In spite of setbacks, Southern religious diversity continues to grow

Despite some continued signs of religious intolerance, a retired professor of religious studies from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Charles Lippy, said times are changing in the American South. Prof. Lippy explained that the South is becoming more inclusive and diverse, indicating that the stereotypical Protestant evangelical stereotype is being challenged today more than ever.

Although Baptists continue to be the top denomination in the Deep South, experts have noted that there are currently more faiths represented in the region than at any time in the past. One sign of religious diversity growing in the South includes the cultivation of non-Christian believers, most notably Muslims.

Where Southern Muslim populations once had few places of worship in the Deep South, mosques are growing today despite sometimes strong resistance against them.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, multiculturalism, diversity and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

U.S. commission seeks diplomatic answer for sentenced Iranian pastor

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom requested that President Obama pressure Iran to release Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, a Christian. Pastor Nadarkhani is currently facing a death sentence.

The Northern Iranian pastor has been convicted of apostasy under Iran's militant Islamic regime. Reportedly, the government is pausing before executing Nadarkhanj in order to give the clergyman time to recant his confession of Jesus Christ. Nadarkhanj was taken into custody by the Iranian state in Oct. 2009, after he questioned the domination of Muslim religious instruction at the school his children were attending at the time.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, religious tolerance and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background in life, for careers in ministry.

Website launches new stage-specific Alzheimer's guide

The website Caring.com has launched its first Alzheimer's resource for family caregivers, which is titled "Steps and Stages." This resource includes an interactive guide and a customized e-mail newsletter that offers specific, stage-appropriate advice.

People who are impacted by Alzheimer's disease experience early-, middle- and late-stage symptoms. With each stage, not only does the person with the disease deal with a specific set of symptoms, but also the caregivers involved with that person. In order to best assist people experiencing Alzheimer's, caregivers should be educated about what to expect at each stage, according to Andy Cohen.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Miami Herald reveals investigation into Haitian child trafficking

It is being reported that Dominican border guards are smuggling Haitian children into the Dominican Republic and selling them. Guards are allegedly selling these children above the Massacre River. When asked about this issue by the Miami Herald, Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive allegedly acknowledged smuggling is an issue between the two countries. Prime Minister Bellerive said many people along the border are benefitting from this monetarily.

After the January earthquake, which killed about 300,000 people, investigations by El Nuevo Herald and the Miami Herald revealed that witnesses have seen money being passed between border officers for smuggling children. Children are then, subsequently, it is being reported, sold for the purposes of sex or domestic work.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to social justice, diversity, multiculturalism and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

CT mom reportedly sends son to school armed to hold back bullies

In Connecticut, Hartford resident Sylvia Mojica, 38, has reportedly been arrested with risk of injury to a minor. It is being alleged that Ms. Mojica armed her 12-year-old son with a BB gun and a knife to fend off bullies at his school. Ms. Mojica's son has been attending the Burns Elementary School.

According to published reports, the boy is facing suspension or even possible expulsion as a consequence of these charges.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

New Hampshire's top daily balks at publishing gay wedding notices

New Hampshire's Union Leader of Manchester is refusing to publish gay wedding notices in its pages, despite the fact that same-sex marriage is legal in the New England state. New Hampshire is one of five U.S. states that recognize gay marriage.

However, publisher Joe McQuaid reportedly said the paper isn't 'anti-gay' but does believe "marriage" should be reserved as something between a man and a woman. Notably, the Union Leader is a privately owned publication. Previously, the newspaper has taken an editorial stand against the state's move to legalize same-sex marriage.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every walk of life, for careers in ministry.

Cholera outbreak spreads throughout quake-ravaged Haiti

Having already survived a landmark Jan. 12 earthquake and subsequent hurricane, as well as tropical storms, the island republic of Haiti has a new concern.

According to published reports, Haiti is experiencing a cholera outbreak that has claimed the lives of about 200 people thus far, while afflicting approximately 2,000 Haitians. Public health officials have fears that the epidemic will spread to the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince.

Haitian Medical Association President Claude Surena said there are already 2.4 million living in dangerous situations and this epidemic poses a substantial threat to them. Cholera is a disease that dehydrates people, with frequent diarrhea, among other symptoms. Haiti last experienced a cholera outbreak about a century ago. The disease is associated with standing and fetid water.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to social justice, multiculturalism, diversity and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Christian flag controversy stirs concern by NC vet groups

In King, North Carolina, the Christian flag has become the stuff of bumper stickers, window dressing and T-shirts. In addition, the Christian flag is being flown in front of all kinds of buildings, including homes and even private parties. The reason for this is as a result of the religious flag not being allowed to fly at the town's war memorial at a public park.

