Muslims, Jews and Christians are gathering in Switzerland to discover how to “build an interfaith community”. The one-month seminar at Bossey has been organised by the World Council of Churches.
The life of Shambo, the sacred bullock at the Skanda Vale temple in Carmarthenshire that has tested positive for TB, remains in the balance despite a High Court hearing, as the decision is likely to be appealed. “Hindus believe all life is sacred, so the monks cannot allow any animal to be killed unless it is proven there is a danger to other life,” said Anil Bhanot, the general secretary of the Hindu Council UK. “The TB test doesn’t prove this. If Shambo does have to be slaughtered, we will take solace in the doctrine of nonattachment, where the atma, soul, never dies.”
Muslims may marry legally via internet web cameras, according to a theologian from India. “The internet assumes the role of a lawyer in such cases and is, therefore, competent to formally supervise the ijaab [offer of marriage] and qabool [acceptance] made by the bride and bridegroom,” said Khalid Safiullah Rehmani, an imam from Uttar Pradesh.
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An encyclopaedia honouring Jewish women has been published in Jerusalem. The Comprehensive Historical Encyclopaedia of Jewish Women also discusses women’s status in Judaism in relation to fertility and marriage.
Prostitutes in Kenya are adopting Muslim garb to avoid arrest. “I know I am sinning but I’m forced to because I’m looking for my livelihood,” said one sporting the floor-length bulbui gown and head covering. A spokesperson for the Kenyan Council of Imams urged prostitutes to “stick to their disgraceful attire”.
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A Bible-based guide to managing money has been published by the Association of Christian Financial Advisers. “Perhaps surprisingly, the Bible talks even more about money than either faith or prayer,” said a spokesman.