%) and that Ramadan is an Islamic holy month (60%).

Picture : Christianity Today

On Friday, Jewish people celebrate Passover to mark the exodus of Israelites from enslavement in Egypt. On the same day, Christians observe Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus before celebrating Easter Sunday when he rose from the dead. Over the weekend, Muslims will continue observing Ramadan, a month of prayers and fasting to memorialize the transmission of the Koran.

The overlap of the three observances occurs about every 33 years, according to Lees McCrae College. Religious groups and others use the rare occasion to call for harmony between the traditions.

The coincidence is so uncommon because the three observances are based on different calendars and factors that determine when the holidays occur. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus, God’s messiah, under the Roman governor of Judea to atone for humanity’s sins.

Passover occurs in the middle of Nisan, a month in the Hebrew calendar, on the first full moon, putting it in proximity to Easter. The holiday begins at sundown and includes seder, a special meal meant to remind Jewish people of the hardship they endured in Egypt.

Ramadan is Islam’s holiest month using the lunar calendar. Because the calendar follows the cycles of the moon, unlike the Gregorian calendar commonly used in the West, Ramadan falls on different times each year.

During Ramadan, Muslims believe God revealed the sacred text of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, the first verses of which were passed down on “The Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr in Arabic). Muslims abstain from food or drink from dawn to sunset for the entire month and are encouraged to contemplate their relationship with God.

April Is Sikh Heritage Month In Canada

With roots dating back to the 1800s, April is Sikh Heritage Month — a time to celebrate and honour the rich history and culture of Canada’s Sikh community.

“With 800,000 Sikhs calling Canada home, we have the largest Sikh diaspora, with roots of the first Sikh in Canada dating back to the 1800s,” said Punjab-origin Member of Parliament (MP) from Brampton West, Kamal Khera.

At 26, Khera was the youngest to have won in the elections in Canada in 2015. She represents Canada’s ruling Liberal party.

“As a Sikh, I am proud of the contributions and achievements of our community!” she tweeted.

In one of her visits to Punjab, she said: “My counterpart in India is always with heavy security, I move freely.”

Proud of vibrant Sikh community, Sonia Sidhu, MP from Brampton South, tweeted, “April 1 marks the beginning of Sikh Heritage Month in Canada and as Canadians, we are proud of our country’s strong and vibrant Sikh community.”

“This month, let’s continue to learn about Sikh Heritage in Canada.”

Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, said this year “we celebrate 10 years of Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario”.

Among many of the events listed, he said he would also be hosting a special event to award Gurbax Singh Malhi the key to the Brampton city on April 18.

Picture : Daily Hire

As a mark of respect for Canada making it the second largest Sikh population in the world, the Mississauga Civic Centre clock tower was lighted with orange, part of the city’s Community Recognition Programme.

Learning the faith of the Sikhs, another MP Francesco Sorbara said, “During this month we recognise the contributions to our country by the more than 800,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage, learn about their faith and rich history.”

Randeep Sarai, Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre, said, “This month, I encourage you all to take this opportunity to learn more about the Sikh faith!”

India-origin Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand, said Sikh Heritage Month “is a time to recognise the many contributions of the Sikh community across Canada. Today, I joined members of the Oakville and Halton Sikh community at the flag raising at Oakville Town Hall”.

“This is an opportunity for Ontarians to come together to learn more about the Sikh faith and celebrate the many ways Sikh Ontarians help build a stronger and better Ontario,” said Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michael Ford.

MP for Vancouver South, Harjit Sajjan, said, “Learn about how the Sikh values of equality and ‘seva’ (selfless service) are reflected in what we as Canadians strive toward.”

Another Punjab-origin Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough, added, “On behalf of our British Columbia New Democratic Party government, our caucus and colleagues at your opening gala for Sikh Heritage Month. I know there are many events planned throughout the month.”

According to Sikh Heritage British Columbia, its philosophy is providing a space where the Sikh community can connect with each other and with neighbouring communities to help each other prosper, learn and grow.

Its promise is, “Create a space where Sikhs and non-Sikhs can come together to create connections and relationships for prosperity.” (IANS)

Christ Continues To Be Crucified In Today’s World

(RNS) — During Holy Week, we are called to keep our eyes on Jesus as he follows the path that leads him to the Golgotha and death on the cross. When I was growing up in the 1950s, preachers used to emphasize that Christ was dying for our sins. Our sins — any sins — were so offensive that it took the suffering and death of Jesus to balance the scales, to atone for our sins.

This theology led to feelings of guilt and sorrow for our offenses. More importantly, it led to a great appreciation and love for Jesus who was willing to die for us.

The danger with this approach, if oversimplified, was that it could make God the Father look very vindictive. He would not forgive us unless his son suffered and died for us. This does not sound like the father Jesus described in the parable of the prodigal son.