The decision to bring the flag down at the memorial incensed local veterans' groups, prompting groups from as far as 15 miles away to come and protest the town lawmakers' decision. Among the dissenters was Vietnam veteran Ray Martini, who is standing vigil over a replica Christian flag flying in front of the memorial. He has been joined by supporters, armed with sleeping bags and tents, as the protest over the Christian flag issue at the memorial continues.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every walk of life, for careers in ministry.

Merkel takes tough stand on immigration to Germany

According to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, her homeland has utterly failed to create a society where diverse people and cultures can live together in peace. Chancellor made this critique at a meeting of her Christian Democratic Union.

The CDU has taken a hard line on immigrants who do not demonstrate willingness to embrace the conventions of traditional German society. Chancellor Merkel stated that immigrants living within Germany's borders need to start speaking German.

In particular, among Germany's newly arriving populations, Muslims face some of the most acute criticisms where it involves not espousing German ideals.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Dr. Anthea Butler pays visit to NYTS 'Global Pentecostal Movement' class

Dr. Dale Irvin's THU2271 class (The Global Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement) class was visited by Dr. Anthea D. Butler, author of "Women in the Church of God in Christ" on Monday, Oct. 18th. Approximately 25 class students and visitors were present for the special session, wherein Dr. Butler discussed the writing of her book and the significance of recording Church of God in Christ history holds.

"There is no archive for this church," she said. "The archive for the Church of God in Christ consists of some big containers holding copies of documents I have at my house." During the research for her premier 2007 work, Dr. Butler said it was a challenge to collect COGIC history. Unlike other Pentecostal denominations, like Assemblies of God, for instance, COGIC's history has not been brought together. Consequently, its source documents are still in attics around the country, and in unpreserved, private collections.

Dr. Butler said that, as early COGIC church members age and die the significance of these documents is usually lost upon those who inherit them.

During her visit, Dr. Butler also discussed the historic and contemporary role of women in COGIC. While denied power from the pulpit, historically COGIC women found success through the Women's Department. However, today, the very survival of the Women's Department is threatened as COGIC contemplates absorbing this department into the church itself.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Downtown Miami turns pink for cancer cure run

On Saturday, about 1,000 cancer survivors took part in the 15th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Miami, Florida. This was the South Florida leg of the national movement that brought 21,000 people to downtown Miami in order to raise funds for cancer research.

Pink T-shirts were everywhere as people came together to support the fight against cancer. By 10:30 a.m., the majority of runners had crossed the finish line, where there were entertainers at Bayfront Park. There was also a tot run for children, ages 2 to 7.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Brave Ground Zero volunteer dies after battling long-term health problems

Toms River, New Jersey resident and Ground Zero volunteer Joe Picurro died on Friday of 9/11-related illness. He was diagnosed with the disorder during 2004, and had struggled with his health ever since. Picurro volunteered to cut steel at The Pile in the wake of the attacks, seeking to assist in saving human life.

According to his wife, Laura, her brave husband fought for his life until the day he died. With the Picurro family finances ravaged because of Joe's inability to work as he had before his service at the scene of the attack, the 9/11 rescuer fought for, and finally received, workers' compensation in 2006.

The New York Theological Seminary community offers its prayers for Joe Picurro and his family during this time of loss.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Poll finds that a quarter of Christians have encountered the Spirit

According to a recent poll, about 25 percent of Christians consider themselves as believers and witness to the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. In a poll of more than 1,000 people in four separate age groups concluded the poll earlier this year.

Results went on to note that 20 percent of Catholics and 26 percent of Protestants have said they experienced gifts of the Spirit. In addition, the poll noted that about 10 percent of those who responded said they have spoken in tongues.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

SD Jewish Academy fields a different style of football team

In San Diego, California, there are kosher snacks at the concession stands and games are not held on Friday night. And, when the quarterback calls the next play, it will inevitably be in Hebrew. The team concerned is the San Diego Jewish Academy Lions and it has the only 11-player Jewish high school football team in the United States. Before games, two anthems are played, one being "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the other "Hatikvah."

San Diego Jewish Academy is making strides to involve a student population that has not always been involved with playing competitive football in the hopes of offering a new perspective as part of the education offered at the school.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Miners become Christians since experiencing underground ordeal

In Santiago, Chile, two miners accepted Jesus Christ while trapped 2,300 feet below the earth for more than two months. Chilean mining Minister Laurence Goldborne said, Oct. 11th, that 33 miners trapped will likely be freed by the next day.

Since being trapped underground in a mine, the miners have been ministered to by Bernadino Morales, director of the Baptist Union's Social Testimony Network, on the request of Jose Henriquez, leader of the group below. When their world literally came crashing down around them Henriquez, and two others, were Christian. However, in the wake of the ordeal, a total of five of the miners will be re-emerging as believers.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every walk of life, for careers in ministry.

