Latest from Religion and Beliefs

Inspiration from Irish peace

I first met Reverend Harold Good eight years ago in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Destiny school's integration bid fails

Destiny Church's bid to make its private school part of the state system has failed. The church says the rejection is disappointing as its case was compelling and valid.

100 Kiwi Stories: Chaplain's courage inspired many

77: Father James Joseph McMenamin served selflessly and paid the ultimate sacrifice as a Catholic chaplain to the Armed Forces in the Great War.

'Stupid' to insult Buddhism - expert

New Zealanders need to be more understanding of religion, an expert says, after a Kiwi was jailed yesterday for insulting Buddha in Myanmar.

Goff calls for kirpan decision

Labour's ethnic communities spokesman Phil Goff is calling for the Government to clarify where and when Sikhs can wear a kirpan.

Brian Rudman: Knife ban reasonable for all - including Sikhs

Forgive me for not being my usual liberal self when I read that a group of local Sikhs are getting over-excited about not being allowed carry ceremonial daggers.

Kiwi jailed in Myanmar

A New Zealander jailed for insulting religion in Myanmar says he will appeal against his conviction.

Sikhs need clarification on kirpans - Goff

Kids' graves targeted by thieves

Two grieving Dunedin mothers are heartbroken after "scumbags" targeted mementoes on their children's graves.

Paul Little: Women who are second to nun

Paul Little writes: Cognitive dissonance describes that uncomfortable feeling we get when reality doesn't match what we believe. And isn't that most of the time?

Alan Duff: Sniper's nation has its blind spots

Somehow the word 'American' makes it not only acceptable but epic, admirable, even glorious and certainly ordained by a Christian God, especially given that Clint Eastwood directed.

Isis: How did it come to this?

New Zealand troops are preparing for a two-year tour in Iraq to help the fight against Islamic State. This is what they are up against.

Peter Bromhead: The stern rhetoric on the perils of sin

When I was a young, innocent choirboy, I was acutely aware of the stern rhetoric on the perils of sin, delivered by my local Anglican vicar.

Bishop title suspended for offensive comments

An Anglican cleric who controversially told Jews last month the holocaust "should have taught them a lesson" has been stripped of his title as bishop.

Islam: Prayer, peace, prejudice

Violence shocks adult convert

If Anthony Green had his way he wouldn't tell anyone about his religion.