Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Poster Girl of Taliban Oppression Unveils Her New Face-receives heart endures award
London | Oct 13, 2010
A young Afghan girl, who went on to become a poster girl of Taliban oppression in Afghanistan after her nose was sliced off by her militant husband, has unveiled her new face to the world.
19-year-old Alisha triggered a worldwide outpouring of sympathy after her plight was highlighted by the Time magazine which put her on the front cover to draw attention to sufferings of women in Afghanistan.
The girl, thanks to pioneering surgery by American surgeons, got a new nose and appeared before the cameras to receive an Enduring Heart Award by a foundation which paid for her operation in Los Angele
Alisha was 12 when her father married her to a Taliban fighter to repay a debt. She was handed over to the militant's family, abused and made to sleep in a stable with animals.
Depressed due to ill treatment by her husband and in-laws, she tried to escape and her nose and ears were sliced off by her husband as punishment.
After being left for dead in the mountains, Alisha crawled to her grandfather's house from where she was rushed to an American medical facility.
The Grossman Burn Foundation flew her to America in August where she had a prosthetic nose fitted at the West Hills hospital and the doctors say she would be given a "more permanent" solution soon.
This might involve rebuilding her nose and ears, using bone, tissue and cartilage from other parts of the body.
Till then, Alisha is back to her old joyful ways.
"This is an award given to a woman whose heart endures," said the Californian First Lady Maria Shriver, wife of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who presented the award to a girl who never thought she would see life again.
London | Oct 13, 2010
A young Afghan girl, who went on to become a poster girl of Taliban oppression in Afghanistan after her nose was sliced off by her militant husband, has unveiled her new face to the world.
19-year-old Alisha triggered a worldwide outpouring of sympathy after her plight was highlighted by the Time magazine which put her on the front cover to draw attention to sufferings of women in Afghanistan.
The girl, thanks to pioneering surgery by American surgeons, got a new nose and appeared before the cameras to receive an Enduring Heart Award by a foundation which paid for her operation in Los Angele
Alisha was 12 when her father married her to a Taliban fighter to repay a debt. She was handed over to the militant's family, abused and made to sleep in a stable with animals.
Depressed due to ill treatment by her husband and in-laws, she tried to escape and her nose and ears were sliced off by her husband as punishment.
After being left for dead in the mountains, Alisha crawled to her grandfather's house from where she was rushed to an American medical facility.
The Grossman Burn Foundation flew her to America in August where she had a prosthetic nose fitted at the West Hills hospital and the doctors say she would be given a "more permanent" solution soon.
This might involve rebuilding her nose and ears, using bone, tissue and cartilage from other parts of the body.
Till then, Alisha is back to her old joyful ways.
"This is an award given to a woman whose heart endures," said the Californian First Lady Maria Shriver, wife of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who presented the award to a girl who never thought she would see life again.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Pastoral letter against Prof T J Joseph
Pastoral letter against Prof T J Joseph, Not done anything wrong to apologise: Joseph
Pastoral letter against Prof T J Joseph read out in 120 churches
12 Sep 2010
Kochi: A Pastoral letter condemning the 'irresponsile action' of Prof T J Joseph, for preparing a question paper hurting
the religious sentiments of a community, was today read out during the sunday mass in 120 parish churches under the Kothamangalam Dioceses in Ernakulam district.
Coming out against the lecturer, whose is recovering after a brutal attack on him by radical outfit, Popular Front of India (PFI),
which hacked his right arm, the Kothamanagalm dioceses bishop, George Punnakottil, said the attack does not nullify the 'crime' committed by Joseph. Such an 'irreresponsbile' act cannot be expected from the lecturer.
The college was accused of being an accomplice in hurting the reglious feelings of the muslim community. So the management had to take a decision to distance itself from the act of the lecturer, it said.
The pastoral letter also supported the management of the Newman college for sacking him.
Despite his repeated pleas for pardon, the management has been adamant with regard to its stand.
The Bishop said the aggrieved lecturer can approach the court to redress his grievance and the management would abide by the decision.
As controversy broke regarding the question paper, Joseph was suspended by the management.
The lecturer has decided to approach the university appellate tribunal for his re-instatement as his pleas to the college management to reconsider its decision, has fallen into deaf ear
Ousted New man college lecturer T J Joseph, who's hand was chopped off for preparing allegedly derogatory question in a exam, said that he had not done anything wrong to apologise to the church and accept favours from it.
