British archeologists unearth what may be an important find in Jordan

A new discovery from 1st century?

Key clues to the life of Jesus Christ may have been uncovered by British archeologists, who are seeking to authenticate 70 lead codices that could have been made during the 1st century CE. The codices were discovered in a remote area of Jordan.

 The wire-bound volumes reportedly contain a number of accounts of the crucifixion and the resurrection. It is being speculated that it is possible these codices may have been in the possession of early Christians who fled during the Roman sack of Jerusalem in 70 CE.

While this discovery could very well have deep meaning, experts are quick to add that such hopes should be suspended pending verification.

The NY 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.

Nuclear drama deepens as radioactivity reportedly infiltrates water table in Japan

Concerns mount that radioactivity may have spread.

Reporting from Tokyo, Japan, nuclear plant workers allegedly reported that radioactive water is leaking from a crippled nuclear complex. Emergency workers are attempting to pump hundreds of tons of radioactive water and bring the situation back under control.

Reportedly, government officials are concerned that contaminated water may have sent radioactivity levels up and fear there may have been infiltration into soil and seawater. It is also being reported that trace elements of plutonium in the soil outside of a plant has been detected today. Plutonium is a vital component within nuclear weapons.

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.

Carter to meet with Castro, religious leaders in Cuba

An upcoming religious summit on the island-nation of Cuba will include not only leaders of the country's Jewish and Catholic communities but also former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Cuban President Raul Castro (the brother of Fidel Castro).

President Carter is the first American leader who has held the top office to visit the island since the 1959 revolution in Cuba. Reportedly, the meeting will be "private" involving "non-governmental" business. However, topics will reportedly include ways to improve U.S.-Cuban relations.

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.

Facebook comment questioning hell's existence reportedly cost NC pastor his job

A new book by Rob Bell has stirred debate.

The Rev. Chad Holtz, a former pastor to a United Methodist congregation in North Carolina, wrote a note on his Facebook page supporting a new book that challenges popular ideas about hell's existence. Days later, Holtz was informed his job at Marrow's Chapel, in Henderson, was at risk, allegedly because of the Facebook comment.

The controversial book involved is "Love Wins," by the Rev. Rob Bell, a Michigan evangelical pastor. In his book, Bell critiques the perspective that a select number of Christians will spend eternity in peace and bliss while the majority of the world's people will endure an eternity in hell.

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.

3 charged in church fire; prosecutor says men angered by Obama win

In Springfield, Massachusetts, a U.S. prosecutor told a federal jury on Monday that Michael Jacques, 26, burned down an African-American church hours after voting closed because he was upset with the election of President Barack Obama.

U.S. Attorney Paul Smyth made the argument before in U.S. District Court, before Judge Michael Posner. The trial has been scheduled to take six weeks. Jacques is joined by co-defendants Benjamin Haskell and Thomas Gleason. The three suspects were charged with setting fire to the Macedonia Church of God in Christ, Springfield.

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.

Bulgarian monk blames his country's lack of faith on communist rule

In his new book, a Bulgarian monk, Visarion, asserts Bulgaria's popular interest in mysticism and occultism is a consequence of atheist communist rule for decades. According to a recent poll, 30 percent of Bulgarians have turned to alternative medicine. And, 37 percent of Bulgarians polled had no opinion of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Visarion also characterized the White Brotherhood Movement in Bulgaria as occult. The movement reportedly focuses upon the idea of unity of man in nature.

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.

Japanese state considers Chernobyl-style solution for one plant

Being reported from Tokyo, Japan, is that government engineers are seriously considering burying a crippled nuclear plant in sand and concrete as a last-ditch effort to prevent a radiation cataclysm. This is the self-same method used to end the Chernobyl crisis in 1986.

However, there are hopes to being able to save the other two reactors by Saturday. The goal is to restart water pumps necessary to cool overheating nuclear fuel roads.

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.

Japanese teams race to stem nuclear catastrophe

The Fukushima Dai-chi nuclear power plant.

Being reported from Yamagata, Japan, emergency workers are rushing in desperate attempts to douse the nation's most overheated nuclear reactors. Meanwhile, the government is using helicopters, heavy-duty fire trucks and water cannons in attempts to quell riots as well.

Thus far, three nuclear reactors have experienced partial meltdowns at the Fukushima Dai-chi nuclear plant. But, both Japanese and U.S. officials believe even greater danger exists now as partially exposed nuclear rods could heat up and spew radiation.

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.

Attorney general warns about stigmatizing American Muslim communities

United States Attorney General Eric Holder, on Wednesday, cautioned Americans against alienating the American Muslim community during a criticism of the congressional investigation into the radicalization of Muslims domestically.

The House of Representatives' Homeland Security Committee, on Thursday, will begin a series of hearings that concern themselves with Muslim-American communities that have not worked alongside law enforcement to stem Muslim radicalization. Attorney General Holder said Muslim Americans have significantly contributed to resolving cases involving radicalization.