Picture : RNS

Jesus never presents his father as a vindictive judge who can only be satisfied by the suffering and death of his son. Rather, Jesus tells us that his father is loving, compassionate and forgiving. Jesus tells us that his father does not want vengeance but only that we respond to his love by loving one another as brothers and sisters. Jesus saves us by incarnating the faithfulness of God to us, even to death on a cross.

A more nuanced theology, therefore, sees the suffering and death of Jesus not as paying for our sins, but as a consequence of his commitment to the mission that the Father gave him — a mission of preaching love and justice in the world. Jesus died trying to make the world a better place. Too many people, especially religious and political leaders, rejected his message and saw it as a threat to their place in the world. Roman authorities and their Jewish collaborators united to get rid of the threat to their positions.

If we see the life of Jesus in this light, then we can see that Holy Week is not just a single week in the year. Rather, it is the daily life of millions of people around the world who suffer because their consciences tell them to live and work in ways that political and religious authorities find objectionable. They, like Jesus, suffer and die because of their commitments to justice, freedom, peace and love.

We see this in the marked increase in antisemitism in our own country and around the world. Antisemitism is one of the greatest of Christian heresies and sins because it includes a hatred of  the Jew Jesus and his closest relatives.

We also see it in the attacks on Christians, other believers and those of no faith who are persecuted for what they believe or don’t believe. Christians in China and India, Muslims in India and Myanmar, religious dissenters in Iran and Saudi Arabia, and people of conscience in far too many countries are suffering for their faith.

But it is not only believers who suffer for following their consciences and taking on a mission of justice. Thousands of journalists are harassed, persecuted, arrested and killed because they speak out with a prophetic voice against injustice, corruption and tyranny. Like Jesus, they are attacked for what they say. They are attacked because they defend the poor and oppressed against unjust rulers and systems.

Holy Week reminds us how soldiers arrested and tortured Jesus. Too often those who are supposed to protect the peace are used as instruments of oppression. The innocent are arrested, police violence is condoned and the powerful are protected.

During Holy Week we remember how Jesus ate a final meal with his friends. They were happy to enjoy his presence when things were going well, but they ran when trouble arrived. Too frequently, we too abandon those who are persecuted, those who are arrested. Rather than focusing on what is going on in the world, like Peter we fall asleep. Holy Week is a time to remember that what Jesus suffered is still going on in our world today.

As Pope Francis said in his Palm Sunday homily, “Christ, in his abandonment, stirs us to seek him and to love him and those who are themselves abandoned. For in them we see not only people in need, but Jesus himself, abandoned.”

By participating in human suffering, Christ made it redemptive, not empty. It leads to life, not death. It does not stay at Good Friday, but moves on to Easter. In baptism, we die with Christ so that we can be raised with him. As members of the body of Christ, our suffering is united with his so that we too will join with him in his victory over death.

Ukraine’s Hare Krishnas Survive War By Zoom And Serving Neighbors

(RNS) — With no time even to wash her clothes as the Russians approached Mariupol a year ago, in southern Ukraine, Kalakeli Devi Dasi fled her native city with only a small suitcase filled with her dirty laundry. She also took with her a letter she was unable to deliver to her mother before Kalakeli and her friends joined a large convoy of cars heading southwest to the city of Berdyansk.

“It was very scary and we did not know what to expect,” said Kalakeli of the escape. “We saw much destruction. I saw burnt and torn bodies. It was a terrible and frightening sight. … We kept chanting the holy names of the Lord the whole way.”

Picture : RNS

Kalakeli is one of an estimated 15,000 Hare Krishnas who call Ukraine home, many of whom have continued their daily practice and serve their neighbors, even as several of their roughly 30 ISKCON temples have been damaged or destroyed and their communities scattered.

The Hare Krishna movement, whose formal name is the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON, has been active in Eastern Europe since 1971, when ISKCON’s founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, traveled to the Soviet Union in the company of Shyamsundar Das, a close friend of Beatle George Harrison.

Prabhupada arrived in New York in 1965 from Calcutta to spread in the West faith in the Hindu deity Lord Krishna. Related to the nearly 500-year-old Krishna consciousness movement in India, ISKCON is a monotheistic tradition within Hinduism whose main spiritual text is the Bhagavad Gita. Its adherents practice vegetarianism and meditation, Bhakti yoga and public chanting of Krishna’s names, and in the U.S. it is best known for its groups of saffron-clad devotees chanting mantras in public spaces or passing out literature on the street.

Having planted the seeds of ISKCON in the U.S., Prabhupada went to the Soviet Union in 1971 to teach the faith. From there, the theology spread underground by word of mouth, despite the Communist Party’s anti-religious agenda, eventually finding its way to Ukraine.

Other Hare Krishnas from abroad followed Prabhupada to continue to nurture the movement in the former Soviet Union. One of them, Niranjana Swami, a convert to ISKCON from Massachusetts, entered the U.S.S.R. under the guise of a tourist in the late 1980s but broke away from his tour at night to lecture in small, packed apartments, teaching as many as 100 people on an evening.

