Friday, October 22, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
BBC News - German singer Nadja Benaissa apologises at HIV trial
BBC News - German singer Nadja Benaissa apologises at HIV trial: "Risk of stigma
Aids campaigners have been critical of the authorities' handling of Ms Benaissa's case, and warned against a rush to criminalise the transmission of HIV, the BBC's Tristana Moore reports from Berlin.
Edwin Bernard, a writer and advocate specialising in HIV prosecutions, believes that prosecutions and laws on HIV transmission may do more harm than good in terms of reducing the spread of infections."
Aids campaigners have been critical of the authorities' handling of Ms Benaissa's case, and warned against a rush to criminalise the transmission of HIV, the BBC's Tristana Moore reports from Berlin.
Edwin Bernard, a writer and advocate specialising in HIV prosecutions, believes that prosecutions and laws on HIV transmission may do more harm than good in terms of reducing the spread of infections."
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day of Protest on 10th August 2010, denouncing Indian Constitution’s Scheduled Caste Order 1950,
"Building Solidarity for Dalits: Inspiring and Instilling Hope for Justice
Rev. Raj Bharath Patta,Executive Secretary,NCCI -Commission on Dalits
reports:
The observance of the Day of Protest on 10th August 2010, denouncing paragraph 3 of the Constitution’s Scheduled Caste Order 1950, which discriminates, justice to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims, has been successfully observed across the country by the different Churches, organizations and Dalit movements. It was on 10th August 1950 the then President of India issued the ‘Constitution (Scheduled Caste Order 1950)’ specifying that caste be recognized as Scheduled Caste. The third paragraph of the Order however qualifies that ‘not withstanding anything contained in Para 2, no person who professes a religion different from Hinduism shall be a Dalit to be a member of the Scheduled Caste’."
Rev. Raj Bharath Patta,Executive Secretary,NCCI -Commission on Dalits
reports:
The observance of the Day of Protest on 10th August 2010, denouncing paragraph 3 of the Constitution’s Scheduled Caste Order 1950, which discriminates, justice to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims, has been successfully observed across the country by the different Churches, organizations and Dalit movements. It was on 10th August 1950 the then President of India issued the ‘Constitution (Scheduled Caste Order 1950)’ specifying that caste be recognized as Scheduled Caste. The third paragraph of the Order however qualifies that ‘not withstanding anything contained in Para 2, no person who professes a religion different from Hinduism shall be a Dalit to be a member of the Scheduled Caste’."
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Back to the future - Manu comes back
"Many sociologists believe that colonial ethnography gave currency to the Laws of Manu, with the British getting the extant text translated into English, and widely circulating it. Indologists consider Manu to be the generic name for a host of persons since the text, compiled over a long period, contains contradictory viewpoints, as, for instance, on Shudras. Though Shudras are denied right to property and study of the Vedas, the high born are exhorted to eat last, even after the servants! A Rig Veda verse indicates that early Aryan society was fluid: “I am a bard; my father is a physician; my mother’s job is to grind the corn…” But, thereafter, division of labour and social biases must have gradually crystallised. The spread of heterodox faiths such as Buddhism and Jainism, and emergence of Gautam Buddha and Mahavira as popular religious leaders and social reformers in the 6th century BC apparently owed to a growing rejection of gender and caste-based iniquities. Caste divisions revived in a virulent form after Manusmriti was given formal shape, and the decline of the heterodox religions. Islamic incursions from the 8th century AD gave impetus to insularity.
However, to assume that Manusmriti is the sole authority on Hindu social and legal mores is wrong. There are other law books, which are less rigid. The text called Gautamsmriti concedes the need for social mobility when required. Hence, if the situation so demands, a Brahmin should adopt the vocation of a Kshatriya or Vaish, or, in a bigger crisis, do as he thinks right. Parasharsmriti considers agriculture the main vocation for Kaliyug, the present age. It is advised even for Brahmins. Scholars often cite Yagyavalkya and Mitakshara as having more relevance to Hindu society and legal transactions than Manu."
However, to assume that Manusmriti is the sole authority on Hindu social and legal mores is wrong. There are other law books, which are less rigid. The text called Gautamsmriti concedes the need for social mobility when required. Hence, if the situation so demands, a Brahmin should adopt the vocation of a Kshatriya or Vaish, or, in a bigger crisis, do as he thinks right. Parasharsmriti considers agriculture the main vocation for Kaliyug, the present age. It is advised even for Brahmins. Scholars often cite Yagyavalkya and Mitakshara as having more relevance to Hindu society and legal transactions than Manu."
