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RELIGION January 3, 2017

Silenced by IS, displaced Iraqis relish return to phones

Iraqis who escaped Islamic State rule during the battle for Mosul are indulging in a newfound freedom — the right to check their phones.

Islam January 3, 2017

Ethiopia jails 20 Muslims accused of pursuing Sharia state

An Ethiopian court has sentenced 20 Muslims to prison after they were found guilty of trying to establish a state ruled by Sharia law and inciting violence.

RELIGION January 3, 2017

Judges rule Jakarta governor blasphemy trial closed to media

An Indonesian court has ruled that witness testimony will be closed to the media in the blasphemy trial of the capital's minority Christian governor.

RELIGION January 3, 2017

Video weakens Myanmar claims it's not abusing Rohingya

Newly revealed video of Myanmar police beating Rohingya Muslims in northern Rakhine state has weakened months of government claims that its forces have not committed abuses in the tense and isolated region it has largely closed off to foreigners since a deadly insurgent attack in October.

RELIGION January 3, 2017

Son of slain governor threatened for angering Islamists

The son of a Pakistani politician killed for opposing the country's harsh blasphemy laws says he is now receiving death threats for supporting a Christian woman on death row for insulting Islam.

Europe January 3, 2017

Skier Jean Vuarnet, who struck gold with tuck position, dies

Olympic skiing champion Jean Vuarnet, who helped pioneer the aerodynamic tuck position for downhill racers but suffered tragedy with the deaths of his wife and son in a doomsday cult murder-suicide, has died, the French Olympic Committee announced Monday.

Europe January 3, 2017

Pope to bishops: Maintain 'zero tolerance' for child abuse

Pope Francis has exhorted Catholic bishops worldwide to do what's needed to ensure children aren't sexually abused by clergy.

VIDEO January 2, 2017

50,000 students to gather in Atlanta for 'Passion 2017'

Todd Starnes talks worship conference

Vatican January 2, 2017

Canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II

Thousands of pilgrims from around the world gathered in Vatican City's St. Peter's Square Sunday as Pope Francis led a service declaring two of the 20th century's most popular and influential popes to be saints. 

Europe January 1, 2017

Pope: 2017 will be good if people do good; decries terrorism

Pope Francis in his New Year's homily has lamented societies becoming "cold and calculating" and bereft of compassion.