Faithful Can Now 'Tweet' Prayers to Western Wall

"People of all faiths can now 'tweet' their prayers via Twitter to the Western Wall, one of Judaism's most sacred sites."

Survey: What Muslims Detest Most About the West

"Surveys of the world's Muslims find that most Muslims support democracy and freedom. Indeed, many Muslims complain that they are ruled by Western-supported secular despots who deny people their right to self-government. Most Muslims also support scientific advancements and seek more prosperity through free markets and global trade. However one reads the Qur'an or the historical record of Islam, no one familiar with this data can call contemporary Muslims enemies of modernity. At the same time, there are some anomalies. Esposito and Mogahed's analysis shows that Muslims fear that "Islam is under attack" and that the West is leading that attack. In addition, while most Muslims don't support theocracy, they do want religion to have an important role in shaping their private and public lives. Even Shari'ah, with its draconian provisions against theft and adultery, enjoys wide support among Muslims, at least in the domestic sphere."

Restructuring, Not Schism, Ahead for Anglicans

"The head of the Anglican Communion said Monday that restructuring the world's third-largest Christian denomination appears inevitable in the face of irreconcilable differences on sexuality and the Bible."

Spiritual Outlook Can Affect Mental Health in Breast Cancer

"Among breast cancer patients, a positive religious attitude is not linked to measures of well-being, but a negative religious or spiritual outlook can lead to worse emotional and mental health, a recent study suggests."

Barna on Casual Christians and the Future of America

"In a wide-ranging discussion about the state of faith in America, veteran researcher George Barna recently addressed questions raised by his new book, The Seven Faith Tribes: Who They Are, What They Believe, and Why They Matter. In that book, Barna outlines seven diverse faith segments, profiling their lifestyles, religious beliefs and practices, values and life goals. The seven tribes include Casual Christians, Captive Christians, Mormons, Jews, Pantheists, Muslims and Skeptics."

JISC Helps to Bring Key Islamic Resources Online

"Two of the oldest known copies of the Qur’an will be available to researchers and scholars across the world today (8 July 2009) – as part of a major project to digitise one of the richest collections of Eastern manuscripts. The two Qur'ans, one of which may date from the 7th century A.D, are part of the priceless Mingana Collection, which is housed by the University of Birmingham."

This is actual site of the Virtual Manuscript Room where the Qur'ans are found online.

Obama's 10 Most Important Faith Leaders

"Even before Barack Obama was elected president, religious figures loomed large in his political career. . .In an administration that keeps in touch with hundreds of faith leaders, here are the 10 most important."