“I felt these people were so sincerely looking for God, because it had been suppressed in their lives for so long by the regime, that I felt the regime actually did much to expand God consciousness,” said Niranjana Swami. “Anything beyond the party line was, to them, seen as a potential message from the divine.”

He was in Russia when the Soviet Union collapsed. “I happened to be in Moscow when Yeltsin was standing on the tanks around the parliament building.”

Now 70 and a governing body commissioner for ISKCON, Niranjana Swami oversees communities in Moldova, Belarus, Lithuania and Ukraine, traveling widely and visiting Ukraine when he can.

When the war broke out in Ukraine in 2022, local devotees turned to Niranjana Swami for support and guidance, and he began lecturing via Zoom. His collection of lectures about the war were recently compiled and published in a book titled, “Krishna Protects His Devotees.”

Niranjana Swami also helped mobilize the worldwide ISKCON community to raise thousands of dollars for those suffering from the effects of the war. Share Your Care, based in Kyiv, aims to help Hare Krishnas and their families relocate from conflict zones, supplement their loss of income and distribute food. Since the war began, an estimated 2 million plates of food have been distributed by ISKCON to Ukrainians in need.

The war has claimed the lives of at least five Hare Krishna devotees, and devastation in Kramatorsk and Bakhmut has cost the local communities its temples. In the face of this violence, deities have been relocated while larger temple rooms have been closed and their basements converted into bomb shelters.

Temple services and programs have resumed in cities in safer locales, while on the streets of Kyiv and other cities west of there, public chanting and book distribution have also resumed.

Much of this activity is overseen by Acyuta Priya, ISKCON’s zonal supervisor for Ukraine. Born to a staunchly Communist family when Ukraine was still a Soviet state, he joined the underground movement in 1980. “Of course I hated the Communist regime, because it wasn’t allowing me to dedicate my life to God,” he said.

The war has ended his normally itinerant existence; he is currently staying in a contact’s basement sauna in Chernivtsi, though he travels to various cities when possible. According to Acyuta Priya, 71 of the nearly 100 Hare Krishna community groups are still operating, serving Hare Krishnas and their neighbors. He said they continue to see new people joining the movement.

“People just come, they want to help and they have this volunteer spirit,” said Acyuta Priya. “I will tell you honestly, I am native Ukrainian, here from my birth, and I have never seen people be so united. It was unexpected for me.”

He attributes the Hare Krishnas’ resilience to their faith. “You have to understand that the Lord controls everything, and we need to see this war as an opportunity to raise up and to grow, and to grow mostly by giving and not just be in survival mode… There is a need to dedicate yourself to a higher cause, and it should be practical, not just theoretical,” said Acyuta Priya.

But some, like Kalakeli, have found homes outside the country. She moved frequently during the early weeks of the invasion, moving from Berdyansk to Zaporizhia, then to Dnipro, before finally leaving Ukraine and finding shelter with a community of fellow devotees in Denmark.

For nearly two months, Kalakeli was unable to contact or locate her mother, sister and nephews back in Mariupol.

“My life became just an existence. Only ‘kirtan’ (devotional singing) dulled my pain for a while,” said Kalakeli. “Totally desperate, I began to have thoughts of going back and looking for my family.”

In April of last year, she was finally able to connect with her family via phone. They had all managed to stay safe back in Mariupol, but their home was destroyed in the war. They recently joined Kalakeli in Copenhagen.

“The war taught us a lot,” said Kalakeli. “The main thing I have learned is that no one can take God away from me. In such difficult situations, there was nothing else we could do but trust in Krishna. Love for God will end all wars.”

Dalai Lama Names US-Born Mongolian Boy As 3rd Highest Leader In Buddhism

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has named an eight-year-old US-born Mongolian boy as the reincarnation of a spiritual leader.

He has been recognised as the reincarnation of the third most important leader in Tibetan Buddhism as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche.

The elderly spiritual leader was pictured with the boy during a ceremony recognising him as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche. The ceremony took place earlier this month in Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama (87) lives in exile.

“We have the reincarnation of Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche of Mongolia with us today,” the Dalai Lama said during the ceremony which was attended by 5,000 monks and nuns, 600 Mongolians and other members.

Picture : Republic World

Pointing to the small boy sitting to his left, the Dalai Lama told the gathering, “We have the reincarnation of Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche of Mongolia with us today. His predecessors had a close association with the Krishnacharya lineage of Chakrasamvara. One of them established a monastery in Mongolia dedicated to its practice. So, his being here today is quite auspicious.”

As the session came to a close on that day, the Dalai Lama met briefly with a significant contingent of Mongolians who are the patrons of this teaching.

