New Holy Land violence also flared today as Israeli tanks and troops raided the West bank city of Hebron, killing nine. Only hours before, Israel had accepted American and British proposals to end the month-long siege of Yasser Arafat's compound.
New Bethlehem negotiations were also begun this weekend, but according to most news reports no headway was made and there is no indication when the talks will resume. "So far we have reached no solution," Palestinian legislator Salah Taamari told the Associated Press Sunday. "The easy thing for us to do as negotiators is to withdraw, but since there is a ray of hope we will persevere."
Reuters is reporting that the ray of hope may take shape today. A militant inside the church has told reporters by phone that 15 civilians caught up in the standoff may leave the church today. He also says that the wanted gunmen may agree to exile in order to end the standoff.
Who committed the massacre is unclear. Some observers have accused the Indonesian military, but officials deny the charges. Others say they have "no doubt" that militant Islamic group Laskar Jihad was behind the attack. The group has not taken responsibility.
On Friday, Laskar Jihad rejected February's peace deal that attempted to end the fighting between Muslims and Christians in Maluku, a region known as the Spice Islands during Dutch colonial rule. "From today, we will no longer talk about reconciliation," said Laskar Jihad commander Jafar Umar Thalib at an April 26 rally. Tension began as Muslims at the rally began to march on Christian villages, prompting intervention by armed police.
Judge saves two from death in Nigeria
Last week, a Nigerian court sentenced Christians Lawal Yakubu and Ali Jafara to death under Shari'ah law for converting to Christianity. Their execution was planned for this weekend. But the presiding judge of the Shari'ah court, Alhaji Awal Jabaka, threw out the sentence Friday. The judge ruled that although Islamic texts call for death when Muslims convert, the Zamfara State Shari'ah penal code has no provision for such offenses and thus no power to pass such a sentence. There has been no report on what will now happen to the two Christians.
500 protest Falun Gong persecution by Beijing | Participants in Boston march gather serenely against the wind and chilling rain, meditating for the victims of the Chinese government. (The Boston Globe)
Minister joins Gujarat peace march | A peace march has taken place amid tight security in the western Indian state of Gujarat, where more than 800 people have been killed in communal violence. (BBC)
At a Largely Gay Church, a Test of Faith | Being gay and practicing Catholicism is never an easy proposition. But in these days of scandal, it is especially hard. (The New York Times)
Cardinal describes meeting in Rome | In his first public appearance since his return to Boston, Bernard Cardinal Law painted an optimistic picture of last week's meeting of U.S. cardinals at the Vatican. (Boston Herald)
Hyde presses church to report abuse | A prominent Roman Catholic congressman says the church must send police all accusations of sex abuse of minors by priests, something that is not official policy. (The Washington Times)
Post-Enron, spirituality gains | A concentrations on religion in the workplace may be a positive outcome of the Enron scandal. (The Christian Science Monitor)