Religion and Faith

While other items, such as electronic equipment, were also taken, Cottage Grove police and school leaders believe the thief or thieves targeted the Torah and knew of its significance.
A story of tragedy and grace
When accidents happen in the Maine woods, the park wardens there can call on a chaplain uniquely qualified to help with grieving families. That's because the chaplain herself experienced the sudden loss of her Maine state trooper husband.
U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison on observing Ramadan
The U.S. House unanimously passed a resolution this week recognizing the month of Ramadan and the important role that Muslim-Americans play in the nation's culture. U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison is the first Muslim in Congress and the first to observe these religious rituals as a member of Congress.
Ancient teachings, modern times
Elaine Pagels won a National Book Award for "The Gnostic Gospels," an analysis of early Christian manuscripts that were unearthed in Egypt. She is professor of religion at Princeton University, and speaks at the Westminster Town Hall Forum.
Thursday is the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It is a time for Muslims around the world to engage in acts of prayer, and it is also a time of daytime fasting. That restriction can represent a particular sacrifice for Muslims in Minnesota because of our northern latitude.
Unified through Abraham
Bruce Feiler, author of "Where God Was Born," speaks at the Chautauqua Institution in New York about the significance of the prophet Abraham for Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Feiler is also the host of the acclaimed PBS television series "Walking the Bible."
The Friday Follow: Beryl Singleton Bissell
Midmorning catches up with the author and former nun who's in the process of working on the followup to her memoir on life in a monastery.
From conflict to cooperation
A Muslim scholar and activist says religious pluralism and greater interfaith dialogue are the keys to combating the lure of terrorism and religious conflict.
Mayor R.T. Rybak on the post-collapse Minneapolis
In the aftermath of the I-35W bridge collapse, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has had to realign his budget priorities to consider road maintenance and repair. Now, he's hoping a special session at the Legislature will help solve some of the city's financial burdens.