“Tantra spread widely in Tibet. With regard to Chakrasamvara, the Ghantapada and Luipa traditions were popular, but this Krishnacharya lineage was quite rare. I received it from Tagdrag Rinpoche and have long felt a close affinity for the practice.

“Chakrasamvara is classified as a mother tantra. It belongs to the highest yoga tantras. While Guhyasamaja emphasises the illusory body, Chakrasamvara focuses on the clear light. However, if you make the illusory body your primary practice, the clear light also arises.

“As I said, I feel a close affinity to the Krishnacharya tradition. I have received the empowerment and undertaken the requisite retreat. This may seem somewhat boastful, but I also feel I have some connection with the great Mahasiddha Krishnacharya.

“This empowerment requires the preliminary practices that we’ll do today. I’ve done the self-generation and visualised myself as Chakrasamvara.”

The crowd dispersed and the view in every direction was filled with the upstanding stems of kusha grass the initiates held in their hands, said a post on the official website of the Dalai Lama. (IANS)

Pope Francis Has Changed Climate Action

It was clear from day one that Pope Francis was going to shake things up in the climate world. On March 13, 2013, the newly elected Pope, then Argentinian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, took the name Francis, after the 13th century saint of Assisi. Upon hearing the voice of Jesus instructing him to repair a collapsing chapel, St. Francis revitalized both the chapel and the Catholic Church while celebrating the natural world. It was like the new pope “heard the same message,” says Father Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam, coordinator of the ecology and creation department at the Vatican’s ministry for promoting integral human development. “It was ‘Francis, Go and repair my house, which is falling into ruin.’ And it’s not just the Church, but planet earth, which, as we know, is in a very bad state.”

The Pope’s reign, now entering its 10th year, carries a mixed legacy—celebrated for his efforts to protect refugees and broaden the Church’s reach, marred by finance scandals and sexual assault cover-up controversies. But from a climate perspective, his efforts to repair the house of planet earth may be his most enduring.

What started as a quasi-mystical nod to St. Francis, patron saint of ecology and animals, quickly morphed into a well-constructed strategy to bring the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics into alignment on climate change. On June 18, 2015, he published Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home , a landmark encyclical, or pastoral letter, to the entire Catholic congregation. The 184-page document lamented environmental degradation and global warming, critiqued consumerism and irresponsible development, and warned of “serious consequences for all of us” if current trends continued. The timing of the encyclical, released six months ahead of the pivotal U.N. climate conference in Paris, was calculated, according to Kureethadam, with a goal of convincing world leaders to set clear targets to limit global warming

“The impact was tremendous,” says Ottmar Edenhofer, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, who served as co-chair of the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in the eight years leading up to the 2015 negotiations. The document paved the way for an influential Vatican presence at the meetings, translating into strong climate commitments from the Polish and Latin American delegations. The Pope’s climate teachings, he says, were “a powerful symbol.”

Six years on, that influence is starting to wane. The controversies over the past 10 years—even if they don’t involve the Pope directly—have taken a toll. “When the Pope was elected, there was an enormous amount of goodwill,” says Edenhofer. “The world was ready for his message. But the Catholic Church is no longer a credible institution.” The Pope has repeatedly called on Catholic institutions worldwide to divest from fossil fuel investments, but not all have heeded his message.

Tomas Insua, the executive director of the Laudato Si’ Movement, a climate advocacy and activism network that sprung up in the wake of the encyclical, agrees that the Church as a whole could do much more in terms of divestment. But that doesn’t mean that the Pope’s climate message has faded. If anything, says Insua, he was the spark that launched a global climate movement that now counts nearly 1,000 Catholic organizations and parishes in 150 countries. “Care for the climate, care for the earth, this is now part of the Church teachings. People around the world are taking up the message and turning it into real action. That is his legacy, and it will endure.” (TIME.COM)

India’s Sinking Holy Town Faces Grim Future

(AP) — Inside a shrine overlooking snow-capped mountains, Hindu priests heaped spoonfuls of puffed rice and ghee into a crackling fire. They closed their eyes and chanted in Sanskrit, hoping their prayers would somehow turn back time and save their holy — and sinking — town.

For months, the roughly 20,000 residents in Joshimath, burrowed in the Himalayas and revered by Hindu and Sikh pilgrims, have watched the earth slowly swallow their community. They pleaded for help that never arrived, and in January their desperate plight made it into the international spotlight.

Picture : AP

But by then, Joshimath was already a disaster zone. Multistoried hotels slumped to one side; cracked roads gaped open. More than 860 homes were uninhabitable, splayed by deep fissures that snaked through ceilings, floors and walls. And instead of saviors they got bulldozers that razed whole lopsided swaths of the town.

The holy town was built on piles of debris left behind by years of landslides and earthquakes. Scientists have warned for decades, including in a 1976 report, that Joshimath could not withstand the level of heavy construction that has recently been taking place.