'I have not done anything wrong. I am a religious person and respect all religion. Knowingly I have not hurt any religious community. Why is the Church asking to me apologize for a wrong doing I have not done?', Lecturer added.
'We have no other choice', Stella, his sister, who is a nun, said. The family is 'upset' and 'scared' with the letter being read out in the churches.
Submitted by newsman on Sun, 12/09/2010 - 15:15. church pastoral letter Islamic
Pastoral letter against Prof T J Joseph read out in 120 churches
12 Sep 2010
Kochi: A Pastoral letter condemning the 'irresponsile action' of Prof T J Joseph, for preparing a question paper hurting
the religious sentiments of a community, was today read out during the sunday mass in 120 parish churches under the Kothamangalam Dioceses in Ernakulam district.
Coming out against the lecturer, whose is recovering after a brutal attack on him by radical outfit, Popular Front of India (PFI),
which hacked his right arm, the Kothamanagalm dioceses bishop, George Punnakottil, said the attack does not nullify the 'crime' committed by Joseph. Such an 'irreresponsbile' act cannot be expected from the lecturer.
The college was accused of being an accomplice in hurting the reglious feelings of the muslim community. So the management had to take a decision to distance itself from the act of the lecturer, it said.
The pastoral letter also supported the management of the Newman college for sacking him.
Despite his repeated pleas for pardon, the management has been adamant with regard to its stand.
The Bishop said the aggrieved lecturer can approach the court to redress his grievance and the management would abide by the decision.
As controversy broke regarding the question paper, Joseph was suspended by the management.
The lecturer has decided to approach the university appellate tribunal for his re-instatement as his pleas to the college management to reconsider its decision, has fallen into deaf ear
Ousted New man college lecturer T J Joseph, who's hand was chopped off for preparing allegedly derogatory question in a exam, said that he had not done anything wrong to apologise to the church and accept favours from it.
'I have not done anything wrong. I am a religious person and respect all religion. Knowingly I have not hurt any religious community. Why is the Church asking to me apologize for a wrong doing I have not done?', Lecturer added.
'We have no other choice', Stella, his sister, who is a nun, said. The family is 'upset' and 'scared' with the letter being read out in the churches.
Submitted by newsman on Sun, 12/09/2010 - 15:15. church pastoral letter Islamic
Monday, September 6, 2010
Continuing story
Some Christians denied Flood relief aid unless they convert to Islam in Pakistan
newsman Sep 6, 2010 5:06 PM - Show original item
September 06, 2010
The head of an organization that combats anti-Christian persecution charges that some Pakistani Christian families are being denied flood aid unless they convert to Islam.As far as the aid brought by Islamic charity groups, they defend themselves by saying that according to their doctrine, the money from the zakhat (Islamic alms) should go only to Muslims,”“
newsman Sep 6, 2010 5:06 PM - Show original item
September 06, 2010
The head of an organization that combats anti-Christian persecution charges that some Pakistani Christian families are being denied flood aid unless they convert to Islam.As far as the aid brought by Islamic charity groups, they defend themselves by saying that according to their doctrine, the money from the zakhat (Islamic alms) should go only to Muslims,”“
Christian suppression - a continuing story
Pastor detained in Doni village, Gadag distrct Karnataka
newsman Sep 6, 2010 5:18 PM - Show original item
Pastor Mallikarjuna Sangalad aged 36 years belonging to Indian Pentecostal Church, started a worship in Doni village. The worship is conducted in a shed belonging to one of the believer Mr Nagaraj.
There are about 60 believers participating in the worship. The service is conducted on every Sunday from 7.30 pm to 9.pm. read more »
newsman Sep 6, 2010 5:18 PM - Show original item
Pastor Mallikarjuna Sangalad aged 36 years belonging to Indian Pentecostal Church, started a worship in Doni village. The worship is conducted in a shed belonging to one of the believer Mr Nagaraj.
