Latest from Religion and Beliefs

Referendum a victory for President

Egypt's Islamist-backed constitution received a "yes" majority in a final round of voting on a referendum that saw a low voter turnout.

Editorial: Let's embrace this season of tolerance and goodwill

A Christmas card from the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran wishes us a Merry Christmas. There is nothing unusual about that.

The end - and we're still here

When a mynah bird fell from the sky in front of a startled Katja Wernicke, she wondered if the doomsday predictions might be right.

It's a matter of faith

Whether one is "religious" or not, everyone is a person of faith. If that sounds like a contradiction, the fact is that each one of us has faith, because faith is defined as having belief and trust in someone or something.

Twelve Questions: Vicki Hyde

It's the end of the world tomorrow, according to the Mayan calendar. Vicky Hyde, spokeswoman for the NZ Skeptics Society ponders what it all means and what she'd take to the bunker.

Taleban kill six in polio programme

Health experts have condemned a "devastating" assault by the Pakistan Taleban in which five female polio vaccinators were shot dead in co-ordinated attacks across two cities.

Zain Ali: Space for all in religious debate

Religious faith undoubtedly has the power to inspire, although in many cases it seems to inspire irrational acts of hatred and violence.

It's a party in the pews

Anglicans send Kiwi to the Vatican

The head of the Anglican Church in New Zealand, Archbishop David Moxon, has been appointed to represent the worldwide Anglican movement in Rome.

Guard in bearskin-turban swap

The first Sikh guardsman to be given permission to wear a turban instead of a bearskin while on duty outside Buckingham Palace is under pressure not to break tradition.

Bible-class stance dismays father

A couple who took their daughter out of a school class based on the <i>Bible</i> were dismayed to find her left alone in a classroom.

Insight: The mysteries of the masons

Behind the closed doors of the Masonic Lodge.

Jonah Lomu in Mormon fold

All Black great Jonah Lomu has become a Mormon - but don't expect to see him don a suit and ride a bike going door-to-door spreading the gospel.

Andrew Geddis: Churches' gay marriage fears needless

If that change really is needed, then so be it, writes Andrew Geddis. "But I think the Law Society is wrong and the bill as it stands would not require anything new of any religious group."

Cartoon: Banging noise?

Paul Little: Reality a hard sell to hopeful