“Cracks are widening every day and people are in fear. We have been saying for years this is not just a disaster, but a disaster in the making… it’s a time bomb,” said Atul Sati, an activist with the Save Joshimath Committee.

Joshimath’s future is at risk, experts and activists say, due in part to a push backed by the prime minister’s political party to grow religious tourism in Uttarakhand, the holy town’s home state. On top of climate change, extensive new construction to accommodate more tourists and accelerate hydropower projects in the region is exacerbating subsidence — the sinking of land.

Located 1,890 meters (6,200 feet) above sea level, Joshimath is said to have special spiritual powers and believed to be where Hindu guru Adi Shankaracharya found enlightenment in the 8th century before going on to establish four monasteries across India, including one in Joshimath.

Visitors pass through the town on their way to the famous Sikh shrine, Hemkund Sahib, and the Hindu temple, Badrinath.

“It must be protected,” said Brahmachari Mukundanand, a local priest who called Joshimath the “brain of North India” and explained that “Our body can still function if some limbs are cut off. But if anything happens to our brain, we can’t function. … Its survival is extremely important.”

The town’s loose topsoil and soft rocks can only support so much and that limit, according to environmentalist Vimlendu Jha, may have already been breached.

“You can’t just construct anything anywhere just because it is allowed,” he said. “In the short term, you might think it’s development. But in the long term, it is actually devastation.”

At least 240 families have been forced to relocate without knowing if they would be able to return.

Prabha Sati, who fled Joshimath in a panic last month when her home began to crack and tilt, came back to grab the television, idols of Hindu gods and some shoes before state officials demolished her home.

Joshimath town is seen along side snow capped mountains, in India’s Himalayan mountain state of Uttarakhand, Jan. 21, 2023. For months, residents in Joshimath, a holy town burrowed high up in India’s Himalayan mountains, have seen their homes slowly sink. They pleaded for help, but it never arrived. In January however, their town made national headlines. Big, deep cracks had emerged in over 860 homes, making them unlivable. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Pope Francis Meets Swami Vijay Kumar Durai

Pope Francis met privately with international media expert Swami Vijay Kumar Durai at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican last week. During the meeting, the Pope advised Durai not to indulge in fake news and to determine the accuracy and legitimacy of the same.

A charismatic, self motivated and goal driven individual with the potential to positively influence and transform an organisation by employing key analytic and people management skills.

Recognized as an International industry leader in Policy Advocacy, Crisis Management, Reputation Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Sustainability and Marketing Programs. With an entrepreneurial bent of mind, Vijay experience in leading strategic communications, marketing and branding for global companies, Vijay has proficiency in helping clients clearly articulate their value proposition to assist drive and achieve business goals.He has built country’s first Press Conference Portal www.pressconference.co.in / www.pressconference.com.my . The aim is to connect the companies of India , International arena and helping them in organizing Press Conference across the world and making worthwhile for them.

Describing himself as a passionate, workaholic, honest and sincere yet a fervent person, Mr. Vijay embarked his journey in the media relations world as a sub editor and reporter at Central India’s leading English daily Central Chronicle. After polishing his reporting, editing and leadership skills for about a year, he went on to join INC, a division of ICFAI University, Hyderabad as the Media Relations Officer. Showcasing the different dimensions of his prowess in Media and Public Relations, Mr. Vijay added many feathers to his cap. He was nominated for the European Union Media in the year 2005-06 and was selected for the Media Fellowship Programme from FPA India.

A former investigative Journalist, Vijay has an instinctive understanding of how the media tick and what clients really want. His track record covers Education, Automobile, financial services, technology, event marketing and much more besides.

Can America Stop India’s Anti-Christian Crusade In Its Tracks

(Global Christian Relief) — The world’s largest democracy should be protecting the religious rights of all of its people. On Jan. 2, a mob of about 1,000 extremists — men and women, young and old — armed with rocks, wooden sticks and iron rods viciously attacked Sacred Heart Church in central India’s Narayanpur district. While this kind of anti-Christian violence may be shocking, it’s not altogether surprising. Attacks against Christians in India have been steadily rising for years, jumping 81% from 2020 to 2021 alone.

Picture : RNS

The mob in this case was reportedly protesting “illegal” conversions and church construction, but this was no mere protest. Videos captured by one of Global Christian Relief’s partners show the crowd throwing rocks and bashing in windows of the church building and church vehicles. Police officers are seen standing by and even falling back as they allowed the frenzied mob to vandalize the church. Footage of the aftermath shows a destroyed Nativity, broken chairs and scattered debris.

Stories like these have become sadly routine since 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party rose to power. They have stoked attacks on Muslim and Christian minorities and spread their radical Hindutva ideology, claiming that being truly Indian means being Hindu. Reported incidents of violence against Christians have risen more than 220%.

