Pregnant woman targeted in ‘Islamophobic incident’
A man has been charged with Commonwealth offences after allegedly targeting a young family including a pregnant woman in an "Islamophobic incident".
religion and belief
‘Criminal gang’: fraud claims encircle acclaimed school
An academically acclaimed private school being probed over forced labour and abuse claims uses religion as a "camouflage" for fraud, inquiry witnesses claim.
Boozy ex-Catholic bishop convicted of sex abuse crimes
A Catholic bishop who stepped down amid sex abuse claims has been found guilty at trial of abusing two young Indigenous men.
Control tactics, abuse ‘rife’ at church private school
Former students and church members have detailed disturbing claims of financial, psychological and social control at a religious private school.
Israel closes Christian village to halt settler attacks
Israel's military has closed the West Bank Christian village of Taybeh to non-residents in an effort to improve safety amid Israeli settler attacks.
Relief as Christian Brothers back down on abuse redress
Advocates for victim-survivors have described feeling shocked and relieved after the Christian Brothers announced a deal to cover future abuse claims.
Muslims call for more funding, new action to fight hate
A government response to a landmark report on Islamophobia has been broadly welcomed, but advocates say many questions remain unanswered.
More action urged to tackle Islamophobia in key report
Greater action is being urged to tackle discrimination at its roots, as the federal government responds to a long-awaited report into Islamophobia.
School knife search powers ruled out after stabbings
Two stabbings in as many days have sparked safety fears but authorities insist a state's schools are safe, ruling out expanding search powers.
Ex-priest blames brain injury for teenage sex hunt
A former Catholic priest who said "there is no such thing as too young" argues injuries from a car accident impaired his judgment and decision-making.
Pope visits US ambassador on July 4, prays for migrants
American Pope Leo XIV has spent the Fourth of July praying for migrants at the epicentre of Europe's migration debate on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa.
Sons of Iran’s slain leader Khamenei appear at funeral
Mourners have descended on Tehran for a funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack four months ago.
Members of rebel Catholic group excommunicated: Vatican
A breakaway right-wing Catholic group that ordained bishops without Pope Leo's approval are in schism with the church and excommunicated, the Vatican says.
Stefanovic to leave Nine after far-right interview
A controversial host is set to exit Nine following an outcry over his podcast interview with a British anti-immigration activist.
Cult leader ‘groomed’ girl for apocalyptic pregnancies
A self-proclaimed prophet and his wife allegedly groomed a young girl over a decade to get her pregnant and repopulate a post-apocalyptic society.
‘Dark shadow’ recalled at ex-governor-general’s funeral
The family of a former governor-general and archbishop has described how he became a "lightning rod" for institutional failures to prevent child sexual abuse.
Pope urges world to ‘slow down’ on AI in fervent plea
Pope Leo XIV has called for robust regulation of artificial intelligence and for its developers to work for the common good rather than profit.
Man before court accused of AK-47 threat to mosque
A man accused of threatening to shoot worshippers at a mosque with an AK-47 assault rifle is before the courts after Muslim leaders warned against rising hate.
The rise and fall of the poverty-fighter who became GG
Peter Hollingworth, Australia's only clerical governor-general, was forced to quit because he hadn't dealt adequately with sexual abuse in the Anglican church.
Man accused of ramming synagogue gates granted bail
A man alleged to have rammed synagogue gates with his ute and then referred to the Bondi massacre has been bailed to go into a mental health care centre.
Labor MP ‘interfered’ with Hillsong fraud allegations
A Hillsong whistleblower is suing the federal government, claiming an MP repeatedly stopped another from airing her claims in parliament.
Australian Jews detail ‘unfair’ backlash linked to Gaza
The chance to share their experiences of bullying, harassment and fear in the face of anti-Semitism has been years in the making for many Jewish Australians.
Pope and Rubio commit to stronger ties, Vatican says
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo XIV have discussed "topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere," a US readout of the talks says.
Rubio meets Pope Leo amid tensions with Trump
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with the Pope at the Vatican after weeks of attacks by President Donald Trump on the pontiff over the Iran war.
‘Forgotten dreams’: Aussie artist dazzles at Venice
After much fanfare and controversy, crowds are marvelling at Khaled Sabsabi's work in Venice as he brings western Sydney's diversity to life on a world stage.
‘Dirty daddy’: ex-priest’s Christmas hunt for child sex
A former priest who tried to meet three children for sex told someone he shared vile images and video with that there was "no such thing as too young".
Man accused of ramming synagoge gate applies for bail
A man accused of using a ramming the gate of a synagogue made reference to the Bondi terrorist attack and had replica handgun convictions, a judge has heard.
UK vows to tackle state-backed threats after stabbings
Britain's government is fast-tracking laws to pursue people who carry out threats for state-sponsored groups following the latest anti-Semitic attack in London.
Trump posts image of him and Jesus, Pope feud continues
Days after posting a picture of himself looking like Jesus, US President Donald Trump has posted a second picture of him being embraced by him.
Man accused of ramming synagogue gate to seek bail
A man dragged out of a ute at gunpoint and arrested for allegedly ramming the gate of an inner city synagogue will soon apply for bail, a judge has heard.
Trump deletes ‘Jesus’ post as feud with pope escalates
A now-deleted post on Donald Trump's Truth Social depicting him as Jesus-like came amid his escalating feud with Pope Leo, who has criticised the war in Iran.