Protests at Trouser Trial & The Exorcist Look-A-Like

Protests and Tear Gas Outside Trouser Trial

In Sudan, police fired tear gas at supports of Lubna Ahmed Hussein, the defiant former UN worker who faces up to 40 lashes in public for the "crime" of wearing pants -- or "indecent clothing" as its called in the wacko world of Sharia law. Scores of women protested outside the court, some holding up banners saying "No return to the dark ages". Riot police soon came on the scene and fired tear gas into the crowd to break them up. In the meantime, Hussein's case has been delayed for a month after the judge said he needed to verify if she was immune from prosecution because of her former position at the UN.

200 Arrested in Anti-Christian Violence
In Islamabad, Pakistan, about 200 people have been arrested in connection with Saturday's anti-Christian riot/arson in Gojra that left seven people dead, 20 injured and a Christian neighborhood up in flames. Police said Muslims were protesting an alleged desecration of pages in the Quran at a Christian wedding.

Rip-Off Rabbi Pleads Guilty to $8.5 Million Tax Scam
In Los Angeles, a Brooklyn rabbi pleaded guilty to an $8.5 million tax scam that involved charities run by the Spinka Hasidic sect. Grand Rabbi Naftali Tzi Weisz, 61, admitted conspiring to solicit donations that were mostly kicked back to the contributors. The scheme allowed the "donors" to take tax deductions for the full amounts of their phony gifts -- while skimming nearly $750,000. He faces up to five years behind bars.

Rabbi-on-the-Run Arrested in Israel
In Israel, a former Chicago rabbi involved in a scam that allegedly used the stolen IDs of inmates to file for tax refunds was arrested on Sunday night. Marvin Berkowitz, 62, and nine of his family members and associates have been indicted in connection with the tax-fraud ring. Berkowitz and company used the stolen identities to submit fraudulent documents seeking $35 million and caused $4 million in refunds to be issued to bank accounts it controlled. Berkowitz's two sons and his son-in-law are also facing conspiracy and fraud charges.

Jury Selected for Kiddie Porn Pastor Trial

In Waco, TX, a jury of seven men and five women were selected to hear the case against Henry Elbert Edgington, 65, a former pastor who is accused of 10 counts of possession of child pornography. His attorney is using the ole "research" excuse, claiming that Edgington had the porn for “bona fide educational, medical, psychological, psychiatric, judicial or law enforcement or legislative purposes.” Prior to his arrest, Edgington apparently told church members of his crusade to rid the internet of child pornography.

Bishop Warns Priest: Back off from fraud investigation or you will live with nuns!
In Connecticut, a former priest claims a bishop threatened to send him to live with nuns after he hired a private investigator to look into his pastor. The pastor, Rev. Michael Jude Fay, pleaded guilty to a fraud charge and was sentenced in 2007 to three years in prison for stealing more than $1 million from a local church.

And finally...Exorcist Priest Look-A-Like Pleads Not Guilty In Online Sex-Sting

The St. Louis priest who was caught in an online sex sting has pleaded not guilty. Rev. James P. Grady (l.), 57, was arrested Wednesday after allegedly agreeing to pay $80 for oral sex from a 16-year-old girl. I would love to hear this bozo's excuse for showing up at an under aged girl's home in the middle of the night. Perhaps the committed clergyman was there to cast out demons? After all, Grady does bear an uncanny resemblance to Jason Miller (r.) from The Exorcist. Hmmm...

Today's God Crimes: The Family That Jihads Together and the Naughty Priest

Jihadist-American Family Arrested
In North Carolina, seven men conspiring to wage jihad overseas were arrested by federal authorities yesterday. According to a seven-count federal indictment, the men --which include a father and his two sons-- intended to provide material support to terrorists and to murder, kidnap, maim and injure people overseas. Perhaps most surprising is that the father and suspected ringleader, Daniel Patrick Boyd (left) --who called himself Saifullah, or Sword of God-- is an American. Boyd and his cohorts are believed to have hatched their plot in 2006 and raised donations to support their training. They also recruited and radicalized others -- "mostly young Muslims or converts to Islam, to believe . . . the idea that violent jihad was a personal obligation on the part of every good Muslim."

80 Die in Sharia Law Attacks
In Africa, Muslim rebels demanding the adoption of sharia law expanded their attack against Nigerian security forces to two northeastern states, with at least 80 people dead in two days of violence. The leader of the rebel group Boko Haram, opposes Western education and demands the adoption of sharia law in all Nigeria, has threatened further attacks.

Muhammad's Angels: Muslim Police Officers Issued Uniform Headscarves
In England, the UK's largest police force has started to issue a uniform hijab to its female Muslim officers to wear when they enter a mosque. The headscarves are embroidered with the name and logo of the force and come in two colors. If you think this is yet another concession by the British government to the Islamists trying to impose their values on western society, you would be absolutely 100% wrong -- at least according to a police spokeswoman. She insisted that the hijabs were not intended to purely cater to Muslim cultural sensibilities but were multi-faith. If you believe that, the spokeswoman also wants to know if you'd be interested in purchasing the Brooklyn Bridge.