Friday, July 23, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Comparative Religion - The human condition in world religions
Comparative Religion - The human condition in world religions: "Allah created Adam and commanded that he be worshiped by all angels. Satan (Iblis) opposed this command and only then was he banished from heaven:
And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being), then We told the angels, 'Prostrate to Adam';, and they prostrated, except Iblis (Satan), he refused to be of those who prostrate. Allah said: 'What prevented you Iblis, that you did not prostrate, when I commanded you?' Iblis said: 'I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay. Allah said: 'O, Iblis, get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced.' (Quran 7,11-13)"
And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being), then We told the angels, 'Prostrate to Adam';, and they prostrated, except Iblis (Satan), he refused to be of those who prostrate. Allah said: 'What prevented you Iblis, that you did not prostrate, when I commanded you?' Iblis said: 'I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay. Allah said: 'O, Iblis, get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced.' (Quran 7,11-13)"
What is the Human Condition?
What is the Human Condition?: "The Norwegian Academy of Sciences has determined that since 3600 BC there have been 14,531 wars and only 292 years of peace. This is approximately 2.6 wars per year, and one year of 'peace' out of every two decades, or a little over 36 hours of peace per month, or about one minute of peace every four hours. So man's ability to live in peace and harmony continues to deteriorate with the passage of time---not to improve"
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Haryana couple falls victim to alleged 'honour killing'
Haryana couple falls victim to alleged 'honour killing': "Haryana is notorious for honour killings, with two cases being reported last month.
Two teenaged girls were murdered for having a romantic relationship with their cousin in Sonepat town. Three people, including a woman, were arrested.
In another case, a teenaged couple was murdered in a village in Bhiwani district by the girl's family as the boy and girl were from different gotra (sub-caste) and were planning to marry.
In March this year, a court in Karnal sentenced five people to death for killing a young couple who married in 2007 against the wishes of their community."More
Two teenaged girls were murdered for having a romantic relationship with their cousin in Sonepat town. Three people, including a woman, were arrested.
In another case, a teenaged couple was murdered in a village in Bhiwani district by the girl's family as the boy and girl were from different gotra (sub-caste) and were planning to marry.
In March this year, a court in Karnal sentenced five people to death for killing a young couple who married in 2007 against the wishes of their community."More
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
South Korea legalizes castration
Free Email, Unlimited Storage, Anti-Virus & Spam Protection and Personalized Content - Mail.com: "South Korea's parliament voted Tuesday to legalize chemical castration as punishment for convicted child sex offenders after a series of violent assaults sparked outrage nationwide.
The bill was first introduced in 2008 in response to a high-profile case in which a 58-year-old man raped and assaulted an 8-year-old girl. The attack caused widespread revulsion and left the victim with lasting physical injuries"
The bill was first introduced in 2008 in response to a high-profile case in which a 58-year-old man raped and assaulted an 8-year-old girl. The attack caused widespread revulsion and left the victim with lasting physical injuries"
Pair jailed over racist messages | News
Pair jailed over racist messages | News: "Michael Heaton, 42, and Trevor Hannington, 58, described Jews as 'scum' and called for them to be 'destroyed'.
The 'proud neo-Nazis' were unanimously cleared of soliciting murder at Liverpool Crown Court but Heaton was jailed on Friday for 30 months after being convicted of four counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words likely to stir up racial hatred."
The 'proud neo-Nazis' were unanimously cleared of soliciting murder at Liverpool Crown Court but Heaton was jailed on Friday for 30 months after being convicted of four counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words likely to stir up racial hatred."
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
BBC News - Pope pins abuse scandal on Church 'sin'
BBC News - Pope pins abuse scandal on Church 'sin': "Pope Benedict XVI says the clerical child abuse scandal shows that the greatest threat to Catholicism comes from 'sin within' the Church."
Pope against Police raids on sex abusers
BBC News - Pope deplores 'sex abuse' raids by Belgian police
Pope Benedict has joined mounting Vatican criticism of raids by Belgian police investigating alleged child sex abuse, calling them "deplorable".
Pope Benedict has joined mounting Vatican criticism of raids by Belgian police investigating alleged child sex abuse, calling them "deplorable".
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Church in sex abuse scandel
Belgian Catholic offices raided in sex abuse probe.
Officials said they were searching for evidence of possible abuse Belgian authorities have raided the headquarters of the Belgian Catholic Church during an investigation into child sex abuse claims.
A spokesman for the Brussels prosecutors' office confirmed that the palace of the archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels had been sealed off.
Police also raided the home of retired Archbishop Godfried Danneels.
Belgium is one of several countries in which a stream of abuse claims have shaken the Church.
Brussels prosecutors were looking for material relating to allegations of sex abuse, a spokesman for the prosecutors' office said.
"This is a case that the Brussels prosecutors' office received recently, containing a statement of facts in relation to alleged sexual abuse of minors by a number of people within the Church," said Jean-Marc Meilleur.
"The object of the searches is to verify the declaration and eventually gather evidence about these declarations."
Tapping on boards
At the home of Archbishop Danneels in Mechelen, just north of Brussels, police did not question the cleric but took away his computer, according to his spokesman, Hans Geybels.
