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Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY – Several Oklahoma lawmakers plan to return copies of the Quran to a state panel on diversity after a lawmaker claimed the Muslim holy book condones the killing of innocent people. The books were given to Oklahoma’s 149 senators and representatives by the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council. “Most Oklahomans do…

Associated Press WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday that a “two-state solution” in the Middle East was in jeopardy and described a narrow window of opportunity to push Israel and the Palestinians toward peace. In a House hearing interrupted by anti-war protesters, Rice said an upcoming peace conference in Annapolis, Md., is…

By David Briggs Religion News Service The image–Charlton Heston as Moses–has been carved into the minds of generations. Few who have seen the Cecil B. DeMille blockbuster can forget Heston’s majestic, commanding presence as he comes down from Mount Sinai and thunders to a wayward people, “Those who will not live by the law shall…

Associated Press Jerusalem – As Israel marked the 12th anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin on Tuesday, his killer is at the center of an emotional debate. Should Yigal Amir be allowed to attend the circumcision of his son – or even be pardoned altogether? The assassin was once reviled by all…

Associated Press Greenville, S.C. – Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign has been embraced in a most unlikely place: at Bob Jones University, the influential Christian college that teaches that his Mormon church is a cult. In early-voting South Carolina, Romney has picked up support among the evangelicals and social conservatives who are a political force. Last…

By Adelle M. Banks and Daniel Burke Religion News Service WASHINGTON — William and Lyra Hoeft of Florida say they want a president who will “hold our borders” and protect national security. Joe Guarino of Illinois wants someone who will tackle health care. And Jonathan Bell of Arkansas, a recent home-school graduate, says education tops…

By Ron Csillag Religion News Service (RNS) A second Canadian Anglican diocese has voted to approve the blessing of same-sex marriages. Delegates at the Diocese of Montreal’s annual synod voted Friday (Oct. 19) to request that the bishop grant permission for clergy whose conscience permits to solemnize registered civil marriages, including those between same-sex couples,…

Associated Press DALLAS – A judge declared a mistrial Monday for former leaders of a Muslim charity accused of funding terrorism, after chaos broke out in the court when three jurors disputed some verdicts that had been announced. One defendant, former Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development Chairman Mohammed El-Mezain, was acquitted of most…

By Karen Farkas Religion News Service GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — In 22 seasons of triumph, despair and frustration in the Cleveland Indians’ quest for a World Series title, there has been one constant. Chocolate chip cookies. The team’s most dedicated and prayerful fans, the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, have faithfully delivered boxes of the…

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Oct. 18–OAKLAND — When President Bush handed the Dalai Lama the Congressional Gold Medal on Wednesday, the Bay Area Tibetan community applauded. Some took the day off so they could watch the presentation on TV. A few even made the trek to Washington to greet the 72-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader when…

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