News items for 2007-January

2007-JAN-01: Special days during January (US and international):

* Sources differ on the exact date.

2007-JAN-04: Congress: Progress made in religious and gender acceptance: At the swearing-in of the 110th Congress, two major milestones were achieved. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) became the first woman to be elected speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Keith Ellison (D-MN), became the first Muslim member of the House. Ellison's informal swearing in ceremony -- which followed the official ceremony -- was seriously criticized by conservatives intolerant with his religion. More info.

2007-JAN-21: World: Anabaptist anniversary: This day is the 482nd anniversary of the birth of Anabaptism. Originally called "Re-baptizers" they broke with other forms of Christianity and baptized members as adults.

2007-JAN-21: India: Mass meeting for Hindu festival: The pilgrimage of Maha Kumbh Mela, the Great Um Festival, is being held in the sacred city of Allahabad in India. About 50 to 100 million people are expected to attend.

2007-JAN-23: US: Call for peace in Israel and Palestine: According to www.overcomingviolence.org: "Christian leaders of American churches and Christian institutions from a range of traditions – Orthodox, Catholic, mainstream and evangelical Protestants – have appealed to President Bush for peace in the Holy Land. The January 23rd letter, signed by 39 church leaders, encourages President Bush to make Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking, in the context of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace initiative, an urgent priority for his Administration. The letter states a deepening concern for the welfare and future of the Palestinian Christian community. It also calls attention to the very grave situation of Jerusalem." ₁