The Modi regime has spent massive amounts of money to plant lobbyists in Washington to help hide the truth. As a result, you likely won’t hear this story inside the Beltway. American lawmakers are discouraged from confronting the truth because India is an important ally of the U.S. in South Asia. But Americans deserve to know it.

Publicly, the U.S. government has mysteriously remained silent about the events at Sacred Heart Church. Its lack of response to this horrific incident speaks volumes about our priorities. America currently does $102.3 billion in trade with India annually, and our economy would be negatively impacted if we fell out of India’s good graces. But will America be held hostage by economic power plays?

The Sacred Heart incident is only one sign of a larger problem. The Indian government has adopted anti-conversion laws and policies in more than 10 states, preventing people from choosing their own faith. These measures are leveraged by those in power to discriminate against religious minorities. This is not only in opposition to what we believe in America but is also in direct conflict with Article 25 of India’s own constitution: “ … all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion.”

Media coverage of stories like Sacred Heart in India, which is scarce, also shows how Modi’s regime squashes stories of persecution. Only a handful of local outlets reported that five people were arrested that day. Since Modi’s rise to power, the Indian government has shut down news stations midbroadcast and has pressured advertisers as part of a wider assault on dissent. On Reporters Without Borders’ 2022 Press Freedom Index, India fell to 150th out of 180 countries—a journalistic crisis in “the world’s largest democracy.”

With Modi’s lobbyists deterring members of Congress from taking critical positions on India, using tactics such as intimidation and the spread of misinformation, the White House and State Department must hold the government of our largest trade partner accountable. We must demand that India uphold freedom of religion for all its citizens. It’s difficult to do business with people you can’t trust and don’t share common ideals with, especially if you don’t believe they provide basic human rights.

We have much common ground with India but cannot ignore its continued stunning slide into illiberal and radical religious intolerance. (David Curry is president and CEO of Global Christian Relief, America’s leading watchdog organization focused on the plight of persecuted Christians worldwide. In addition to equipping the Western church to advocate and pray for the persecuted, GCR works in the most restrictive countries to protect and encourage Christians threatened by faith-based discrimination and violence.

The above story was published in: Religion News Service.

(The views expressed in this sponsored commentary do not necessarily reflect those of www.theunn.com.)

Pope Francis Is Concerned About Climate Change. Do U.S. Catholics Care?

Pope Francis has frequently spoken about climate change during his decadelong leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. In 2015, he devoted an entire encyclical to the matter, citing scientific consensus that the Earth is warming due to human activity. He predicted “serious consequences for all of us” if current trends continue.

Despite Francis’ outspokenness on the subject, not all Catholics in the United States share his concerns, and their views vary by political affiliation, race and ethnicity, and age.

How we did this

 

While 82% of Catholics who are Democrats or lean toward the Democratic Party say global climate change is an extremely or very serious problem, just a quarter of Republican or Republican-leaning Catholics say the same, according to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey.

When it comes to race and ethnicity, 71% of Hispanic Catholics see climate change as an extremely or very serious problem, compared with 49% of White, non-Hispanic Catholics. (There were not enough Black or Asian Catholics in the 2022 survey to analyze separately.)

In addition, Catholics ages 18 to 49 are somewhat more likely than Catholics ages 50 and older to express a high level of concern about climate change (61% vs. 53%).

Broadly speaking, Catholics are no more likely than Americans overall to view climate change as a serious problem. An identical share in each group say global climate change is either an extremely or very serious problem (57%).

But views among Catholics differ, reflecting similar splits in the wider U.S. population. U.S. adults who are 49 or younger, Democratic, or identify as a race or ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White are generally more likely than those who are 50 or older, Republican, or White to express concern about climate change.

Among U.S. adults overall, opinion about climate change is strongly tied to political partisanship. Democrats and Democratic leaners are far more likely than Republicans and Republican leaners to say that global climate change is an extremely or very serious problem (83% vs. 25%). This gap underlies much of the apparent differences in views among religious groups, including Catholics. Generally speaking, U.S. Catholics are politically evenly divided. But Catholics who are White or older are far more likely than those who are Hispanic or younger to be Republican.

Partisan and demographic differences in Catholics’ views of climate change extend to other environment-related topics, too. For example, just over half of Catholics (54%) say the Earth is warming mostly due to human activity – in line with the pope’s stance. A quarter say it is mostly warming due to natural patterns, while 9% say there is no solid evidence the planet is getting warmer. Catholics who are Democratic, younger or Hispanic are far more likely than those who are Republican, older or White to say the Earth is mostly warming due to human activity.

In addition to asking Americans about their own views on climate change, the 2022 Center survey asked respondents how much they hear about the topic in sermons.

Among those who attend religious services at least monthly, U.S. Catholics indicate that climate change is not discussed frequently from the pulpit. About one-in-ten (8%) say there is a great deal or quite a bit of discussion on climate change in sermons, while 50% say there is either some or a little discussion of it. About four-in-ten (41%) regular Mass attenders say there is no discussion of climate change.

