News

Cuba: how Pope Francis' diplomacy helped end a Cold War conflict

Concerns remain about Cuba's human right record, but Churches argue there is hope for change.

Hundreds trapped by Islamic State freed on Sinjar Mountain

Kurdish peshmerga fighters have fought their way to Iraq's Sinjar mountain and freed hundreds of people trapped there by Islamic State fighters, a Kurdish leader said on Thursday.

China: Judge calls for crackdown on terror in Xinjiang

China must crack down "harshly and quickly" on cases involving terror attacks, national security and social stability in its restive region of Xinjiang, the country's top judge said, in comments likely to further worry rights groups and exiles.

CAR: 10,000 child soldiers recruited in conflict

Up to 10,000 children have been recruited by armed groups during the conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) despite a U.N.-backed peacekeeping presence, Save the Children said on Thursday.

Australia: Eight children murdered in 'unspeakable' crime

Eight children have been killed and a woman who was mother to seven of them was injured in the northern Australian city of Cairns, police said on Friday, in what several media outlets reported was a mass stabbing.

Satanic and Christian displays share space at the Michigan State Capitol

Officers help shoplifting dad instead of arresting him

Elementary school allows Gideons International to distribute Bibles, atheists threaten lawsuit

School gives away Bibles, prompts lawsuit

Proposed bill would require father's permission to get an abortion

Proposed bill requires father's permission to get an abortion

Mystery man resembling Santa Claus passes out $100 bills to stunned Dunkin' Donuts and Burger King employees

Mystery man passes out $100 to coffee shop, Dunkin' Donuts employees

Tennessee pastor gives away over 10,000 'Christmas is all about Jesus' signs; relying on faith to make up the cost

Tennessee pastor's 'Christmas is all about Jesus' signs in high demand

JK Rowling says there were Jewish wizards at Hogwarts but she 'never imagined' Wiccans there

JK Rowling has confirmed that Hogwarts had Jewish students, but that the Harry Potter world cannot contain Wiccans.

Pastor Gordon A. Humphrey Jr. drops dead singing Pharrell's 'Happy' from the pulpit

The 60-year-old pastor was preaching at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago and singing Pharrell Williams' hit song "Happy" when he suddenly collapsed at the pulpit.

Rihanna shares Puma surprise on Instagram: 'Nothing is impossible with God!'

Rihanna expresses gratitude to God on Instagram after signing on as the new creative director for the sportswear brand Puma.

Church under Pope Francis is building bridges with women, says senior nun

One of Britain's most senior Catholic Church women has welcomed the report of a Vatican inquiry into nuns in the United States as a "conscious attempt to build bridges and repair trust," Ruth Gledhill reports.

Worshiping the King this Christmas

Claire Musters looks at how we might all slow down this season, and make room for Jesus among the festivities.