MALAY MUSLIM LOSES APPEAL TO BE CHRISTIAN:
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s top secular court yesterday rejected a Muslim convert’s appeal to the recognised as a Christian, in a landmark case that tested the limits of religious freedom in the moderate Islamic country.
Judges in the Federal Court ruled by a 2-1 majority that only a sharia court has the power to allow Azlina Jailani, who changed her name to Lina Joy after becoming a Christian, to remove the word “Islam”from the religion category on her government identity card.
Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim said the panal endorsed legal judgements stating that the sharia court-not the civil legal system-has the jurisdiction to hear cases of Muslims who want to renounce Islam.
“This appeal is rejected,” he said, “Apostasy is a matter linked to Islamic laws.
It’s under the jurisdiction of the sharia court. lCivil courts cannot interfere.”
Activists have warned that a ruling against Ms Joy could strengthen non-Muslim fears that they are being discriminated against in Muslim - majority Malaysia, which has substantial Christian, Buddist, and Hindu minorities.
However, conservative Muslims would have considered a ruling for here as an erosion of Islamic values.
Ms Joy was not at the hearing yesterday.
Judge Richard Malanjum was the only one on the panel who sided with her, saying it was “unreasonable,” to ask her to turn to a sharia corut because she could face criminal prosecution there. Apostasy is punishable by fines and jail sentences. Offenders are often sent to rehabilitation.
Ms Joy’s case is the most prominent in a recent series of religious desputes, some involving custody of children born to parents of different faiths, and one involving a deceased Hindu man who converted to Islam without his family’s knowledge and whom Islamic authorities had buried as a Muslim.
The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens, suggesting it is a secular state. But sharia courts have not allowed Muslims, who comprise nearly 60 per cent of the country’s 26 million people, to leave their religion.
Personal and family rights of Malaysian Muslims are decided by sharia court. Civil courts govern such matters for minority religions.
Ms Joy, 42, argued she should not be bound by sharia laws because she was no long a Muslim. The began going to a Christian Church in 1990 and was baptised eight years later. She applied to change her name on her identity card and the National Registration Department obliged but refused to drop ‘Islam” from the religious column.
In May 2000, Ms Joy went to the High Court, which told her she should take it up with the sharia courts. She challenged the decision in the Court of Appeal but lost and took it to the Federal Court in 2005.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
ANOTHER BLACK FRIDAY FOR THE COPTIC CHRISTIANS OF EGYPT
ANOTHER BLACK FRIDAY FOR THE COPTIC CHRISTIANS OF EGYPT
For the past 35 years the Coptic Christians of Egypt have been targeted by a wave of brutal attacks on their persons, churches, homes and businesses. Over one hundred and twenty major attacks have been documented on the Copts during this period. It is estimated that over 4000 Copts have been killed or injured during this period, not to mention the material losses running into tens of millions of dollars.
Many of the documented attacks took place after Muslim Friday prayers in mosques. The vast majority of these attacks were not committed by organized terrorist groups, but by 'ordinary' people from the neighbourhood, under the influence of hate propaganda emitted through the media, the education system and mosque preaching. The Egyptian justice system has yet to adequately punish a single Muslim perpetrator.
The latest attack on Friday May 11, 2007 in Bamha, 15 miles south of Cairo, was a result of a rumour circulated among the Muslims that the Copts of the village were planning to convert a house, which they used (with the authorities' knowledge) for prayers, into a church. The Muslim worshippers were incited by the Imam of the mosque and a few other fanatics to rise and defend Islam against the 'Christian infidels.' A Muslim mob estimated in excess of 500, went on a rampage using fireballs, knives and hatchets that in burning 27 homes and shops owned by Copts. At least 10 Copts including several women, were injured; one of the victims is in a serious condition.
The developments that followed were even more serious. The frightened Copts were expecting the authorities to ensure their safety, security and justice, but what took place simply added insult to injury. The authorities conducted a meeting of "reconciliation" between the victim Copts and the aggressors, where an imposed settlement virtually stripped the Copts of all rights. Under the terms of the settlement, Muslims were not bound to pay for damages nor assume any criminal responsibility; and the house which was the centre of the dispute could be used only for Sunday school classes and the cross cannot be displayed on the building.
Once again, the Egyptian Government has foregone its duty to prosecture lawbreakers and guarantee the safety of its citizens. Once again, the Copts have been denied basic justice and the fundamental right to pray in peace without being harassed. The reprehensible failure of Egypt to guarantee religious freedom, justice and accountability towards the Copts simply amounts to an invitation to continue the same against them in the future.