Overall, 58% of Catholic service attenders say there is at least a little discussion of climate change in sermons, similar to the share of mainline Protestant attenders (62%), and much higher than the share of evangelical Protestant attenders who report this (40%).

Among Catholics who attend Mass at least monthly, 36% say they have heard at least a little about climate change in sermons and that those sermons always or often express the view that “we have a duty to care for God’s creation.” Smaller shares say sermons at their congregation always or often express “support for actions to limit the effects of climate change” (23%); “concern that policies aimed at reducing climate change give too much power to the government” (9%); or “the view that we don’t need to worry about climate change” (8%).

World Watch List 2023 Reports, 360 Million Christians Suffer Persecution

(ZENIT News – ACN/Madrid)- Today, more than 360 million Christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination, according to the Report presented by the Evangelical Christian organization Open Doors “World Watch List of Persecution 2023.” Moreover, throughout the world one out of every seven Christians is persecuted or discriminated because of his faith. According to Ted Blake, Director of Open Doors in Spain, “this figure is one out of five in Africa, two out of five in Asia and one out of 15 in Latin America.”

Picture : TheUNN

Another important conclusion of the study is that Sub-Saharan Africa is facing an enormous humanitarian disaster given the wave of religious violence, whose epicentre is in Nigeria, which has extended to the whole region and which is directed against Christian populations.

“For 30 years we have been presenting annually this World List of Persecution, and never before have we had such high levels of persecution as now,” said Ted Blake.

North Korea occupies the first place in the persecution of Christians, with the highest levels of persecution in its history. The increase is due to the new wave of arrests in virtue of its recent “Law Against Reactionary Thought.” The other countries occupying the first places in the Report are: Somalia, Yemen, Eritrea, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Sudan.

The Christian presence continues to decrease in the Middle East, according to Open Doors. It hasn’t been able to recover after the boom of the Islamic State, despite the slight decrease in the number of murdered Christians (with the exception of Syria, which has suffered a wave of violent incidents). “This is the cradle of Christianity and a great part of the Church is losing hope: the discrimination and poverty regime is too heavy to endure, especially for young people who don’t see a future here as believers,” according to Rami Abed Al-Masih, Regional Director of Open Doors’ Legal Defense for the Middle East and North Africa.

Nicaragua is yet another Latin American country to enter the list. Organized crime is being entrenched especially in rural areas where Christians denounce the activities of the cartels. Meanwhile, the Government’s direct oppression of Christians, considered to be the voice of opposition, is widespread in Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cuba, country where Evangelical Christian leaders were imprisoned without a trial for their participation in last year’s protests.

Improvement Data

Picture : TheUNN

The total number of murdered Christians due to their faith decreased slightly from 5,898 in the 2022 edition of the Report to 5,621 cases registered at present, with the clear exception of Sub-Saharan Africa, as pointed out earlier. The total number of attacked churches under different levels of violence decreased from 5,110 (LMP, 2022) to 2,110 registered cases (LMP, 2023). As the world returns to a degree ”to normality after the pandemic, there seems to be a certain stabilization of violence, although the exact reason for it is the object of discussion and it’s not considered very probable that it forms part of a continued tendency.

Greater tolerance has been promoted in certain countries of the Gulf. Persecution decreased in Bahrein, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. In Qatar persecution also has decreased this year, although this might be due to the massive closing of churches during 2022, which continue closed this year.

Pope Francis’ LGBTQ Comments Are Not Surprising But Sincere

An openly gay advisor to the Vatican says he’s not surprised by Pope Francis’ declaration that “being homosexual isn’t a crime.”

Juan Carlos Cruz, an internationally known Chilean advocate and survivor of clerical sexual abuse, told NPR the pope’s remarks made for an “incredible day.”

In his first interview since the death of former Pope Benedict XVI, Francis told the Associated Press that laws criminalizing homosexuality are “unjust” and that Catholic bishops should apply “tenderness” and help ease discrimination by welcoming LGBTQ people into the church.

On Tuesday, Cruz told Morning Edition’s Leila Fadel that anti-sodomy laws in dozens of countries, including some that impose the death penalty, are “horrifying,” but the pope’s moral leadership will help civil authorities, bishops, and cardinals to “change their heart” and join the pontiff in speaking out.

“The pope highlights that the LGBTQ community is not sinful and criminal,” said Cruz.

Cruz, who is a member of the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, also dissents from Catholic teachings. Cruz says the church’s insistence that homosexuality is “sin,” a position embraced by the pope, is “shameful,” although Cruz says the pope appears to be trying to shift the church’s relationship with the LGBTQ community.

Interview highlights

On the impact of the pope’s message on LGBTQ criminalization

It’s been an incredible day with his statement, something that no pope has ever done in history. He’s taken great steps and they’re sincere and that I appreciate. In a moment where the LGBT community all over the world needs it because it’s being attacked, condemned, there’s laws that criminalize it.

