Church leaders call for hope and love at Christmas
Australians have been urged to look at Christmas as a time for hope in the midst of natural disasters, international conflicts and economic challenges.
religion and belief
King urges compassion, care for the environment
The King has praised the "selfless army" of volunteers serving others, describing them as the "essential backbone of our society," in his Christmas address.
Pope has scan due to flu, lung complications ruled out
Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican after hospital tests ruled out lung complications resulting from a case of flu.
Responsibility not to ‘politicise’ conflict: Albanese
The federal government is facing questions over its approach to the Hamas-Israel conflict and calls for a ceasefire.
Bullied Jewish students win apology, $400k from state
Victoria must apologise and pay more than $400,000 to students who experienced anti-Semitic bullying and harassment at a state school, a judge has ordered.
Chief monk faces court over child sex abuse at temples
A chief incumbent monk has been charged with 13 sex offences allegedly perpetrated against three children he met at two Melbourne temples almost 30 years ago.
Chief monk faces court over child sex abuse at temple
A chief incumbent monk has been charged with 13 sex offences allegedly perpetrated against three children he met at a Melbourne temple more than 20 years ago.
Mountain to reopen after ‘Jesus saves’ vandalism attack
Queensland's culturally significant Mt Beerwah will reopen to visitors despite further public meddling following a "callous" vandalism attack.
Sisters fight darkness after Orthodox principal’s abuse
Melbourne sisters Elly Sapper and Dassi Erlich have spoken of overcoming darkness after sexual abuse by former ultra-Orthodox Jewish principal Malka Leifer.
Rising religious vilification draws move to toughen law
Anti-discrimination laws are being amended in NSW to stem the rising tide of religious vilification being reported by faith groups.
Zelenskiy promises ‘irreversible’ Russian defeat
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy used his address in Germany to promise an "irreversible" defeat against Russia with the help of Western allies.
Zelenskiy asks Pope to back Kyiv peace plan
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy presented Pope Francis with a used bulletproof vest that had been painted with an image of the Madonna.
Peter Hollingworth to no longer officiate as a priest
Former governor-general Peter Hollingworth says he will no longer officiate as an Anglican priest despite a church board deeming him fit for ministry.
Hollingworth ‘fit for ministry’ despite abuse findings
Former governor-general Peter Hollingworth concedes he failed to appropriately respond to child sex abuse complaints while archbishop of Brisbane.
‘Easter treat’ as chill brings snow to ski resorts
As Christians gathered to mark the resurrection on Easter Sunday, cooler temperatures swept across the nation with some ski resorts reporting snow.
Easter a celebration of faith, hope and renewal: PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has led Easter well-wishes, marking Easter Sunday as a celebration of faith, hope and renewal.
Two killed in West Bank shooting attack: Israeli army
Israeli medics say an alleged Palestinian shooting attack in the northern occupied West Bank killed two women and seriously wounded another.
Cost-of-living concerns leave their mark on Easter
Sydney's Royal Easter Show hosted the prime minister, while others marked Good Friday with religious services, long weekend feasting or the start of trips away.
Malka Leifer awaits sentence on sex abuse charges
Ex-Orthodox Jewish principal Malka Leifer is waiting to hear how long she will spend in prison after a jury found her guilty of sexually abusing two sisters.
Leifer sexual abuse verdicts bittersweet for sisters
A jury has found former ultra-Orthodox Jewish principal Malka Leifer guilty of 18 sexual abuse charges against two former students at the Adass Israel School.
Ukraine Orthodox leader under house arrest
A Ukrainian cleric accused of supporting Russia's war efforts has been put under house arrest and forced to wear an ankle bracelet.
Former Hillsong leader Houston’s drink-driving charge
The controversial former leader of global Pentecostal mega-church Hillsong has admitted he was charged with driving under the influence in the US.
Malka Leifer abuse jury push on for verdicts
Jurors considering the sexual abuse case against Jewish ultra-Orthodox former school principal Malka Leifer have been urged to push following a deadlock.
Jurors retire to consider Malka Leifer abuse verdict
Jurors have retired to consider their verdicts on 27 sexual abuse charges against former ultra-Orthodox Jewish principal Malka Leifer.
Archbishop claims $1.9m altar boy payout ‘excessive’
Archbishop Peter Comensoli is appealing a $1.9 million payout to a victim of a pedophile priest, arguing factors outside the abuse caused some of his injuries.
Leader warns of risks in early release of voice model
Co-chair of the Uluru Dialogue says the referendum is a vote on the principle of the voice to parliament, with finer details to be worked out by parliament.
Mosque bombing kills 28 in Pakistan
At least 28 people are dead and scores more are wounded after a suicide bomber struck inside a mosque in northwestern Pakistan.
Church member in court over child abuse
A 36-year-old Geelong man who is a member of the Geelong Revival Centre has faced court accused of child sexual abuse offences.
Cardinal Pell farewelled at the Vatican
Australian cardinal George Pell has been farewelled at St Peter's Basilica by the same pope whose papacy he described as a "disaster".
Pell in final journey home to Australia
The body of Cardinal George Pell is being brought home to Australia ahead of his interment in the crypt at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney this week.
‘Difficult day’ following Pell’s death: PM
Cardinal George Pell has been hailed by a former prime minister as a "saint for our times", while Anthony Albanese has passed on the nation's condolences.