3 Killed as Muslim-Buddhist Violence Continues to Escalate in Thailand
In Thailand, a Buddhist couple and a Muslim man were shot dead in gun and bomb attacks by suspected militants. The incidents took place in one of three rebellious Malay Muslim provinces where nearly 3,500 people have been killed in violence since 2004.



Monk Goes Bonkers
In Korea, a 47-year-old Buddhist monk was apprehended for allegedly beating a female adherant to death with a bottle. His reason? "I was chiding her for meeting a man,'' the monk was quoted as saying.



Transgender Woman Dies While In Care of Voodoo Priest
In New Jersey, a male-to-female transgender woman died while visiting a voodoo priest for "spiritual cleansing". While the priest, Houngan Hector Salva (right), is not suspected in the woman's death, he said the untimely demise was "God's choice...I don't have no say in when God deems your turn." Apparently, the grammar-challenged Salva has followers from all around the world.

The Devil Made Her Do It: Mother Dismembers Infant Son
In Texas, a woman who brutally dismembered her 3 1/2-week-old son told police that the devil made her do it. Relatives say that Otty Sanchez (left), 33, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and postpartum psychosis. She told detectives she had been hearing voices in the week leading up to her son's murder.



Priest Facing Child Sex Charges
In Australia, a Catholic priest appeared in court to face charges of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl 30 years ago. Last month, the 64-year-old priest was charged with two counts of indecent treatment of a child.

Superbad: Naughty Priest Suspected of Tryst with Nun, Exaggerating Miracle Claims and Mysticism
And finally...a well-known priest in Bosnia has left the priesthood after being investigated by the Vatican on allegations that he was guilty of sexual immorality with a nun and exaggerating stories of the Virgin Mary's appearance (I would love to know how the Vatican determined that). Unsatisfied with just a pair of salacious sins, Father Tomislay Vlasic completes his hellbound hat-trick by being under formal investigation for alleged "dubious doctrine, the manipulation of consciences, suspect mysticism and disobedience". Based on the allegations and evidence, I wouldn't be surprised if Vlasic turns out to be a goddamned warlock.

Today's God Crimes: Rabbi Organseller and Obeying the Voices in Your Head

Schmuck Rabbi Accused of Illegally Selling Human Body Parts
In New Jersey, following the wake of last week's FBI take-down of a multi-million dollar money laundering operation that included the arrests of five rabbis comes the shocking news that one of the rabbis, Levy Izhak Rosenbaum (left), brokered the illegal (and lucrative) sales of human organs. Prosecutors say that Rosenbaum was trying to sell a kidney to an undercover federal agent for $160,000 and has been involved in the international black market for kidneys for 10 years.

Randy Reverend Gets Suspension After Sexual Allegations
In Boston, the Archdiocese has suspended Rev. Pedro Jose Damázio from performing any public ministry after receiving allegations against him of adult sexual misconduct. (Great, more time for the priest to be alone and doing God-knows-what!) Meanwhile, Damázio's congregation is in predictable "disbelief" and praying for him. So supportive is this bunch that one follower is prepared to excuse Damázio's --and perhaps other randy reverends' -- transgressions by saying, "They are fathers, but they are men, too...I am OK if they are going to be married." Of course! What victim doesn't wanna marry their victimizer? This is yet another reason why I'm a Yankees fan.

Perv Priest Denied Appeal for Child Sex Convictions
In Australia, a Catholic priest jailed for more than seven years for raping and sexually abusing four boys has been refused a chance for an appeal. Terrence Melville Pidoto was ordained in 1971 and began his child rape-spree a year later. To give you a sense of the depravity and brazenness of Pidoto's libido, one of his victims was a 12-year-old boy who he raped after officiating at the boy's sister's wedding.

That's Hot: Female Lawyers Must Now Wear Headscarves in Gaza
In the Gaza Strip, the top judge has ordered female lawyers to wear Muslim headscarves when they appear in court. The move is being perceived as the latest sign that Gaza's Islamic militant rulers are increasingly imposing their strict interpretation of Islamic law. I just hope there's air conditioning in the courtrooms over there.

Four Arrested in Village Honor Killing
In India, police arrested four people in connection with the honor killing of a 21-year-old man who married a fellow clan-member despite the disapproval of her family. While venturing into his wife's village --under police escort-- to take her back with him, Ved Pal Mor was allegedly attacked by an angry mob and lynched. The four men who were arrested are believed to have "egged on" the mob.

Another Reason to Accept Jesus: 10% off at Denny's!
In Texas, if you dine at a particular Denny's and bring a copy of your church bulletin, the restaurant will donate 10% of your bill to your local church and, as an added bonus, they'll also take 10% off your bill (see right). Although I'd rather eat tumbleweed marinated in vulture excrement than dine at Denny's, this promotion is clearly discriminatory. Fortunately, the good people at the James Randi Educational Foundation are investigating.