There are about 60 believers participating in the worship. The service is conducted on every Sunday from 7.30 pm to 9.pm. read more »
NCCI condemns plan to burn the Holy Qu'ran on 9/11
National Council of Churches in India condemns US based 'christian body's plan to burn the Holy Qu'ran The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) joins the Christian community and the friends belonging to other faith traditions and ideological persuasions both in the country and world-wide in strongly condemning the intention and plan of the persons connected with the Dove World Outreach Centre in the USA to burn copies of the Holy Qu'ran on the 11st of September 2010. Such an act is contrary to the spirit and essence of the teachings and practices of all faith and secular traditions, and particularly detrimental to the spirit of unity and comradeship that prevails among adherents of different faiths. That it is called for during the sacred days of Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr is deplorable. The NCCI calls upon all its constituents - Churches, and Ecumenical Councils, Orgainsations and Agencies, to reach out to the Muslim brothers and sisters with a spirit of goodwill and friendship particularly at this time, which can be used by miscreants to sow seeds of division. The NCCI recalls the experiences of solidarity and the sense of mutual self-respect shared between the peoples of Muslim and Christian communities in India at all times and particularly when issues relating to religious minorities, including the recent claim of SC status to Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians, and that of secularism were addressed. The NCCI requests the brothers and sisters of the Islamic faith tradition to view this call to burn the Holy Qu’ran as that of some pervert minds and not as representative of the whole Christian community which shares with its Islami c sister-faith a heritage of united pilgrimage, more so in India as religious minority communities. The NCCI seeks the intervention of the Government of India in using its diplomatic channels with the counterpart Government in the United States of America for stopping the proposed act on 11th September 2010. This will send out a strong message of National Solidarity to the Muslim community in India, which is the World’s largest Muslim-minority population In solidarity with the people of Islamic faith who have been unduly targeted time and again, the NationalCouncil of Churches in India will co-ordinate with the National Council of Churches in USA who have already strongly condemned the call for burning the Holy Qu’ran, more than once.
Signed by: Rt. Rev. Dr. Taranath Sagar ( President NCCI ) Rev. Dr. P.B.M. Basaiawmoit, Ms.Sushma Ramswami, Mr. Angelious Michael (Vice-Presidents ) Adv. Suresh Koshy (Treasurer) and Rev. Asir Ebenezer (Officiating General Secretary)
NCCI release on 6th September 2010
Signed by: Rt. Rev. Dr. Taranath Sagar ( President NCCI ) Rev. Dr. P.B.M. Basaiawmoit, Ms.Sushma Ramswami, Mr. Angelious Michael (Vice-Presidents ) Adv. Suresh Koshy (Treasurer) and Rev. Asir Ebenezer (Officiating General Secretary)
NCCI release on 6th September 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Mar Thoma Church and175th Anniversary of Reformation
Mar Thoma Church is celebrating 175th Anniversary of Reformation in 2010. This is an occasion to take new steps to continue reformation, that is, to do something for making the spiritual ife meaningful, as Abraham Malpan did. The Church needs to take bold steps in relation to their attitude towards ecumenism, towards women ministry and make adequate revision of its liturgy to reflect the contemporary aspirations of the people, especially the young members of the Church. Towing the line of Chrysostom Valiya Metropolitan, it should allow open communion for all those who want to participate. Marriage rules need to be amended to allow Church marriages for all who desire. The boundaries of the Church must be opened for cross cultural influences. New forms of worship need to be encouraged. The Church has to become a fellowship and a movement towards human freedom rather than an insititution thriving to maintain its institutional interest.
Friday, September 3, 2010
ECUMENISM VIS - A - VIS SHARING HOLY QURBANA
ECUMENISM VIS - A - VIS SHARING HOLY QURBANA
The essence of what Chrysostom Thirumeni told them was that the true message of ecumenism was sharing or participation in the Holy Qurbana without restrictions. In other words, as I understand, a believer should have the freedom to accept Holy Qurbana from any church whatever be his denomination.
HG Dr Gheevrgese Mar Osthathios Thirumeni has been advocating this view as the truth behind ecumenism through many of his writings with the churches coming together by respecting each other, spreading the message of love and coming to an understanding on faith and interpretation of truth as taught by Jesus and shown in practice by the Apostles and church fathers. I don’t think any Bishop in Orthodox Churches would object to this, nor the Church leadership. Then, what is it that prevents us from doing it?
