Latest news with #ReligiousLeaders
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Eritrea: Nakfa Sub-Zone Declares Free of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
As a result of a rigorous awareness campaign to eradicate harmful practices, Nakfa sub-zone has officially declared itself free of female genital mutilation (FGM). At the declaration event, Mr. Yakob Idris, administrator of the sub-zone, stated that the achievement is the result of the active and conscious participation of the public, government institutions, and national associations. He emphasized that maintaining this status is a shared responsibility. Religious leaders, noting that FGM has no connection to religious teachings, commended the initiative and called for integrated efforts and participation to ensure its sustainability. Mr. Rezene Feseha, chairman of the committee for the rights of children and women, said the declaration in Nakfa sub-zone reflects the coordinated efforts conducted at the regional level and called for continued active involvement by all. The event featured cultural and artistic performances to mark the occasion. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
BBC News
15-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Jetty plan to allow ashes scattering in Manchester River Mersey
Religious leaders have applied to build a jetty so Hindu and Sikh mourners can scatter the ashes of loved ones in the River hope to build a three-storey concrete structure underneath the M60 motorway bridge in Northenden, Manchester, to allow access to the is traditional in both religions for bodies to be cremated and their ashes scattered into flowing water.A planning application has been lodged by the Gita Bhawan Hindu Temple with Manchester City Council, with local residents asked for their views before 24 July. Temple officials estimate that up to 500 families in Greater Manchester currently "have to travel to sea shores or other places to scatter ashes in undesignated places". The planning application states that "currently, there is no such facility available in whole of Greater Manchester".It added that the river area "has the sanctity and dignity to perform this last rite safely and peacefully" and that the law "permits scattering of ashes in inland rivers".The river has recently experienced high levels after flooding but the planning applicants have said the jetty has been designed "to allow the flow of water through and around it". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Asharq Al-Awsat
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Dalai Lama Says he Will Have Successor after his Death
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said Wednesday that the 600-year-old institution will continue after his death, a decision that will have profound impact on his Buddhist followers. It is a landmark decision not only for Tibetans, but also for global supporters who see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of non-violence, compassion and the enduring struggle for Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule. According to Tibetans, he is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, and his statement was released ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6. He said he had received multiple appeals over the past 14 years from Tibetan diaspora in exile, Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China, "earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue". "In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal," he said in a video broadcast at the start of a meeting of religious leaders in the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades. "In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he added, according to an official translation. AFP said that he and thousands of other Tibetans have lived in exile in India since Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959. His advanced age has also sparked concern over the future of Tibetan leadership and the delicate question of his succession. While China condemns him as a rebel and separatist, the internationally recognized Dalai Lama describes himself as a "simple Buddhist monk". Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name a successor to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950. But the Dalai Lama said Wednesday that responsibility for identifying the 15th Dalai Lama "will rest exclusively" with the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust, the office of the Dalai Lama. "I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," he added.
Washington Post
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Faith leaders, Democratic senators protest Trump tax bill
Politics Faith leaders, Democratic senators protest Trump tax bill June 10, 2025 | 10:56 PM GMT Religious leaders, joined by several Democratic senators, held a rally at the U.S. Capitol on June 10 to demonstrate against President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill. Republicans can only afford lose three votes in the Senate to pass it.
Associated Press
29-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Former Congolese leader Kabila meets with religious leaders in rebel-controlled city
GOMA, Congo (AP) — Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila, who is accused by the government of supporting Rwanda-backed rebels in the country's conflict-battered east, on Thursday met with top religious leaders in the rebel-controlled city of Goma. During the meeting — his first public engagement since Congolese authorities lifted his immunity amid a treason probe - Kabila expressed his desire to help achieve peace in the troubled region, according to one of the religious leaders. 'The former president called us to express his wish to see peace return,' Joel Amurani, senior bishop and president of the Religious Denominations Platform, said after the meeting. 'We told him to play the role of referee. For 18 years, he has worked for the unity of this country, and he still possesses this talent to contribute to the return of peace,' Amurani added. Kabila, who led Congo from 2001 to 2019, is accused by the government of supporting the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels that have seized two major cities in the country's east. He had been in self-imposed exile since 2023 until April when he arrived in the key city of Goma in the east. Among his alleged crimes include 'treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity and participation in an insurrectional movement' in the country's east, Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has said. The Congolese government has not spoken publicly about any plans to charge Kabila for the alleged crimes. However, the senate last week voted to grant the government's request and lift his lifetime immunity because of his honorific title as senator for life. Congolese political analyst Hubert Masomeko described the current political situation as a 'dangerous standoff' between the Congolese government and Kabila. 'Kabila's arrival in Goma is a political counteroffensive in retaliation for the measures taken by Kinshasa,' Masomeko added.
