Homeless man's mother settles with Fullerton over his death

The mother of a mentally ill homeless man who died after he was beaten by Fullerton police has reached a settlement with the city that...

California presbytery defies church, backs minister in gay weddings

SAN ANSELMO, Calif. — Days after President Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage, the Presbyterian Church's Northern...

North Hollywood congregants worry about fate of ashes buried at church

The congregation was quiet — teary-eyed but smiling — as Bill Coburn, in a eulogy to his wife of 62 years, spoke of the passions...

Dynamic pragmatist becomes top Islamist contender in Egypt

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt — The stage along the sea was a politically crafted advertisement for Egypt's diversity: An unveiled woman chatted...

Hero to Arab Israelis returns

UMM AL FAHM, Israel — He's an Israeli-born Islamist whom the government considers so dangerous he's been banned from stepping foot...

Rights groups see politics behind rise in Muslim hate crimes

The Oslo courtroom where confessed mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik is on trial offers a look at a tragic outcome of anti-Islamic...

Russians show support for Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill

MOSCOW — Tens of thousands of people came to the square in front of a Moscow cathedral Sunday in a show of support for the Russian...

Russian Orthodox Church is in spiritual crisis, critics say

KARABANOVO, Russia — His unruly mane of white hair giving him the look of Moses, Father Georgy Edelstein struggled over the grayish...

Vatican scolds Catholic nuns' group for deviating from doctrine

A group that represents the majority of Roman Catholic nuns in the United States has been chastised by the Vatican for deviating from church...

An old way to understand Jewishness

In his mind's eye, Rob Adler Peckerar is sitting with his students on a doorstep in the bustling heart of Eastern Europe. They are in a...

Obama praised – and pummeled – on matters of faith

President Obama stood before an audience of distinguished Christian clergy and lay leaders and took on the mantle of pastor in chief.

San Onofre barred from restarting until problems are solved

The head of the federal agency overseeing the nation's nuclear power toured the troubled San Onofre plant Friday and promised that the...

Pope Shenouda III dies at 88; leader of Coptic Orthodox Church

Crystal Cathedral's senior pastor says she's leaving to start new church

The Crystal Cathedral's senior pastor announced Sunday that she was leaving to start a new church, a move that appears likely to split the...

Syrian Christians worry about life after Bashar Assad

For 40 years, Um Michael has found comfort and serenity amid the soaring pillars and ancient icons of St. Mary's Greek Orthodox cathedral.

Catholics plan counterattack on new contraception coverage

The Catholic Church reacted strongly Friday to a White House defense of new rules that will force many religious employers to provide...

Will the year 2012 be an apocalyptic game-changer?

There are years that are remembered for changing the course of human history:1492. 1776. 1945.

Arcadia doctor recalls consultation with Pope John Paul II

He doesn't normally do house calls.

Silicon Valley gives conservative Christians a boost

Silicon Valley, the politically liberal technology hub, is an unlikely incubator of conservative Christian activism.

David Martinez dies at 67; pastor's church helped gang members and addicts

David Martinez, pastor of Victory Outreach Church of the San Fernando Valley, whose...