State Department report focuses on global slavery

In a few days, the U.S. State Department will be issuing a report about the global human trafficking trade insofar as selling forced labor and prostitutes. As many as 27 million people, mostly women and children, have had their freedom taken from them. The issue is increasingly drawing the concern of religious leaders and organizations.

During 2010 alone, the State Department says 12.3 million people were subjected to some form of bondage. Meanwhile, the cable network CNN has been sponsoring the Freedom Project to raise awareness about the scourge of human trafficking.

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.

Woman returned from Qatar to Libya faces sure peril

In Qatar, a Libyan woman who claims she was gang raped by soldiers of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi was deported back to Benghazi, Libya, according to United Nations officials on Thursday.

Her deportation again cast light on the human rights issues surrounding Gadhafi's regime as NATO continues its nightly aerial bombardment of Libyan military installations. The U.S. Government has expressed its concern for the safety of the woman.

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 background, for careers in ministry.

Crystal Cathedral filed for bankruptcy protection from court

In Garden Grove, California, the Crystal Cathedral, founded by televangelist the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, filed for bankruptcy on Friday. The megachurch is looking to get out from under its debts by selling the church and grounds for a proposed $47 million from a local real-estate group.

Reportedly, the plan would allow the church to lease back most of its core buildings for the next 15 years, so congregants would not overtly notice a change in either worship or outreach services provided by the church.

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.

Death toll mounts in wake of Joplin tornado

The death toll from a gigantic tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, has risen to 132, as of today. According to local government officials, the death toll rose by more than 60 between today and yesterday. Still, officials are working around-the-clock to account for those missing.

Fortunately, about 90 people who were originally listed as missing were found alive, heartening rescuers about the ability of finding even more people alive in the wake of the storm. Authorities say they believe many of those who are still missing are believed to be alive and safe, though out of contact with their family and loved ones.

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.

PCUSA vote opens up door to the ordination of gay clergy

In a dramatic 205-56 vote, openly gay people can now be ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA, after a regional decision on May 10. With the support of the Twin Cities region of the denomination, Amendment 10A won the approval of 87 of PCUSA's 173 presbyteries, which amounts to a simple majority.

Previously, in 1997, PCUSA adopted a statute that mandated all Presbyterian clergy "to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman" or to "observe chastity in singleness."

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.

Ex-Nazi death camp guard convicted in Munich courtroom

A 91-year-old retired U.S. automobile worker was convicted on Thursday of being an accessory to the deaths of 28,060 prisoners at the Sobibor death camp, in Poland, for six months in 1943. John Demjanjuk was sentenced to five years in prison, but has been released pending his appeal of the conviction.

Demjanjuk's case was heard in a Munich, Germany courtroom. Demjanjuk was born in the Ukrain and served as a Soviet Army soldier until being captured by the Germans in the Crimea in 1942. Subsequently, he agreed to serve as a "Wachmann," or guard, who was subordinate to German SS men.

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.

Muslim scholars taken off flight to conference

Two Muslim scholars headed to an American Fears of Islam conference were pulled from a flight on Friday, and were later told that the pilot had refused to fly with them aboard.

The men, Masudur Rahman, a professor of Arabic at the University of Memphis, and Mohamed Zaghloul, Imam at the Islamic Association of Greater Memphis, were reportedly asked to deplane Atlantic Southeast Airlines flight 5452 from Memphis to Charlotte. They were subjected to additional security checks after the plane had pushed back from the gate.

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.

Churches lending a hand in the wake of disaster

People are coming together in America's heartland in the wake of killer tornadoes that ravaged several communities only 10 days ago. At the First Baptist Church in Clanton, Alabama, parishioner Gordon Smelley and his "chainsaw gang" of 11 load up in a trailer and simply go out to help people.

Throughout the "Bible Belt," churches are spearheading efforts at community clean-ups and assisting people after more than 300 people were killed.

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.

Gays are openly discriminated upon by Aussie churches

In Australia, churches are permitted to openly discriminate against homosexual, lesbian and transgender people despite the fact these churches receive millions of dollars in state support each year. In addition, gays can even be denied social services and employment opportunities by churches.

In both the United States and Great Britain, there are anti-discrimination laws that disallow such behaviors by organizations which receive money from the government. Reportedly, Anglicare Sydney received more than 55 million Australian dollars.

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.

French Muslim rector: Islam is not a faith of violence

In the wake of the death of international terrorist Osama bin Laden, Muslims consider the world without the notorious figure. According to Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, it was bin Laden who popularized the link between Islam and violence.

France is home to about five million Muslims, the largest Muslim minority in Europe, and Islamic leaders there have issued many denunciations against the violence bin Laden advocated and conducted.

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.

