World
Myanmar: Muslims at risk of exclusion from historic election
The upcoming general election has been portrayed as the freest and fairest in decades, but in reality Muslims are facing barriers against participation.
Man sentenced to prison and 223 lashes for criticising Islam
An Iranian filmmaker who was sentenced to six years in prison and 223 lashes for criticising Islam has received support from various European politicians today.
Vietnam urged to redraft oppressive religious freedom laws
Religious freedom in Vietnam is under threat from a new law on belief and religion, according to a joint statement from a number of faith groups.
Russian jets hit ISIS in Palmyra
ISIS-held areas around the ancient city of Palmyra have been targeted by Russian jets as part of Moscow's ongoing bombing in Syria.
Religion helps protect teens against alcoholism and addiction
Religious practice helps reduce adolescent alcohol use and other "risk behaviours" says a paper in a special "religion and addiction" edition of the academic Religions journal.
China: 20 Christians sentenced to 'black jail' in last two months
At least 20 Christians are being held in 'black jail' in China, leading to accusations that the government is imposing a "totalitarian regime" on its citizens.
Fewer Americans now 'certain' that God exists
Overall, the American public is becoming slightly less religious but those with a strong faith remain as devout as ever. Religious and non-religious Americans are also all becoming more accepting of homosexuality.
Reading the Bible will help stop war crimes, says Serbian officer
More than 4,000 New Testaments are being given to the Serbian army, according to a senior military figure there.
New Jersey Muslim terror suspects plan to form ISIS army in US, attack White House
A 24-year-old Muslim man in New Jersey admitted that he conspired to provide support to the terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) by forming an army to join the group.
Texas school district backs teacher who asked her students to deny God, saying she was just misunderstood
A school district in Texas has found that a teacher who gave students an assignment did not force students to deny the existence of God but concluded that the activity.
Alabama judge who ruled to remove Ten Commandments monument backs Planned Parenthood
A federal judge who ruled to remove the Ten Commandments monument at the Alabama Supreme Court in 2003 has cancelled the move by the state to defund Planned Parenthood.
Cuba: Wave of church demolitions halted by sit-in
A spontaneous sit-in at a church in Cuba scheduled for demolition has forced authorities to halt the bulldozers.
Christians in India unite to challenge growing intolerance
Prominent Christians in India have condemned the increasing intolerance in the country towards non-Hindus and "sinister attempts" to abolish positive discrimination policies that reserved jobs for those in lower castes.
Church marriages for same-sex couples imminent in Norway
Norway's twelve bishops unanimously voted to allow gay couples to marry in church, voting for the creation of a special liturgy for the marriage of same sex couples on Friday.
Same sex marriage motion passed in Northern Ireland for the first time
A motion supporting same-sex marriage has been passed for the first time in Northern Ireland's assembly by 53 votes to 51.
Warning raised: 'Full-blown Muslim invasion' of Germany on the way as politicians bicker
As German politicians continued to bicker on how to deal with the huge refugee influx, American political activist Pamela Geller has issued a new warning that "Islam is coming to take over Germany."