“Defending and promoting the human rights of LGBT persons is at the core of our commitment to advancing human rights globally — the heart and conscience of our diplomacy.” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, announcing the first-ever US Special…

In the aftermath of the recent Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris, France has disclosed plans to establish a “dialogue forum,” which would engage “leading associations, intellectuals and other notable figures from the Muslim community into regular talks with the government.”…

“[T]here are individuals that have been in communication with groups like [ISIS] who have a desire to conduct an attack.” Michael Steinback, head of the FBI’s counter-terrorism division on whether ISIS is planning attacks in the United States. http://www.wnd.com/2015/02/intel-isis-planning-attacks-on-u-s-soil/

The United States is reaching out to Rome again, seeking the pope’s help on climate change. After relying on Pope Francis to help broker the diplomatic deal between the U.S. and Cuba, the Obama administration sent Regina McCarthy, head of…

Testimony Keep the Faith continues to reach out to so many through the monthly CDs. It is thrilling and encouraging to hear the responses. Here are a few recent ones. I truly appreciate your prayers and support. “Pastor Mayer, we…

“Pope Francis inspired a new generation of people, regardless of their religious affiliation, to be instruments of peace.” Nancy Pelosi, on news that Pope Francis would address a join session of the U.S. Congress. http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/185070/what-others-say-perhaps-pope-francis-can-heal-a-divided-america/

Believe it or not, at a recent scientific conference scientists have said it is time to attempt contact with intelligent life in outer space. And they are working on what message to send to outer space aliens to let them…

“The family isn’t just a Catholic concern,” said Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Family, announcing that a delegation of Iranian women including the Iranian Vice-president for Women and Family affairs, Shahindokht Molaverdi would attend…

“I know hedge fund managers who are buying airstrips in places like New Zealand because they think they need a getaway,” said Robert Johnson at the Davos Economic Forum. Johnson believes that wealthy people are fearful of the civil unrest…

“Certainly this pope has an ability to bring people together, which can also influence governments.” Shahindokht Molaverdi, Iranian Vice-president for Women and Family affairs on her upcoming visit to Philadelphia with other Iranian Woman for the Roman Catholic World Meeting…

(Update: The Vatican denies that it gives VIP treatment for general audiences. All seats in the so-called VIP section are given to anyone on a first come first served basis. Apparently the AP and Reuters didn’t verify their information. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vip-treatment-for-lgbt-group-at-the-vatican-not-really-72364/.) For…

“Its time to step up the search.” Dr. Seth Shostak, Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) institute’s director to a meeting of scientists in San Jose, CA. Shostak proposed that SETI start beaming messages into outer space to see if…