Source: Christian Newswire
For the past 35 years the Coptic Christians of Egypt have been targeted by a wave of brutal attacks on their persons, churches, homes and businesses. Over one hundred and twenty major attacks have been documented on the Copts during this period. It is estimated that over 4000 Copts have been killed or injured during this period, not to mention the material losses running into tens of millions of dollars.
Many of the documented attacks took place after Muslim Friday prayers in mosques. The vast majority of these attacks were not committed by organized terrorist groups, but by 'ordinary' people from the neighbourhood, under the influence of hate propaganda emitted through the media, the education system and mosque preaching. The Egyptian justice system has yet to adequately punish a single Muslim perpetrator.
The latest attack on Friday May 11, 2007 in Bamha, 15 miles south of Cairo, was a result of a rumour circulated among the Muslims that the Copts of the village were planning to convert a house, which they used (with the authorities' knowledge) for prayers, into a church. The Muslim worshippers were incited by the Imam of the mosque and a few other fanatics to rise and defend Islam against the 'Christian infidels.' A Muslim mob estimated in excess of 500, went on a rampage using fireballs, knives and hatchets that in burning 27 homes and shops owned by Copts. At least 10 Copts including several women, were injured; one of the victims is in a serious condition.
The developments that followed were even more serious. The frightened Copts were expecting the authorities to ensure their safety, security and justice, but what took place simply added insult to injury. The authorities conducted a meeting of "reconciliation" between the victim Copts and the aggressors, where an imposed settlement virtually stripped the Copts of all rights. Under the terms of the settlement, Muslims were not bound to pay for damages nor assume any criminal responsibility; and the house which was the centre of the dispute could be used only for Sunday school classes and the cross cannot be displayed on the building.
Once again, the Egyptian Government has foregone its duty to prosecture lawbreakers and guarantee the safety of its citizens. Once again, the Copts have been denied basic justice and the fundamental right to pray in peace without being harassed. The reprehensible failure of Egypt to guarantee religious freedom, justice and accountability towards the Copts simply amounts to an invitation to continue the same against them in the future.
Source: Christian Newswire
Saturday, May 26, 2007
The Crocodile Hunter
The Crocodile Hunter
The incredible life and adventures of Steve and Terri Irwin:
IF ADVENTURE HAS A NAME, IT MUST BE STEVE IRWIN!
See Steve as a young lad rescue crocs with his dad!
Thrill too his camping out in the bush, cataloguing new species never before known to man, while avoiding death and dismemberment at every turn!
Revel in his tales of the deadliest animals he has ever encountered in his worldwide travels!
CRIKEY, THAT’S DANGEROUS!
You’ve been on the edge of your seat, watching Steve Irwine on The Crocodile Hunter. Now read about the life and passion of the world’s most famous and instantly recognizable croc hunter, and join him on his exploits.
For Steve and Terr Irwin, confronting aggressive sisteen-foot gators, hissing deadly snakes, charing rhinos, venomous spiders, huge lizards, and wild reptiles in their own habitats is a part of daily life. Steve’s love for animals began as an early age, when his parents created an animal refuge - instilling in him a respect for Australia’s native wildlife, and some of the most dangerous creatures on Earth.
Now, writing with his wife and soul mate, Terri Irwin, Steve provides intimate insights into their private life away from the camera’s. Learn how they first met, how they successfully translated a shared love of animals into a world wide message of conservation, and how they built one of the largest private refuges in Australia.
Experience a day in the life of The Crocodile Hunter. Come on in - the water’s fine!
Steve Irwin is the host of the smash hit Animal Planet show The Crocodile Hunter and , along with his wife Terri, runs one of the largest private animals refuges in Australia. This is his first book.
The incredible life and adventures of Steve and Terri Irwin:
IF ADVENTURE HAS A NAME, IT MUST BE STEVE IRWIN!
See Steve as a young lad rescue crocs with his dad!
Thrill too his camping out in the bush, cataloguing new species never before known to man, while avoiding death and dismemberment at every turn!
Revel in his tales of the deadliest animals he has ever encountered in his worldwide travels!
CRIKEY, THAT’S DANGEROUS!
You’ve been on the edge of your seat, watching Steve Irwine on The Crocodile Hunter. Now read about the life and passion of the world’s most famous and instantly recognizable croc hunter, and join him on his exploits.
