Religion around the world

Bishops revise document on Jews

WASHINGTON — U.S. Roman Catholic bishops have revised a document on Catholic-Jewish relations to affirm that the church must share its belief that salvation is through Christ.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said in a statement that changes were needed in the 2002 document "Covenant and Mission," because it mistakenly played down the importance of sharing the gospel and was therefore misleading.

The revisions released last week are the latest chapter in a complex theological debate about salvation for those outside of the Catholic Church. Discussion of the issue between Jews and Catholics focuses on the significance of the ancient covenant between God and the Jews.

Pope John Paul II had spoken repeatedly of a covenant "never revoked." Rabbi Garry Greenebaum, U.S. interreligious director for the American Jewish Committee, said the bishops' revision "seems to be a stepping back" from John Paul's thinking.

Muslims ask judge to ease restrictions

INDIANAPOLIS — Two Muslim inmates held in a special unit at the U.S. prison in Terre Haute say they aren't allowed to pray in groups as often as their religion requires and have asked a federal judge to ease limitations on worship imposed by the Bureau of Prisons.

The prison in western Indiana houses several high-security inmates, including American-born Taliban soldier John Walker Lindh, who is serving a 20-year sentence for aiding Afghanistan's now-defunct Taliban government.

Muslims are required to pray five times a day, but a lawsuit, filed on behalf of inmates Enaam Arnaout and Randall T. Royer, says inmates in the CMU are allowed to pray as a group just one hour a week. The ACLU contends that violates a federal law barring the government from restricting religious activities without showing a compelling need.

Group protests City Hall prayer booth

WARREN, Mich. — The Freedom from Religion Foundation is protesting a Detroit suburb's decision to allow a prayer booth at City Hall.

The booth is located in the lobby of Warren's city offices and is adorned with a banner that reads "Prayer Station." Volunteers record the first name and request of each booth visitor and ask the visitor to stay in touch with the church.