Muslims to Pray for America's Soul & The Voodoo Conman

Muslims to Pray for America's "Soul" in DC
In Elizabeth, NJ, a local mosque is organizing a national prayer gathering outside the U.S. Capitol on September 25 to pray for, among other things, "the soul of America". Say what!? The event will not include political speeches or placards, just prayer, said Hassen Abdellah, president of Dar-ul-Islam and a main organizer of the event. Abdellah said he expects 50,000 people to attend from mosques around the country. "Most of the time, when Muslims go to Washington D.C., they go there to protest some type of event," Abdellah said. "This is not a protest. Never has the Islamic community prayed on Capitol Hill for the soul of America. We're Americans. We need to change the face of Islam so people don't feel every Muslim believes America is 'the great Satan,' because we love America." As one America-loving citizen to another: Thanks, but no thanks. Just pay your taxes and contribute to society. Expect a PR nightmare for Obama on this one.


Pastor Busted in Online Prostitution Sting
In St. Paul, Minn., a pastor for a virtual church that meets in a school in a Minneapolis suburb was arrested in an online prostitution sting. Rev. John Kameron Erbele, 35, senior pastor of LifePrint Church, was among the 16 johns arrested Tuesday after responding to an online prostitution ad. UPI.com reported that the church's web site (www.LifePrintChurch.net) said that Erbele "has had over 13 years experience in the church and virtual world." Kinda hard not to snicker at the last part considering the circumstances. Not surprising, all mention of the pervy pastor has since been removed. A new button on the site called "Urgent Update" alludes to Erbele's arrest ("The recent events have been difficult for everyone.") and encourages folks to pray and trust in "Him". Nice job covering things up, guys!


Arab Group Charged Over Anti-Semitic Cartoons
In the Netherlands, an Arab organization is to be put on trial over its publication of a cartoon (r.) deemed offensive to Jews. The cartoon, published on the website of the Arab European League (AEL), depicts two men standing near a pile of bones at "Auswitch" (sic). One says, "I don't think they're Jews", to which the other guy replies, "we have to get to the six million somehow." I guess anti-Semites have a different comic sensibility. Anyway, the group said the decision to prosecute shows bias against Muslims. AEL chairman Abdoulmouthalib Bouzerda alleges that, "Freedom of expression is only a pretext to make life bitter for Muslims... and if [they] try to bring this hypocrisy to light, that right is denied them."


Rabbis Packing Heat at New York Synagogues
In New York, a group of rabbis have developed a self-defense program aimed at protecting synagogues from extremist groups. The group, which calls itself the International Security Coalition of Clergy, was founded by Rabbi Gary Moscowitz, who boasts a black belt in karate, teaches martial arts and was an NYPD cop for nine years. The group, which calls itself the International Security Coalition of Clergy, was founded by Rabbi Gary Moscowitz, who boasts a black belt in karate, teaches martial arts and was an NYPD cop for nine years.



And finally... Conman Uses Voodoo Dolls to Ward Off Victims' Testimony
In Tennessee, a crooked financial adviser, who has pleaded guilty to stealing $19 million from victims’ retirement plans, spent part of his time in jail making voodoo dolls of his victims and sticking them with pins to ward off their damaging testimony. But the wackiness doesn't end there for Barry R. Stokes, who could face 22 years in jail for embezzlement and fraud after he was busted in 2006. The conman also consulted the guidance of a telephone psychic while in jail and even wrote a letter to the seer, saying he was lighting candles and throwing salt over his shoulder to keep creditors and critics at bay. So far, none of these tactics appear to be working.