For Steve and Terr Irwin, confronting aggressive sisteen-foot gators, hissing deadly snakes, charing rhinos, venomous spiders, huge lizards, and wild reptiles in their own habitats is a part of daily life. Steve’s love for animals began as an early age, when his parents created an animal refuge - instilling in him a respect for Australia’s native wildlife, and some of the most dangerous creatures on Earth.
Now, writing with his wife and soul mate, Terri Irwin, Steve provides intimate insights into their private life away from the camera’s. Learn how they first met, how they successfully translated a shared love of animals into a world wide message of conservation, and how they built one of the largest private refuges in Australia.
Experience a day in the life of The Crocodile Hunter. Come on in - the water’s fine!
Steve Irwin is the host of the smash hit Animal Planet show The Crocodile Hunter and , along with his wife Terri, runs one of the largest private animals refuges in Australia. This is his first book.
Friday, May 25, 2007
BLOOD BROTHERS
BLOOD BROTHERS Elias Chacour
Is it possible to live at peace in the midst of conflict?
As a child, Elias Chacour lived in a small Palestinian Village in Galilee. The townspeople were proud of their ancient Christian heritage and lived at peace with their jewish neighbors. But in 1948 and ‘49 their idyllic lifestyle was swept away as tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed and nearly one million were forced into refugee camps.
An exile in his native land, Elias began a years-long struggle with his love for the Jewish people and the world’s misunderstanding of his own people, the Palestinians. How was he to respond? He found his answer in the simple, haunting words of the Man of Galilee: “Blessed are the peacemakers”.
In Blood Brothers Chacour blends his riveting life story with historical research to reveal a little-known side of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the birth of modern Israel. He touches on controversial questions such as:
>
What was behind the scenes politics touched off the turmoil in the Middle East?
What does Bible prophecy really have to say?
Can bitter enemies ever be reconciled?
In a world of tension and terror, this book offers hope and insight that can help each of us learn to live at peace.
My thoughts:
Reading this was an eye opener to what really happened, and changed my whole outlook very much, and more to reconciliation between the Palestinians and Israelians.
Is it possible to live at peace in the midst of conflict?
As a child, Elias Chacour lived in a small Palestinian Village in Galilee. The townspeople were proud of their ancient Christian heritage and lived at peace with their jewish neighbors. But in 1948 and ‘49 their idyllic lifestyle was swept away as tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed and nearly one million were forced into refugee camps.
An exile in his native land, Elias began a years-long struggle with his love for the Jewish people and the world’s misunderstanding of his own people, the Palestinians. How was he to respond? He found his answer in the simple, haunting words of the Man of Galilee: “Blessed are the peacemakers”.
In Blood Brothers Chacour blends his riveting life story with historical research to reveal a little-known side of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the birth of modern Israel. He touches on controversial questions such as:
>
What was behind the scenes politics touched off the turmoil in the Middle East?
What does Bible prophecy really have to say?
Can bitter enemies ever be reconciled?
In a world of tension and terror, this book offers hope and insight that can help each of us learn to live at peace.
My thoughts:
Reading this was an eye opener to what really happened, and changed my whole outlook very much, and more to reconciliation between the Palestinians and Israelians.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Monkey dead from bubonic plague in Denver
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2137283520070522?feedType=RSS&rpc=22Tue May 22, 2007 4:49AM EDTDENVER (Reuters) - A Denver Zoo monkey has died of bubonic plague, apparently after eating a squirrel stricken with the disease, Colorado health and zoo officials said on Monday.Five squirrels and a rabbit found dead on zoo grounds tested positive for the flea-borne disease in recent weeks, Denver Zoo spokeswoman Ana Bowie said.Zookeepers on May 15 noticed the 8-year-old hooded capuchin monkey was lethargic, and the next day it was found dead in its enclosure. Zoo veterinarians sent tissue samples to a state laboratory where it was determined the animal died of the plague. The death was announced on Monday.Zoo veterinarian Dave Kenny said that the risk of plague spreading to humans was extremely low but that visitors were being urged to avoid squirrels and rabbits."There are species in the zoo collection, especially monkeys, that could be susceptible to the plague," said John Pape, an epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.Bowie said none of the 17 other capuchin monkeys in the exhibit -- or any other animals at the zoo -- have shown plague symptoms. But as a precaution, all the capuchin monkeys have been moved to an inside enclosure and are being treated with a regimen of antibiotics, she said.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
My Baby
This post was modified from its original form on 14 May, 9:47 8via the web
Monday, 10:00 AM
I was in my car on the way to arrange for an abortion quite some time ago due to the circumstances I was facing at the time. I was desperate and knew I could not deal with another child at that time in my life.
