Pope Francis warns against religious extremism
On the first day of his tour of Indonesia, the pope has warned against religious extremism, saying it distorts religious beliefs through deception and violence.
religion and belief
‘Disillusioned’: Muslim group warning ahead of election
A grassroots political movement is aiming to swing votes away from the government at the federal election over its response to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
‘Great pain’ not enough to require help for dying girl
A woman accused of killing a young girl by withholding her insulin told police she would not have called an ambulance even if the girl was writhing in pain.
Prosecution rests in church trial over child’s death
After weeks of hearings, prosecutors in the trial of 14 church group members accused of killing a girl by withholding insulin have finished presenting evidence.
Rioters convicted over ‘unacceptable’ church attack
A magistrate has condemned the actions of rioters congregating outside a church after a bishop's stabbing as three charged over the incident appeared in court.
Accused killer mum ‘praying’ when girl’s breath stopped
A manslaughter-accused mother previously jailed for failing to seek treatment for her daughter said it was a "miracle" she had survived a near-fatal coma.
‘No regrets’ over girl’s death: accused dad to police
A body-worn camera has captured an exchange between police officers and a man accused of murdering his eight-year-old daughter by withholding her medication.
Trump says Christians won’t have to vote next election
Republican nominee Donald Trump's team didn't address his comments he would have it "fixed" so that Christians wouldn't need to vote in the next election.
Harris says she is the ‘underdog’ in presidential race
Republican nominee Donald Trump's team didn't address his comments he would have it "fixed" so that Christians wouldn't need to vote in the next election.
Harris says she is the ‘underdog’, Trump goes on attack
Donald Trump has vowed to make the US the "crypto capital of the world," a far cry from his stance in 2021, when he called bitcoin a "scam."
Mum forced daughter into two marriages: court hears
A mother who forced her daughter to marry a man who would go on to kill her should be jailed to send a message to the community, a court has been told.
Murder accused to cop: girl ‘still not risen’ from dead
A religious leader on trial accused of murdering a young child of his followers told police the girl was no longer breathing despite his prayers, a judge heard.
Mother on trial for girl’s death acted on Bible ‘facts’
A woman accused of killing her daughter by withholding medication told her prior trial for near-fatal child neglect the Bible's "facts" showed God could heal.
Israeli minister’s holy site visit threatens Gaza talks
Ultranationalist Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has visited a contested Jerusalem holy site, which could disrupt talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza.
Boss tells murder trial of hard worker’s ‘brainwashing’
A bakery boss says he feared a valued employee and friend had been "brainwashed" by a fringe Christian group before the man allegedly murdered his own daughter.
Girl ‘miraculously healed’ of diabetes before death
A church group member charged over an eight-year-old girl's death said the child had earlier been miraculously healed of her diabetes, a court has been told.
Murder accused dad told girl needed insulin ‘for life’
A man accused of murdering his daughter by withholding her insulin was repeatedly told she would die without the medication, a judge has heard.
Murder accused ‘cult’ leader grills teen member’s mum
A religious leader accused of murder has cross-examined a witness who confronted him over her teenage daughter spending too much time in his congregation.
Churchgoers ‘elated’ for public to see girl resurrect
A religious group accused of killing an eight-year-old girl were "elated" when police took her body as people would see her rise from the dead, a judge heard.
Church group in girl’s death trial claims ‘persecution’
A leader of a religious group accused of fatally withholding medication from a young girl claimed they are facing "religious persecution" under man-made law.
Group ‘singing’ as police searched girl’s death scene
As police were photographing the body of an eight-year-old girl, members of a church group accused of killing her were singing on the front lawn, a judge heard.
Stampede at Hindu religious event in India kills 121
Authorities in northern India say at least 121 have been killed in a stampede that occurred at a Hindu religious gathering.
No jail for ‘morally repugnant’ rioter who punched cop
A man who attended violent riots after a church bishop's stabbing and was pepper sprayed after punching a police officer will not spend any more time in prison.
Greens deputy says Muslim voters ‘long ignored’
The deputy leader of the Greens says the major parties have failed to address the needs of migrant communities and their voices are not being heard.
Australian dies during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
Intense heat has killed hundreds taking part in the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, including one Australian, the government has confirmed.
Church rioter’s sentencing delayed due to new charges
The first sentence against a participant of an angry mob riled up by a bishop's stabbing has been delayed as the rioter faces new domestic violence allegations.
Iran’s Supreme Leader leads prayers at Raisi funeral
Iran's late president's funeral is being held ahead of an early election at a time of worsening strains between the clerical leadership and wider society.
Accused jihadi to stand trial for terrorism offences
An alleged Australian terrorist will go on trial although, the Melbourne Magistrates Court has been told, he does not recognise the criminal justice system.
Hillsong agrees to settle assault lawsuit with woman
A woman who was suing Hillsong Church after being indecently assaulted eight years ago is on the verge of reaching an agreement with the embattled mega-church.
Woman sues Hillsong Church over indecent assault
A woman who was indecently assaulted while she was a member of Hillsong Church is seeking damages from the mega-church for psychiatric injury.
Hillsong Church to resolve woman’s assault lawsuit
A woman who was suing Hillsong Church after she was indecently assaulted is on the verge of reaching an agreement with the embattled mega-church.