# Religion

Buddhist Leader Promotes Secular Ethics as MIT Opens the Dalai Lama Center

On the campus of the country's premier scientific university, the world's best-known Buddhist leader Thursday called on educators to teach ethics and compassion without a basis in religious belief.

# Religion

Church Invites People to Take From Collection Plate (Video)

Earlier this year the pastor of Crossed Timbers church in Dallas told members to take money from the collection plate if they needed it, even though church giving was down. That day they had the largest collection ever.

# Religion

Church Hands Out Faith Stimulus to Parishioners

On a recent Sunday, members of Bay Community Church each were given envelopes stuffed with cash. Inside was $20, $40 or $100. hurch members were told to spend it helping others, a novel approach to religious outreach during tough economic times.

# Religion

Muslims in America: A New Day Under Obama

Because the notion of Muslims as scary "others" was so pervasive in some areas of America, I had hoped the election of Barack Obama might make a difference. It has.

# Religion

Friars Trudge 300 Miles and Find Kindred Souls on the Way

Six Franciscan friars reached Washington, DC, on Tuesday, having walked 300 miles with only their brown robes, sandals and a belief in the kindness of strangers to feed and shelter them.

# Religion

Mission for LA Priest: Saving Flock from Foreclosure

A Roman Catholic parish in California has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation -- one in nine homes is in default. Now, a priest, Rev. John Lasseigne, has made it his sacred mission to negotiate with banks and lenders on behalf of his flock.

# Religion

Prayers, Hymn Helped Man Survive on Ice Floe After Boat Sank

A 66-year-old fisherman who survived two nights in frigid temperatures on a pan of ice off northern Newfoundland said he repeatedly sang a church hymn, while hoping crews would find him.

# Religion

Imam Urges Muslims to Sign Organ Donor Cards

With Ramadan ending in the coming days, Imam Habeeb Alli is making a special point of what he calls the greatest act of charity a Muslim can make during this holy month – signing an organ donor card. Alli says his group drew on the writings of several top Muslim thinkers to show that the vast majority support organ donation.