Pope John Paul II beatified at Vatican City

In Vatican City, Pope Benedict XVI has beatified the late Pope John Paul II, as witnessed by about 1.5 million Catholics in St. Peter's Square and the surrounding area on Sunday. Consequently, this moves Pope John Paul one step closer to sainthood during one of the most-attended events in Vatican history.

The landmark crowd erupted in cheers during the proceedings, and the choir at St. Peter's Basilica offered a hymn associated with the first-ever Polish born pope.

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.

Prop 8 sponsors seek to disqualify gay judge hearing case

In San Francisco, California, sponsors of California's gay marriage ban are reportedly seeking to disqualify Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker because he has been in a long-term, same-sex relationship. Meanwhile, experts are reportedly claiming that sexual orientation is an untried judicial disqualification.

However, the authors of Proposition 8 are allegedly claiming that Walker did not disclose his relationship while he presided over the case and has not stated whether or not he has any interest in marrying his partner.

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 background for careers in ministry.

Battling Episcopalians take fight to Virginia courtroom

In Fairfax, Virginia, a long-running dispute between the Episcopal Church and several so-called "breakaway congregations" over homosexuality and Christian doctrine was back in a court on Monday, where real-estate and contract law took center stage.

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.

Important 'Save the Date' for 9/11 survivors, families

The WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program will hold a conference for 9/11 workers and volunteers and their families. Information about health findings, benefits and the Zadroga Act will be presented on Saturday, May 7, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The event will take place at the United Federation of Teachers headquarters in Manhattan, 52 Broadway, New York, NY.

For more information or to register, call 1 (888) 702-0630, or go to wtc exams.

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.

Woman allegedly stabbed for asking smoker not to light up

Treating others as we would treat ourselves is an age-old axiom that bears repeating, especially in light of some of the ways that doesn't happen.

In particular, it was recently reported that a New Jersey woman was stabbed in the face on a New York City subway -- after she asked a man not to smoke on the train. The attack occurred on the No. 3 train near Chambers Street on Tuesday morning. The woman was later treated and released at an areas hospital, while her alleged attacker was charged with felony assault and possession of a weapon.

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 background, for careers in ministry.

King James Bible blows out 400 candles

This year marks the fourth century since the King James Bible was first published in May 1611. Originally printed in English, the Bible continues to have new translations.

KJV has become a cultural touchstone throughout the ages, and has been a force in shaping art, politics, government, and societies around the globe as a whole.

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.

Cambridge prof says he knows when Last Supper happened

Cambridge University Professor Colin Humphreys says he knows when The Last Supper happened.

Did the Last Supper happen the Wednesday before the crucifixion? Well, University of Cambridge Professor Colin Humphreys believes there is a case for introducing a "fixed date" for Easter. Using biblical, astronomical and historical information, Humphreys said he has calculated an exact time Jesus shared this meal with his disciples.

Reportedly, Matthew, Mark and Luke all say the Last Supper took place at the start of Passover. Meanwhile, John reported that the Last Supper took place before Passover. However, the truth of when the Last Supper actually took place may well be found in the calendar being used.

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 background, for careers in ministry.

Tibetan lama makes his home in suburban New Jersey

Geshi Dakpa survived the Chinese invasion of his homeland, Tibet, in 1959.

Photos by Jim Purcell

A Howell Township Tibetan Buddhist temple is the home to Geshi Dakpa, a lama who has survived the Chinese invasion of Lhasa, Tibet, studied Buddhism in India and Thailand, and taught at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dakpa is the spiritual shepherd of more than 300 families now and discusses life, death and loss as he reveals his insights about living a full and happy life. Are there secrets about enlightenment and living life happily? Surprisingly, nothing each of us do not already know.

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.

Benson awards control of $114M to polygamous church members in controversial federal court decision

WARREN JEFFS

In Salt Lake City, Utah, a federal judge has turned control of $114 million in communal assets over to leaders of a polygamous church founded by jailed religious Warren Jeffs. U.S. District Court Judge Dee Benson said that church leaders, and not the state of Utah, should manage the assets being held by the United Effort Plan Trust.

Utah courts previously authorized the seizure of trust money during 2005. The following year, a state judge permitted the trust to be stripped of its religious tenets and opened its class of beneficiaries to former church members. About 6,000 church members then sued in federal court.

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.

Sanctuary at Ebenezer Baptist Church to reopen in Atlanta

In Atlanta, Georgia, the sanctuary where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached, at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, is being re-opened to the public after being closed since 2007.

The sanctuary will be re-opened by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on Friday. The site is managed by the National Park Service and has been designated as a National Historic Site. The Rev. Dr. King, Jr., had co-pastored at the church with his father, beginning in 1960 and concluding with his assassination in 1968.


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 background, for careers in ministry.