The attorney general is concerned about stigmatizing Muslim Americans as a group.

The NY 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.

Japanese coastline struck by record earthquake, tsunami

Being reported from Tokyo, Japan, devastation struck on Saturday along the northeastern coast after the island-nation was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami. So far, it is believed about 1,000 people have died as a consequence of the quake.

On Friday, an 8.9 magnitude quake was registered. This magnitude has never previously been registered in the history of Japan recording such events. According to Sheila Smith, of the U.S.-based Council on Foreign Affairs, the humanitarian relief effort required will be on epic proportions.

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.

Vishnu art is put on display in new Nashville exhibit

In Nashville, Tenn., a new exhibit, "Vishnu: Hinduism's Blue-Skinned Savior," is being shown at the First Center for the Visual Arts. Hinduism is the world's third-largest religion and is its oldest continuously practiced organized faith.

The aim of the exhibit is to introduce American art audiences to the beauty of Indian art through the generations. Vishnu is easily recognized among the Hindu deities by his blue skin. According to Brooklyn Museum curator Joan Cummins, Vishnu's association with the sky is perhaps one reason for his blue complexion.

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.

Camden sees spike in firearms assaults, violent crime after massive police force layoffs

In the two months following 160 police officers being laid off from Camden, New Jersey, aggravated assaults with firearms have risen 259 percent. Meanwhile, violent crime overall has risen 19 percent from last year.

After police union negotiations broke down with the city in January, the city fired nearly every officer hired after 1998. Consequently, the remaining 200 officers in the department are, largely, middle-aged. Camden Mayor Dana Redd said 100 police officers could have kept their jobs had they accepted a 20-percent wage cut. The city also fired 67 firefighters, as well as 100 clerks and it shut down the public library.

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.

NYTS to hold 8th Annual Urban Angels event on April 3

The New York Theological Seminary will be holding its 8th Annual Urban Angels Gala on Tuesday, April 3 at Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway at 36th Street, in New York, New York. A silent auction and reception will begin at 6 p.m. and dinner will begin at 7 p.m. Attire for the evening will be semi-formal.

The Board of Trustees of New York Theological Seminary is honored to present this year's 2011 Urban Angel awardees: Rossana Rosado, publisher and CEO of El Diario La Presna; the Rev. Dr. W. Franklin Richardson, senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church, in Mt. Vernon, NY; Bibi Russell, UNESCO special envoy and artist for peace, founder of Bibi Productions; the Rev. Dr. Paul C. Chang, senior pastor of the Korean Methodist Church and Institute, in New York; Marie Michel, Esq., a social justice and racial equality thru law attorney; and the Family Equality Council, which advances social and legal equality for LGBT families.

For more information, contact Ms. Karen Leahy at (212) 870-1203 or visit the website at nyts.edu/gala.

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.

Pontiff says in new book Jewish people had no part in crucifixion

In his latest book, "Jesus of Nazareth-Part II," Pope Benedict XVI reportedly made a "sweeping exoneration" of the Jewish people in the death of Jesus Christ. It is being reported that, in his book, the pope says there is no biblical or theological argument that supports the argument of the Jewish people being responsible for the earthly death of Jesus.

Though the Roman Catholic Church has taught for decades that the Jewish people were not collectively responsible for the death of the Lord, Jewish scholars are nevertheless hailing the pope's assertion as a landmark statement.

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.

House committee will examine 'radicalized US Muslims' in special session

In Washington DC, the House of Representatives' Homeland Security Committee is set to hold a March 10 hearing into "radicalized US Muslims." Some critics have said this hearing is an attempt by the committee to popularize bias against the Muslim community.

Reportedly, two US Muslims with family members who were radicalized will be among the witness. The committee is chaired by New York Rep. Peter King. Meanwhile, Japanese-American lawmaker Mike Honda took aim at the hearing, evoking the image of 1940s Era Japanese-American detention camps where Americans were forcibly relocated by the US Government based on prejudice.

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.

Philly, NYC declared tops on 'most toxic city' list

Philly took first in toxicity.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New York City, New York have been declared the No. 1 and No. 4 "most toxic" cities in the United States for 2011. The Greater Philadelphia Area is home to more than 50 federal Superfund sites.

Superfund areas are those that no longer in use but still contain hazardous materials. Researchers examined the country's 80 largest metropolitan statistical areas, as defined by the United States Census Bureau.

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.

Wisconsin gov. takes aim at schools amid union showdown

In Madison, Wisconsin, following Gov. Scott Walker's plan to remove public employees' collective bargaining rights, he has unveiled more governmental reforms.

With the union rights legislation stuck at the State House due to many lawmakers being out of town, Gov. Walker laid out a two-year budget that will include major cuts to schools and local governments to help narrow a projected $3.6 billion deficit.

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.