Vatican Shuns Amnesty International
Jun 14, 2007 The Vatican is urging Catholics not to donate to Amnesty International because, it says, the group selectively promotes abortion. The human rights organization says the church has misrepresented its policy and, in the process, imperiled human rights. The World Health Organization estimates that 70,000 women die every year from unsafe abortions.Church: 0, Sex Toys: 1
Jun 1, 2007 Faced with the daunting, fork-in-the-road-of-life dilemma of whether to choose her Catholic church affiliation over her job of selling sex toys (that classic conundrum), Wisconsin churchgoer Linette Servais told her incensed priest that she would relinquish her position as the congregation's, um, organist in favor of keeping her toy-peddling gig.Northern Ireland Chooses Peace
May 8, 2007 The heads of Northern Ireland's main Protestant and Catholic political parties have joined together in an historic power-sharing government. Ian Paisley, leader of an anti-Catholic church, and Martin McGuinness, formerly of the IRA, will lead the new government. Both men have spent time in prison for their extremist roles in the conflict.Vatican Condemns Border Policy
Nov 15, 2006 Days after California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed concerns over the proposed (but unfunded) 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, a high-ranking representative of the pope called the measure part of an "inhuman program."
Catholic Church Still Out of Touch
Nov 15, 2006 The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has voted overwhelmingly to back the Vatican's stand against gay sex, marriage and adoption. The group also renewed its opposition to contraception, though only 4 percent of Catholic Americans abide by the ban.
Ruler-Wielding Catholic Threatens Colbert
Jul 26, 2006 William Donohue, executive director of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, began his appearance on "The Colbert Report" on Tuesday by swiping at the host with a ruler. After Colbert confiscated the ruler, Donohue went on to hit a home run for tolerance by challenging the nativity of Native Americans and the motives of Hollywood Jews.Religious Leaders Band Together Against Gay Marriage
Apr 24, 2006 About 50 prominent religious leaders--including Catholic cardinals and archbishops -- have signed a petition in support of a constitutional amendment blocking same-sex marriages.Shocker: Study Shrugs Off Prayer’s Power to Heal
Mar 31, 2006 A nationwide study finds that having strangers pray for heart patients does not help their health. In fact, the prayed-for are actually more likely to suffer complications.
Now They Have John Paul Performing Miracles From the Grave
Mar 14, 2006 A French nun inflicted with Parkinson's disease is suddenly cured--after fellow nuns pray to the dead pope. The Associated Press ran this story without a hint of irony or skepticism. Check out Truthdig's Sam Harris for a little perspective.
