Muslim cleric gets Russian Orthodox Church award

Muslim cleric gets Russian Orthodox Church award
15:05 | 13/ 10/ 2008
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081013/117702391.html

MOSCOW, October 13 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's chief mufti has become the first
Muslim cleric to receive an Orthodox award, an Orthodox Church leader said
on Monday.

"The head of the Central Muslim Board of Russia, Talgat Tadzhuddin, has been
awarded a Russian Orthodox Church order for 'promoting interfaith peace and
accord," Archbishop Nikon told a conference titled 'Islam and the state.'

"The Russian Church expresses its gratefulness to Mufti Tadzhuddin for
training Muslim leaders who contribute to interfaith cooperation by their
activities," the archbishop said, reading out a congratulatory message from
the Moscow Patriarchy.

Tadzhuddin, who has held his post since Soviet times, has been loyal to the
Kremlin, condemning separatist fighters and extremists. The mufti has
however been in the headlines in recent years for his remarks about plans
for gay pride parades in Moscow.

The cleric is expected to receive the order of St. Prince Daniel of Moscow -
famous for policies aimed at avoiding bloodshed during the Tatar-Mongol
invasion of Russia - when he visits Moscow in the near future.

COME TO THE WATERS: October 12, 2008, Madison

Please join us for this event -- and help us get the word out. Here's the
latest info.

If possible, please register on-line by Tuesday, October 7 -- it will help
us with planning! Thanks!

COME TO THE WATERS
Sunday, October 12, 2008
11 am - 8:30 pm
Edgewood College, Madison, Wisconsin
http://religst.edgewood.edu

Come to the Waters is a special, state-wide event focused on caring for
environment in the context of celebrating cultural & religious diversity. It
will be held on the campus of Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin on
Sunday, October 12, 2008.

The celebration will bring together environmental activists, scholars,
clergy, musicians, dancers, storytellers, artists, and educators of a
variety of cultures, religions, and traditions from across Madison and
elsewhere.

University of Wisconsin Professor Joseph Elder will present the keynote,
"Interfaith Dimensions of the Water Crisis" in the opening plenary.

The celebration includes presenters, performers, and practitioners of a
variety of spiritual and cultural traditions, including Adidam Ruchiradam,
Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Eckankar, Ecospiritual, Hindu, Hmong,
Indigenous Peoples, Interfaith, Jewish, Muslim, Navajo, Shamanic, Sikh,
Sufi, Wiccan, Yoga, Zen, and others. The celebration will also include
panels, talks, discussion, exhibits, ceremonies, music, and more in the
afternoon, followed by dinner, and an evening program of sacred music,
dance, singing, and poetry across traditions.

Come to the Waters is sponsored by the Greater Madison Interreligious
Association, Madison Interfaith Dialogue, and a variety of interfaith and
other organizations. It is hosted by the Religious Studies Department of
Edgewood College. It is an official pre-Parliament of the World's Religions
event.

The event is open to the public. $15/person before October 7 & $20 at the
door -- proceeds help cover meals (lunch & dinner) and other expenses.
Pre-registration encouraged, but not required. Scholarships & family rates
available. Register on-line: http://religst.edgewood.edu