Darwen man wins Druid campaign
Phil Ryder, of Richmond Terrace, led the campaign as chairman of the trustees of the Druid Network, a nationwide fraternity of followers of the Pagan practice. Read full story from Read full story from lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
Druids recognized as religion for first time in UK
LONDON – Druids have been worshipping the sun and earth for thousands of years in Europe, but now they can say they’re practicing an officially recognized religion. Read full story from news.yahoo.com
My Talk at the Interfaith Observance at the Presidio
I was asked to give a talk this afternoon, October 3, at the Interfaith Center at the Presidio chapel in San Francisco. This was an annual gathering celebrating its founding, and this year’s topic was “Reclaiming the First Amendment,” a subject dear to my heart. I spoke alomg with members of the Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh, Mormon, and Baha’i communities. There was supposed to be a Muslim speaker as well, but last minute difficulties prevented his coming. Another Muslim participant contributed some very good improptu remarks in his stead. Read full story from beliefnet.com
‘Expertly crafted’ statue of pharoah is dug up in Luxor
An ancient statue of Tutankhamun’s grandfather has been unearthed from the west bank of the Nile in Egypt.
The 3,400-year-old limestone statue of Amenhotep III, a pharoah who ruled Egypt from about 1391 to 1351 BC, was found at Kom el-Hetan in the city of Luxor. It portrays the king wearing the double crown of Egypt and seated on a throne next to the god Amun. The statue, which is 4ft tall and is decorated with the image of a serpent, was located at the site of the pharoah’s mortuary temple. Read full story from inpependent.co.uk
What do you make of ancient systems of wisdom, such as shamans?
It may come as a surprise to some of you that I have taken two courses on Shamanism. Even though I am a committed atheist, different world views fascinate me, particularly our Canadian indigenous religions. The beauty of the artwork and masks of our West Coast native life resonate within me and are a testament to a proud culture and tradition. It’s a shame that much of what we know of aboriginal religions and shamans is framed through Hollywood-coloured glasses as there is a pure, earthy richness to their beliefs that I find more tangible than those of the big three monotheistic faiths of today. Read full story from ottowacitizen.com
The conspiracy against tolerance
There is a conspiracy against tolerance. Ironically, that conspiracy is often waged in the name of tolerance. Political correctness now threatens free speech. Bigots now masquerade as compassionate liberals inveighing against ‘hate speech’, ‘intolerance’ and ‘bigotry’. Read full story from jamaica-gleaner.com
Far-right Dutch politician tried for inciting hatred
(CNN) — Far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders went on trial in the Netherlands on Monday, charged with inciting discrimination and hatred over a controversial film he made about Islam. Read full story from cnn.com