St. Thomas Evangelical Fellowship of India
Dedication of the new Church building at Kesavadasapuram, Trivandrum on 4th September, 2010.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
William Carey 249th Birth Anniversary August 17,2010
William Carey (missionary) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "William Carey (17 August 1761 – 9 June 1834) was an English Baptist missionary and a Reformed Baptist minister, known as the 'father of modern missions.'[1] Carey was one of the founders of the Baptist Missionary Society. As a missionary in the Danish colony, Serampore, India, he translated the Bible into Bengali, Sanskrit, and numerous other languages and dialects"
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Gospel and Cultures: An Indian Perspective
Gospel and Cultures: An Indian Perspective: "The primary concern of this paper is to focus on a paradigm shift in the theology of Christian mission in India today. During the last decade or so, there has been a decisive shift in the theological thinking on the implications of Christian witness in the country, to one that is basically from the perspective of the marginalised people. One of the key aspects of the shift is the awakening of the people to the recognition that theologizing in the past was not sufficiently sensitive to their perspectives. A certain continuity with the past, especially with the mission and theology of the Indian Church, the missionary movement and the ecumenical discussions on missiology and ecclesiology, is implicit in this shift, and therefore it is not an outright rejection of the earlier patterns. But there is also a radical discontinuity with the past, a critical corrective rooted mainly in a re-reading of history and theology, especially in the light of the liberal democratic and socialist values of justice, equality and participation. My thesis here is that relevant patterns of Christian witness can be sought only in the context of an organic dialogue between traditional theologies and the subaltern perspectives, especially on the questions of mission and koinonia in pluralistic societies like India." Athyal
Athyal:Today, however, the missionary work follows an efficiency mode, where we have strategies and targets. The impression that mission is the programme of a specific department of the church assigned that task, is an understanding that followed this understanding of mission Secularism in India is defined as freedom from discrimination on the basis of religion and also, the promotion of renascent and reform movements in religions, especially those aimed at the liberation of the downtrodden sections of the society. The Neo-Hindu movement of the 19th and 20th centuries was in essence the struggle of Hinduism to build up a religious humanism in active dialogue with the secular and socialist movements in the country.
Several theologians and social scientists feel that one of reasons for the resurgence of communalism and religious fundamentalism is that this dialogue, vibrant during the last century, has become dormant in recent years. Over the years, the renascent elements in religion were overtaken by more aggressive and shrill voices from within. Equally important, the secularist movement, caught up in the web of rigid academic confines and political compulsions, turned dogmatic. The dialogue of the religious and secular, crucial for building up a secular ethos became dormant.In the words of M. M. Thomas, ‘It is my conviction that it is the strengthening of the closed secularism with this total privatisation of religion and the development of what may be called Dogmatic secularism which rejects any relevance of religious values in the public realm, along with the slackening and marginalizing of religious and social reform movements that have created the spiritual vacuum which is now sought to be filled by religious fundamentalism and communalism’ (Religion, State & Communalism: A Post-Ayodhya Reflection, CCA, 1995, p. 14). The hope for a secular India lays not so much in the separation of religion and society but in the positive and healthy interaction of the renascent and liberative elements in both. In Thomas’ own words: ‘If religion is part of the problem in India, religion must also be part of the solution’.
Several theologians and social scientists feel that one of reasons for the resurgence of communalism and religious fundamentalism is that this dialogue, vibrant during the last century, has become dormant in recent years. Over the years, the renascent elements in religion were overtaken by more aggressive and shrill voices from within. Equally important, the secularist movement, caught up in the web of rigid academic confines and political compulsions, turned dogmatic. The dialogue of the religious and secular, crucial for building up a secular ethos became dormant.In the words of M. M. Thomas, ‘It is my conviction that it is the strengthening of the closed secularism with this total privatisation of religion and the development of what may be called Dogmatic secularism which rejects any relevance of religious values in the public realm, along with the slackening and marginalizing of religious and social reform movements that have created the spiritual vacuum which is now sought to be filled by religious fundamentalism and communalism’ (Religion, State & Communalism: A Post-Ayodhya Reflection, CCA, 1995, p. 14). The hope for a secular India lays not so much in the separation of religion and society but in the positive and healthy interaction of the renascent and liberative elements in both. In Thomas’ own words: ‘If religion is part of the problem in India, religion must also be part of the solution’.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
BBC News - Politician jailed for seven years over India riots
BBC News - Politician jailed for seven years over India riots
A politician has been sentenced to seven years in prison in a case related to anti-Christian riots which rocked an eastern Indian state.
Manoj Pradhan, a legislator with the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, was charged with murder but convicted of "fatal attack" and arson.
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