Church

• Cherish and defend hard-won freedom, Pope Francis tells Latvians

  Pope Francis on Monday urged Latvians, who broke with the Soviet Union nearly 30 years ago, to cherish their hard-won freedom.

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  Former cinema to be growing Ipswich church's new home

  An Ipswich church is responding to new opportunities with a big vision: it's bought a cinema to convert into its new home.

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  China's Catholics welcome Beijing-Vatican deal, but doubts remain

  The Catholic Church in China is split between the state-supervised Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA) and an underground church.

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  Kerala bishop charged with raping a nun

  Bishop Franco Mulakkal of the Diocese of Jalandhar was charged with raping a nun of the Missionaries of Jesus congregation in Kottayam.

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  Pumpkins can be heroes: New Halloween resource from World Vision

  As Hallowe'en approaches next month, churches around the UK are gearing up to provide wholesome alternatives to the emphasis on the dark side of the season.

• Pope pays tribute to victims of Nazis, Soviets in Lithuania

  Pope Francis paid tribute on Sunday to Jews killed by the Nazis and victims of murder and deportation by the Soviet KGB.

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  Good news from the edge: Why I'm excited by ministry in the suburbs

  'Do you realise that people die of boredom in the London suburbs? It's the biggest cause of death amongst the English in general.'

• Pope accepts resignation of two more Chilean bishops following abuse scandal

  The decision brings to seven the number who have stepped down since a sexual abuse scandal swept the nation's Roman Catholic Church.

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  Traidcraft launches consultation to stave off closure in 'difficult economic climate'

  A fair trade business that has its roots in the church has admitted to supporters that it is in difficulty and risks closing its doors before the end of the year unless a new way forward can be found.

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  Bono meets the Pope, says he's 'aghast' over sex abuse scandal

  Bono told reporters: 'I explained to him how it looks to some people like the abusers are being more protected than the victims.'

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  Piers Morgan, Ann Widdecombe criticise 'nonsense' debate over whether God is male or female

  Good Morning Britain hosted a lively debate on the gender of God on Wednesday morning, days after a bishop suggested the Church of England should embrace more female language.

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  People like cathedral services because they can be left alone – bishop

  Cathedrals should be places where people can 'slip in' and 'slip out' without being bothered by anyone, the Bishop of Chelmsford has suggested.

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  Amicable parting sees Hillsong leave parent denomination

  Brian Houston said the church's growth had led to it becoming a 'global church with an Australian base'.

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  Willow Creek names panel to oversee Bill Hybels investigation

  Willow Creek has commissioned an external review group including senior evangelical figues to investigate allegations against its founder Bill Hybels.

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  Italian missionary priest kidnapped in Niger

  There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the kidnapping, which was confirmed on Tuesday by the Nigerien and Italian governments.