First-Grader Can Perform Chris Tomlin Song After Idaho School Reverses Ban

Sat, 19 May 2012 09:51:20 EDT

An Idaho first-grader's plan to perform a song by worship singer Chris Tomlin using sign language for a talent show is back on track after the school's principal originally banned the entry, deeming the song "too religious."

Sebelius Talks Separation of Church and State at Georgetown Ceremony

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:17:02 EDT

Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius addressed Georgetown University graduates at an awards ceremony Friday despite opposition from conservative Catholics over her invitation.

Joel Osteen Speaks Out on Ala. Immigration Law

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:55:55 EDT

Texas megachurch pastor Joel Osteen has spoken out on the Alabama state law that makes it a crime for pastors to provide church shelter for illegal immigrants, as residents protest against a new provision to the bill that may force courts to disclose information on undocumented aliens.

Sudan Reportedly Shuts Down Christian Aid Groups' Offices Without Explanation

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:23:16 EDT

The offices of the Sudan Council of Churches (SCC) and the offices of relief organization Sudan Aid, both in the Darfur region, have reportedly been closed down by the Sudanese government without warning. Observers suspect Sudan's reported war on religious minorities, specifically Christians, may have been motivation for the closures.

Secularists Threatening to Wipe Out Christians, Says Senior British Cardinal

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:21:21 EDT

Britain's most senior Roman Catholic cardinal gave a stern warning earlier this week against the dangers of secularism and claimed that secular values fostered violence and helped establish the totalitarian regimes that killed millions in the 20th century.

Vanderbilt University's All-Comers Policy 'Discouraging,' But Unites Christian Students

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:30:19 EDT

While some consider Vanderbilt University's new all-comers policy to be an assault on religious freedom, one lawyer for the American Center for Law and Justice argues that the university's Christian students have become more unified as a result of increased campus hostility.

Controversial Church-Building Law a Focal Point for Egypt's Coptic Voters

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:04:32 EDT

Egypt's Coptic Christians fear they could face further persecution should an Islamist candidate win next week's presidential elections, and one of the major issues on their agenda is a controversial law that puts heavy restrictions on building and maintaining Christian houses of worship.

Catholic University Stops Providing Student Health Insurance Over Birth Control Mandate

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:19:52 EDT

Franciscan University of Steubenville, a small Catholic university in eastern Ohio, has decided to no longer offer health insurance to its students rather than comply with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) birth control mandate.

Washington Archdiocese Slams Georgetown President Over Sebelius Invitation

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:03:33 EDT

The Archdiocese of Washington, led by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, slammed Georgetown University on Tuesday for not withdrawing its invitation to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to speak at an awards ceremony.

US Bishops Reject Proposed 'Compromise' on HHS Contraception Mandate

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:39:55 EDT

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said Tuesday in a statement issued to the Health and Human Services (HHS) that prospective changes in the contraception mandate, offered by the Obama administration as a form of compromise after a massive backlash, are still "morally objectionable."

Colo. Court Rules Day of Prayer Proclamations Unconstitutional

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:49:45 EDT

A Colorado appeals court ruled last week that the state governors' previous proclamations regarding the National Day of Prayer were unconstitutional as they implied a "government endorsement of religion over nonreligion."

Religious Freedom, Shariah Take Center Stage During Egypt's Presidential Debate

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:16:51 EDT

The two front-runners for the Egyptian presidency recently faced off during the country's first televised presidential debate, with religion and Islamic law dominating the discussion.