Religion News for 9/24/2009

Hello, readers! Today in 622, the prophet Muhammad completed his hijra from Mecca to Medina. And today in religion news...

• Worldwide, witch hunts persecuting women and children are on the rise, according to the UN. (Reuters)
• Tomorrow's Islam on Capitol Hill [site contains automatic audio] event is already attracting attention, not all of it positive, and not all just from anti-Muslim groups. (PD, Beliefnet)
• Pope Benedict XVI will be making his first official visit to Great Britain. (Times of London)
• Leaders from African-American churches will be endorsing Obama's plan for healthcare reform. (LAT)
• Two openly gay members of Congress have endorsed legislation barring workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. (Baltimore Sun)