This man does change and does acknowledge when he has made a mistake and he said it publicly. And I admire that in him. I mean, there’s a lot a lot still to do in terms of abuse in the church. By no means we’re done.

It doesn’t surprise me from Pope Francis. He’s a man that is open to everybody, who holds the dignity of the person in the highest standards. The LGBT community is very in his heart. I would not say this if I didn’t know it. I know this for a fact, and that makes me very happy.

On how Cruz has seen Pope Francis’ view change over the last decade

The pope that I knew and that I saw in 2017 versus the pope that that I met, and after a few meetings in 2018, it’s 180 degree difference. It’s surprising. You know, we normally say older people, you know, it’s hard to change their views or change.

This man does change and does acknowledge when he has made a mistake and he said it publicly. And I admire that in him. I mean, there’s a lot a lot still to do in terms of abuse in the church. By no means we’re done.

On the pope’s initiative to shift the church’s relationship with the LGBTQ community

The pope highlights that the LGBTQ community is not sinful and criminal. And he says harming one’s neighbor is most certainly both. So it’s the bedrock of Catholic teaching. And he shifts this, you know, wording, like you said it, Leila, but he highlights how important it is that it’s more sinful, you know, having things against your neighbor or being uncharitable, or criminal towards the gay community, that’s sinful.

Traditionalists, Reform And Women At “Vatican Three”

(RNS) — As the Catholic Synod on Synodality enters its “continental phase,” some have wondered if the church is moving toward Vatican Three.   Of course, there are still fights going on about Vatican Two.

Not long ago, Sister Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod, said the current synod would lead “to a new reception of the Second Vatican Council,” allowing the reforms of the mid-1960s to finally take hold. A small but vocal cadre of Catholics fears that precise possibility, which they caricature as a church overrun with bad liturgy, bad moral theology and guitar music.

Lately these so-called traditionalists have lost two beacons of their truths. The recent deaths of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Australian Cardinal George Pell may serve to deflate the anti-synod underground, or at least weaken its intellectual base.

Picture : TheUNN

Benedict, a quintessential Vatican insider and brilliant theologian, was the architect of every notice and ruling against real participation by lay persons — an explicit goal of the synod — and especially by women. Some 40 years ago, as prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, he convinced the committee revising the Code of Canon Law to keep governance and ministry within the clerical caste.

Before then and since, he was behind every statement against the ordination of women, first as priests, then as deacons. With no means other than a passive-aggressive approach, he ensured the question of restoring women to the ordained diaconate remained unanswered.

In 1997, Benedict, still Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, refused to sign a 1997 International Theological Commission document allowing for women deacons and instead put then-professor-now-Cardinal Gerhard L. Mueller to the task of rewriting crucial passages, allowing John Paul II and later Benedict to ignore the issue.

Benedict’s good friend Pell made enemies in Rome while attempting to reconcile Vatican finances as prefect for the economy. (His term lapsed in 2019, while convicted on abuse charges overturned in 2020.) A former archbishop of Sydney, Pell was behind the scenes when the Australian bishops turned down the recommendation to make women deacons in August 2022, though it was later adopted. Pell is also said to be “Demos” (“people”), author of a memo to cardinals calling the pontificate of Pope Francis “a disaster.”

Pell, or at least the anonymous “Demos,” blames the synod process itself for the church’s ills, while acknowledging secularization and Western influences. The main problems: “We are weaker than 50 years ago and many factors are beyond our control, in the short term at least, e.g. the decline in the number of believers, the frequency of Mass attendance, the demise or extinction of many religious orders.”

Therein lies the rub. The factors noted have causes. Some argue there are two main streams of blame for the decline: the culture and the church itself. A more likely reason is that the changing culture exposed the facts and foibles of the church. Few if any Catholics in ethnic city neighborhoods or suburbia are willing to pray, pay and obey as they once did.

To a significant extent, it matters not whether they are so-called traditionalists or progressives. More Catholics in more cultures are better educated and less willing to put up with autocratic clerics, especially amid ongoing — even increasing — sex and money scandals.

That is where the Synod on Synodality, which presents all people with an opportunity to consider the church as church, is lancing boils the most conservative clerics have only bandaged over.

The broadest brush paints traditionalists in conservative shades of political reds. That same brush paints progressives in liberal blues. But red and blue Catholics are walking away in equal numbers, often led by the women of their families who have had enough. Neither Benedict nor Pell, with or without Latin, lace and incense, could stem the tide. But neither will Francis, alone, be able to push it back.

If truth be told, the women of the church are leading its reform. Only they can lead its rebirth.

(Phyllis Zagano is senior research associate-in-residence and adjunct professor of religion at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Her recent books include “Elizabeth Visits the Abbey.” The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service.)

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