News
Chinese Catholics succeed in prayerful protest against demolition of their church - for now
Dozens of Chinese Catholics yesterday tried to stop the demolition of their church in Wangcun, near Changzhi, in the south-eastern Shanxi province of the country, according to Asia News.
Parents' dismay as Californian Catholic school removes religious statues on grounds they could 'alienate' people
Parents of pupils at a Catholic school in California have expressed dismay after the institution removed several religious statues because of concerns that they would 'alienate' prospective students and their parents.
Two Jesuit schools in Australia cautiously back same-sex marriage, citing teachings of Pope Francis
Two elite private Jesuit schools in Australia appear cautiously to have endorsed same-sex marriage, citing the teaching of Pope Francis, ahead of a referendum on the issue in that country.
New female Anglican Archbishop of Perth says she favours 'inclusive' approach on same-sex marriage
The Australian newly elected first female Anglican Archbishop, Kay Goldsworthy, has strongly hinted that she personally backs same-sex marriage, saying she has an 'inclusive' approach to the issue but respects the wider position of the church.
Islam and the West: 'Worrying' report reveals Britons' attitudes to Muslims
More than half of Britons say Islam poses a threat to the West, a new study is claiming, as the UK becomes more polarised.
'This is not a court of religion': Judge orders Muslim man to stand in court
A Muslim man accused of preaching sharia law on the streets of London was ordered to stand in court after the defendant initially refused to stand for the court's judge.
Christian girl placed with Muslim foster carer is returned to grandmother after court ruling
The Christian girl reportedly forced to live with a Muslim foster carer was last night returned to her grandmother's home following a hearing at a family court and a national outcry.
Christian MPs join more than a hundred backing holiday hunger bill
More than 100 MPs have backed a bill to tackle hunger and malnutrition during the school holidays when free school meals are not available.
Pope Francis in Myanmar: He can expect rape, war crimes and ethnic purging
When Pope Francis visits Myanmar in late November and early December he will be going into a maelstrom of racial conflict, war crimes, gang rape and ethnic purging bordering on genocide.
Awaiting the footsteps of the Messiah: How Jews follow the 'twists and turns' of Jerusalem with love
The Isaiah passage we read last Shabbat are verses 51:12-52:12. To many people this passage is famous for the soprano aria from Handel's Messiah, 'How beautiful are the feet...' But Jews tend to translate differently as the 'footsteps' of the herald coming nearer and nearer with the announcement that the Messiah, long-awaited by the Jews, is finally arriving.
Charity Commission finds public benefit in Plymouth Brethren Gospel Hall Trusts
The Charity Commission has today published findings from its review of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) Gospel Hall Trusts, concluding that there are 'no significant regulatory issues relating to the charities' compliance with their governing documents'.
Why the Church needs to reclaim Halloween
'As someone who grew up in a Christian home where we weren't allowed to engage in Halloween, my firstborn sharing his special day with one associated with ghosts, ghouls and all sorts of unsavoury characters is not a prospect I'm relishing'.
Council under fire after Christian girl placed under Muslim foster parents
A council that forced a Christian child to live with Muslim foster parents is facing fury and will be forced to explain its decision to the children's commissioner.
Australian Anglican church elects Kay Goldsworthy as first female archbishop
Australia's first female Anglican archbishop has been elected to head the church in Western Australia. Kay Goldsworthy will replace Roger Herft, who stepped down a year ahead of schedule after admitting he had let down survivors at the royal commission into child sex abuse.
Conviction costs: Sinister Salome and the brutal beheading of St John the Baptist
Today, across several church traditions, is the feast day of the beheading of Saint John the Baptist. John's bloody demise remains a timeless icon of martyrdom, capricious violence and twisted family drama.
Diana TV drama explores stars' reaction to Princess' death
A new TV drama will explore why Princess Diana's death meant so much to ordinary people with stars revealing how the tragedy affected them.