Anti-gay rioters attack parade, aim attacks at gov't buildings

In Belgrade, Serbian police clashed Sunday with conservative, anti-gay rioters who hurled homemade explosives and stun grenades into a gay pride parade in the city's downtown.

About 140 people were injured and 200 arrested. Reportedly, Molotov cocktails and shots were also directed at the headquarters of the ruling pro-Western Democratic Party, setting a garage area afire. Other state headquarters were also attacked.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, religious tolerance and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Australian high commissioner condemns racist e-mails by officers

 A racist e-mail sent by two police officers has compelled Australian High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese to issue an apology on Saturday. Apparently, two junior officers issued an e-mail that joked about the electrocution of a train passenger in India and how that might be a way to "…fix Melbourne's Indian students' problem…"

Commissioner Varghese condemned the e-mails "in the strongest possible term." He said he was also concerned about entrenched bias and noted that such e-mails were completely contrary to the values of the police community.

Commissioner Varghese explained that, as terrible as the officers' display was, their actions should not "tar the entire Victorian police."

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Imprisoned Chinese dissident is awarded 2010 Nobel Peace Prize

In Oslo, Norway, imprisoned Chinese human rights leader Liu Xiaobo has been awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize. Xiaobo is incarcerated because he sought to use non-violence as a means of demanding human rights in his homeland.

Chinese state media has blacked out the news about the prize award, given Xiaobo's status. And, the Chinese government issued a sharply worded letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

In awarding the prize to an imprisoned dissident, the committee continues a tradition it has established for itself.

Liu, 54, is serving an 11-year sentence for subversion. He is a proponent for peaceful resistance and gradual change in China.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to social justice, diversity, multiculturalism and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Southern Baptist pastor comes down against practicing yoga

Christians in Atlanta, Georgia who practice yoga are rejecting an edict by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler, who believes the stretching and meditative practice is movement away from the Christian path.

However, according to Northside Baptist Church Associate Pastor Michael Gregg, the entire ministerial staff at his church practices yoga. "It’s not about religion," said Gregg of yoga. His wife, in fact, teaches a weekly yoga course at the church.

According to a recent study, about 15.8 million people practice the ancient physical art form and exercise.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Half of Americans cannot understand simple written stories

According to recent statistics, in the United States, 50 percent of adults cannot read a book written at an 8th grade reading level. In addition, 44 million people are not able to read and understand simple stories. Alarmingly, half of Americans read so badly that they cannot find a single piece of information while reading a short publication.

Many people who have problems with literacy are able to mask their disability. According to research, learning problems are often something that is passed along generationally. Researchers said that, if parents are skilled at hiding learning disabilities, these disabilities also jump generations.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to social justice, diversity, multiculturalism and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Frank Lloyd Wright church is vandalized in Illinois

A thief has ripped the words off of an Illinois church that was designed in 1909 by celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright. For 101 years in the Unity Temple in Oak Park, the words "For the worship of God and the service of man" greeted congregants and on the building. This was a message from the famous builder himself.

However, church officials have reportedly confirmed that 50 bronzed letters were pried off the temple between Sept. 28 and 29. Unity Temple Restoration Foundation Executive Director Emily Roth characterized the crime as "disgusting" and a violation of the building.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, religious tolerance and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Imam's wife says she and husband have received death threats

According to Daisy Kahn, wife of the imam planning the Islamic community center near the site of the World Trade Center attacks, she and her husband have been receiving death threats.

Khan said that neither she nor her husband, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, do not intend to walk around with bodyguards. Meanwhile, police spokesperson Paul Browne confirmed that Khan has apprised authorities about the telephonic threats she has received.

Rauf is currently set to become the spiritual leader of the proposed 16-story Islamic center and mosque, which has garnered controversy since the plan was announced.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, religious tolerance and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in seminary.

Great Britain officially recognizes an ancient Celtic faith after group's intense lobbying

In London, lawmakers have officially recognized druidry as an official religion for the very first time, despite the fact that the pagan Celtic religion emerged in Great Britain, among others, thousands of years ago.

The organization which spearheaded the acceptance of druidry was the Druid Network. The network represents the religion throughout England and lobbied for the newly-recognized faith to receive tax breaks and stand beside mainstream faiths.

Some Druid rites include solar and fire festivals, ceremonies at various moon phases, as well as seasonal festivals, among others.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Disney Corp. works out compromise for Muslim female employees

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts made a new accommodation, based on religious grounds, for Muslim women working for the trademark company.

In accordance with an agreement worked out this week, employee Noor Abdallah, 22, will wear a blue beret atop a company-designed headscarf when she is selling tickets in a resort box office. According to Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown, the park has a long history of making accommodations based on religious requests from all faiths. In all, she said, about 200 such accommodations have been made during the past year.

However, an attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations contends Ms. Abdallah is the fourth Muslim woman to challenge the park's policies this year alone.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to train men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.