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.
religion and belief
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.
Sydney terror charges a double standard: Muslim groups
Australian Muslim groups warn the "stark" disparity between police responses to recent violent attacks in Sydney has left the community isolated and distressed.
Disability, mental health check for accused terror teen
Police have charged a 16-year-old boy with a terrorism offence over the stabbing of a bishop at a western Sydney church.
Terrorism-accused boy has mental health history: lawyer
A teenager charged with a terrorism offence over a stabbing at a church has a "long history of behaviour" consistent with mental health issues, his lawyer says.
X to fight Australian watchdog over stabbing content
Elon Musk's social media platform says it will fight an Australian regulator over an order to take down posts after a church bishop was stabbed in Sydney.
Teen charged with terrorism over church stabbing
A 16-year-old has boy has been charged with a terrorism offence after a bishop was allegedly stabbed during a sermon at a Sydney church.
Teenage boy to face bedside hearing on terrorism charge
Police have charged a 16-year-old boy with a terrorism offence over the alleged stabbing of a bishop at a Sydney church.
Teenage boy faces bedside hearing on terrorism charge
Police have charged a 16-year-old boy with a terrorism offence over the stabbing of a bishop at a western Sydney church.
Church leader, churchgoers stabbed during service
Police have pushed back an angry mob outside a church in Sydney's west after a bishop and three parishioners were stabbed during a service.
Cult leader granted bail on child grooming charges
A self-professed prophet accused of grooming a young girl for years will face constant supervision including wearing an ankle bracelet once released on bail.
Easter is reminder of importance of forgiveness: PM
In his 2024 Easter message, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has underlined the importance of forgiveness, grace and kindness to those in need.
Pope Francis presides over Easter Vigil at Vatican
Pope Francis has presided over the Vatican's sombre Easter Vigil service, a day after he decided to skip a Good Friday procession as a health precaution.
Messages of forgiveness as Australia marks Easter
Messages of forgiveness and renewal featured throughout Easter messages and religious services, as volunteers served feasts to those who are doing it tough.
Ballarat prays for missing mother’s safe return
The Ballarat community is praying for Samantha Murphy's safe return seven days into the search for the missing 51-year-old mother.
Indian PM Modi leads consecration of temple in Ayodhya
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the consecration of a Hindu temple in the city of Ayodhya to be marked as another Diwali.