I am pleased to say I did not leave my driveway and she is now 15! And a wonderul blessing even with all the troubles I faced at that time in my life. I am so glad my God is much more faithful than I am.
Thread Subject: "A HISTORY OF BABY MALACHI' WHAT AN ABORTION IS ALL ABOUT! WARNING GRAPHIC PICTURE!
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"A HISTORY OF BABY MALACHI' WHAT AN ABORTION IS ALL ABOUT! WARNING GRAPHIC PICTURE! Monday, 8:07 AM
Baby Malachi, A History
-- New York Lambs of Christ
This little baby boy was found frozen in a jar with three other little children at an abortion mill in Dallas, Texas, in February 1993. We were stunned when we found him. There were jars upon jars of frozen children in that abortion mill. Rhonda Mackey, our executive secretary, brought this one jar out and asked me what we should do with it. I had no idea, but I instinctively knew we could not leave it there. We brought the jar to Dr. McCarty, a wonderful ObGyn in Dallas, who put the pieces of this baby and the others back together.
The entire process was put on video as Dr. McCarty, and all who were present, wept at the reconstruction of these precious children. The life that was once there was now gone forever. It became apparent to all of us that God had given us these children, one in particular, to show to the entire world the horror of abortion. One picture can speak louder than a truckload of words.p>We prayed, and asked God to allow this little boy to speak to our nation. We remembered the scripture in Hebrews 11:4: "...he still speaks, even though he is dead." It was upon a very specific revelation from our Lord that we had the picture of one baby blown up to poster size. Rhonda asked me if she might have the privilege of naming this little baby boy. She prayed, and God gave her the name that this child would become known by all over the world - Malachi!
This name strikes terror in the hearts of those who kill children, for they know that this child, more than anything else, reveals the incredible horror of what abortion really is.
Yes, he has done that and so much more! Though he is dead, yet he still speaks! Thousands upon thousands of children have been saved because of his precious little life. It lasted only 21 weeks, yet fathers are now joining the battle to defend the defenseless.
We buried Malachi at the Cemetery of the Innocents in Dallas, Texas, inthe summer of 1993. The funeral was held at the mammoth front portico of the Dallas City Hall. Hundreds gathered to pay their last respects to Malachi. We loved him deeply though we knew him not. When those in City Hall realized that we were having a funeral for a real child they demanded that the Dallas Police put a stop to the whole funeral. Captain Kowalski, the head of SWAT in Dallas, told his superiors that he would in no way violate this funeral. This man, who had arrested us on several occasions, now joined with us in honoring the life of this one small (so very small) child. He stood for Jesus. HE STOOD!
When he relayed to me that he would not interfere with the memorial service, nor would he allow anyone else to interfere, I wept. I wept because I knew that Captain Kowalski was now taking his stand and all his officers knew it - all City Hall knew it! I wept because I knew that Malachi was beginning his missionary journey and that he was already fulfilling the purpose, for his sort life.
Listen to these words, you mothers and fathers who have aborted your children. Listen to these words you, who have failed so miserably and found there is no way to undo the wrong you have done. Hear the word God and your child are speaking to you: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20.
If you know the mother and father of Baby Malachi, would you please tell them that God is using him powerfully to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves? Will you please let them know, that though they intended him harm, God is using it for good? Will you please tell them that God loves them and that the guilt that has driven them so far from Him can be overcome in one divine moment? Please let them know that it is time to come home to Jesus.
Malachi means My Messenger. Malachi's message is that the killing of innocent babies must stop!
Click here to see the image of Baby Malachi.
Priests for LifePO Box 141172Staten Island, NY 10314Tel. 888-PFL-3448, (718) 980-4400Fax 718-980-6515Email mail@priestsforlife.org
Subscribe to Fr. Frank's bi-weekly prolife column (free): subscribe@priestsforlife.org
Click here to See What Abortion Looks Like!
Monday, 10:00 AM
I was in my car on the way to arrange for an abortion quite some time ago due to the circumstances I was facing at the time. I was desperate and knew I could not deal with another child at that time in my life.
I am pleased to say I did not leave my driveway and she is now 15! And a wonderul blessing even with all the troubles I faced at that time in my life. I am so glad my God is much more faithful than I am.