Continue reading the main story
The cardinal believes justice must run its normal course
Hans Geybels
Spokesman for Cardinal Godfried Danneels
Mr Geybels said police had also asked the archbishop to accompany them to the cathedral in Mechelen because they had heard that there might be files there.
He said the officers were tapping on boards and looking for hidden spaces but, as far as he was aware, they had not found anything.
He said Cardinal Danneels was co-operating fully: "The cardinal believes justice must run its normal course. He has nothing against that."
Separately, the offices of an independent commission set up to look into cases of sexual abuse were also raided.
An inquiry into child sex abuse in the Catholic Church in Belgium has been running for several years.
In April, the then-bishop of the city of Bruges, Roger Vangheluwe, resigned after admitting that he had sexually abused a boy earlier in his career.
At the time, Archbishop Andre-Joseph Leonard said the move showed that the Church wanted to "resolutely turn a page on a very painful" topic.
Papal pledge
In recent months, allegations of abuse levelled against Catholic priests have surfaced in many countries.
There have also been accusations that Church authorities in Europe and North and South America failed to deal with cases openly or properly.
Pope Benedict XVI himself has been accused of being part of a culture of secrecy, and of not taking strong enough steps against abusers when he had that responsibility as a cardinal in Rome.
However, his supporters say he has been the most pro-active pope yet in confronting abuse.
The Pope pledged in April to "bring to justice" Church officials responsible for abuse.
The Vatican also made it explicit that sex abuse cases should be reported to police if required by law.
...........................................
Spain faces abuse claims Pope pins scandal on Church 'sin' Pope promises 'action' on abuse Pope 'letter' reignites abuse row Pope 'failed to act' on sex abuse FEATURES AND ANALYSIS
'Holy Father, what shall we do?'
The problems facing priests in a changing world
Priesthood 'tarnished' Are priests more prone to abuse? How much did Pope know? Wisconsin's anguish Vatican ends 'wall of silence' BACKGROUND
.
Officials said they were searching for evidence of possible abuse Belgian authorities have raided the headquarters of the Belgian Catholic Church during an investigation into child sex abuse claims.
A spokesman for the Brussels prosecutors' office confirmed that the palace of the archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels had been sealed off.
Police also raided the home of retired Archbishop Godfried Danneels.
Belgium is one of several countries in which a stream of abuse claims have shaken the Church.
Brussels prosecutors were looking for material relating to allegations of sex abuse, a spokesman for the prosecutors' office said.
"This is a case that the Brussels prosecutors' office received recently, containing a statement of facts in relation to alleged sexual abuse of minors by a number of people within the Church," said Jean-Marc Meilleur.
"The object of the searches is to verify the declaration and eventually gather evidence about these declarations."
Tapping on boards
At the home of Archbishop Danneels in Mechelen, just north of Brussels, police did not question the cleric but took away his computer, according to his spokesman, Hans Geybels.
Continue reading the main story
The cardinal believes justice must run its normal course
Hans Geybels
Spokesman for Cardinal Godfried Danneels
Mr Geybels said police had also asked the archbishop to accompany them to the cathedral in Mechelen because they had heard that there might be files there.
He said the officers were tapping on boards and looking for hidden spaces but, as far as he was aware, they had not found anything.
He said Cardinal Danneels was co-operating fully: "The cardinal believes justice must run its normal course. He has nothing against that."
Separately, the offices of an independent commission set up to look into cases of sexual abuse were also raided.
An inquiry into child sex abuse in the Catholic Church in Belgium has been running for several years.
In April, the then-bishop of the city of Bruges, Roger Vangheluwe, resigned after admitting that he had sexually abused a boy earlier in his career.
At the time, Archbishop Andre-Joseph Leonard said the move showed that the Church wanted to "resolutely turn a page on a very painful" topic.
Papal pledge
In recent months, allegations of abuse levelled against Catholic priests have surfaced in many countries.
There have also been accusations that Church authorities in Europe and North and South America failed to deal with cases openly or properly.
Pope Benedict XVI himself has been accused of being part of a culture of secrecy, and of not taking strong enough steps against abusers when he had that responsibility as a cardinal in Rome.
However, his supporters say he has been the most pro-active pope yet in confronting abuse.
The Pope pledged in April to "bring to justice" Church officials responsible for abuse.
The Vatican also made it explicit that sex abuse cases should be reported to police if required by law.
...........................................
Spain faces abuse claims Pope pins scandal on Church 'sin' Pope promises 'action' on abuse Pope 'letter' reignites abuse row Pope 'failed to act' on sex abuse FEATURES AND ANALYSIS
'Holy Father, what shall we do?'
The problems facing priests in a changing world
Priesthood 'tarnished' Are priests more prone to abuse? How much did Pope know? Wisconsin's anguish Vatican ends 'wall of silence' BACKGROUND
.
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