Pastor: Obey the Voices in Your Head -- No Matter What
And finally...I came across this very disturbing column in Kentucky's Richmond Register where a local pastor, John Settles, encourages his readers to obey God when He "speaks" to them (instead of, say, seeing a shrink) and admonishes those who balk at carrying out the orders of their imaginary friend. Here is an excerpt:

"Some folks believe they would respond to God if God spoke to them in a vision. I’m not sure if they would. There are so many instances where God has made his will clear in his word, but we hesitate to follow his commands. Maybe we are waiting for a vision.

I suspect we do not follow God’s commandments for other reasons. Where God’s will is clear to us, there is no acceptable reason for us not to follow his will. We may refuse to follow out of fear. We may refuse to follow simply out of willful disobedience. Whether God reveals his will through a vision or through other means, he wants us to be guided by his will. Amen."

Now I don't expect any semblance of wisdom or profound insight from pastors but this is absolutely irresponsible and potentially harmful demagoguery. I would love to hear what Mr. Settles thinks of Jesus lovin' citizens like Jim Jones and Scott Roeder, who claim they did what they did because they were following the commands of the Almighty. Oh, that's right, that would be an unfair comparison because those motherfuckers were crazy!

Today's God Crimes: Church sex abuse, a caning and a corpse on the toilet

In Chicago, the archdiocese has agreed to pay $3.9 million to settle six sexual abuse cases. Making matters even worse, on Tuesday the church released a bishop's deposition that detailed the its failure to report the crimes and attempts to keep them secret. The upside to all this? At least parishioners will know their donations are going.

In Southern California, a former priest who was accused of molesting a teenager more than 30 years ago has been charged with abusing another boy in the mid-1990s. Prosecutors say Denis Lyons, 75, abused the boy from 1992 to 1995, starting when the child was 7.

In Malaysia, a Sharia court has sentenced a Singaporean Muslim woman to be caned after she was caught drinking beer in a nightclub. For her "crime", Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, a 32-year-old model, will receive six lashes and be fined $1,400. This is absolutely disgusting and inevitably brings to mind disturbing images of Spanish Inquisition priests torturing naked women while having raging hard-ons underneath their robes.

And finally, in Wisconsin, a cult leader accused of helping a follower hide a corpse on her toilet will be sentenced today. Prosecutors say Alan Bushey (left), 59, and Tammy Lewis kept the decaying body of 90-year-old woman (also a follower of Bushey's) on Lewis' toilet, in order to continue collecting her Social Security.

Today's God Crimes: Sex and Drivebys

In Ireland, a new report has identified hundreds of victims of child sex abuse by Irish Catholic priests. Church authorities had identified between 400 and 450 people that allege they were abused by one of 152 Dublin priests since 1940. Unfortunately, this may just be the tip of the iceberg according to the archdiocese spokesperson, "I would like to stress that that is a very conservative estimate and is likely to rise."

In Utah, 21 felony charges have been filed against a former Mormon seminary principal accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old female student. Michael Jay Pratt, 37, was the principal of Lone Peak High School's Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seminary. The church terminated him as soon as the allegations surfaced. Oh, the irony.

In Thailand, local police are blaming Muslim insurgents for drive-by shootings that killed three civilians. Last month, at least 36 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in violence in predominantly Buddhist Thailand's only Muslim-dominated region.

In England, a married Arabian princess who had a baby with her British lover has been granted asylum because she fears she will be stoned to death if she goes home. As we all know, the punishment for adultery in Sharia law-abiding Saudi Arabia is being stoned to death. Last year, Sharia courts sentenced 102 people to this inhumane punishment.

Today's God Crimes

In Maryland, a Roman Catholic priest was convicted of sexually abusing an altar boy in Maryland more than seven years ago. The 57-year-old Reverend Aaron Cote is expected to be sentenced to 10 years of probation and must register as a sex offender.

In Baltimore, two members of a religious cult want to represent themselves at their upcoming trail for the starvation death of a one-year-old child. The members are accused of denying food and water to the toddler after he refused to say "Amen" after meals.

The French government has condemned the flogging of several women in Sudan for wearing trousers, which violates Sharia law.

In Jordan, honor killing is not murder

In Jordan, a man initially sentenced to just 15 years for strangling his wife in an "honor killing" got his term even further reduced on Wednesday. Now the 29-year-old murderer will be serving a measily seven-and-a-half years for killing his 26-year-old wife, who he suspected of having an affair.

An official told the press that, "the court reduced the sentence to give the man a chance to repent, considering the sensitivity of the issue". I'm sorry, but who's the victim here again? With such treatment, you would think this cold-blooded killer was robbing stores to buy medicine for orphaned lepers.

Here are some fun facts: in Jordan, murder is punishable by death but exceptions are made when the murder is called an "honor killing". Between 15 and 20 women are victims of "honor killings" each year in Jordan.