Thread Subject: "A HISTORY OF BABY MALACHI' WHAT AN ABORTION IS ALL ABOUT! WARNING GRAPHIC PICTURE!
.
"A HISTORY OF BABY MALACHI' WHAT AN ABORTION IS ALL ABOUT! WARNING GRAPHIC PICTURE! Monday, 8:07 AM
Baby Malachi, A History
-- New York Lambs of Christ
This little baby boy was found frozen in a jar with three other little children at an abortion mill in Dallas, Texas, in February 1993. We were stunned when we found him. There were jars upon jars of frozen children in that abortion mill. Rhonda Mackey, our executive secretary, brought this one jar out and asked me what we should do with it. I had no idea, but I instinctively knew we could not leave it there. We brought the jar to Dr. McCarty, a wonderful ObGyn in Dallas, who put the pieces of this baby and the others back together.
The entire process was put on video as Dr. McCarty, and all who were present, wept at the reconstruction of these precious children. The life that was once there was now gone forever. It became apparent to all of us that God had given us these children, one in particular, to show to the entire world the horror of abortion. One picture can speak louder than a truckload of words.p>We prayed, and asked God to allow this little boy to speak to our nation. We remembered the scripture in Hebrews 11:4: "...he still speaks, even though he is dead." It was upon a very specific revelation from our Lord that we had the picture of one baby blown up to poster size. Rhonda asked me if she might have the privilege of naming this little baby boy. She prayed, and God gave her the name that this child would become known by all over the world - Malachi!
This name strikes terror in the hearts of those who kill children, for they know that this child, more than anything else, reveals the incredible horror of what abortion really is.
Yes, he has done that and so much more! Though he is dead, yet he still speaks! Thousands upon thousands of children have been saved because of his precious little life. It lasted only 21 weeks, yet fathers are now joining the battle to defend the defenseless.
We buried Malachi at the Cemetery of the Innocents in Dallas, Texas, inthe summer of 1993. The funeral was held at the mammoth front portico of the Dallas City Hall. Hundreds gathered to pay their last respects to Malachi. We loved him deeply though we knew him not. When those in City Hall realized that we were having a funeral for a real child they demanded that the Dallas Police put a stop to the whole funeral. Captain Kowalski, the head of SWAT in Dallas, told his superiors that he would in no way violate this funeral. This man, who had arrested us on several occasions, now joined with us in honoring the life of this one small (so very small) child. He stood for Jesus. HE STOOD!
When he relayed to me that he would not interfere with the memorial service, nor would he allow anyone else to interfere, I wept. I wept because I knew that Captain Kowalski was now taking his stand and all his officers knew it - all City Hall knew it! I wept because I knew that Malachi was beginning his missionary journey and that he was already fulfilling the purpose, for his sort life.
Listen to these words, you mothers and fathers who have aborted your children. Listen to these words you, who have failed so miserably and found there is no way to undo the wrong you have done. Hear the word God and your child are speaking to you: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20.
If you know the mother and father of Baby Malachi, would you please tell them that God is using him powerfully to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves? Will you please let them know, that though they intended him harm, God is using it for good? Will you please tell them that God loves them and that the guilt that has driven them so far from Him can be overcome in one divine moment? Please let them know that it is time to come home to Jesus.
Malachi means My Messenger. Malachi's message is that the killing of innocent babies must stop!
Click here to see the image of Baby Malachi.
Priests for LifePO Box 141172Staten Island, NY 10314Tel. 888-PFL-3448, (718) 980-4400Fax 718-980-6515Email mail@priestsforlife.org
Subscribe to Fr. Frank's bi-weekly prolife column (free): subscribe@priestsforlife.org
Click here to See What Abortion Looks Like!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
What can I talk about?
Well, since this is my first ever blog, whatchamacallit thing. So bear with me this is all new to me.
At home I share my place with 2 cats and a dog, the dog is my slave but I am a slave to my 2 cats.
My brother share the place too, but he is only friendly with the dog and the feline female called Princess.
Poor old Ginger Meggs he treats like dirt, so I try to make up for it. Have a hard time of it with stray cats around.
Every time I encourage one, my brother discourages them so they get a real mixed message, which I am not happy about.
I battle with Bi Polar Disorder, depression and anxiety too. Have Hypothyroidism and a touch of arthritis plus back and neck injuries from car accidents years ago.
Have three brother 's alive now, one is deceased, and a twin sister to me that is. Two of my brothers married and have children and grandchildren, my twin sister married also and has 4 children and 2 granddaughters.
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