An "evangelical manifesto" being released today by a group of Christian scholars and theologians is expected to try to take back the term "evangelical" from politics and return it to its theological roots. more >>

The Archdiocese of New Orleans recently announced the closure or merging of 33 of what once were 142 parishes across the greater New Orleans region. The closures are part of a national trend that has seen nearly 700 parishes shutter across the USA during the past decade. The closings have sparked a national resistance effort. more >>

In black churches across the country Sunday, pastors and parishioners tried to reconcile their hope to elect Sen. Barack Obama president with their respect for his controversial former pastor, Jeremiah Wright. more >>

High-ranking Shiite and Sunni leaders are preparing to issue a religious decree condemning suicide bombings and other forms of violence, according to an Anglican minister who has led efforts to bring the two Muslim sects closer. more >>

Pope Benedict XVI's prayer at Ground Zero on Sunday elevated the site where 2,750 people lost their lives to a "real place of reverence" and brought a measure of closure to families and a city deeply scarred by the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. more >>

Benedict XVI celebrated Mass before a loud, jubilant crowd at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, capping a U.S. visit marked by the pope's focus on clergy sexual abuse and by his emergence as someone more than an enforcer of doctrine a pastor. more >>

Pope Benedict XVI moved slowly and triumphantly for a mile up Fifth Avenue in his popemobile on Saturday as crowds stretching up to 10 deep showered him with applause, alleluias and cheers of "Benedicto!" more >>

Pope Benedict XVI met with leaders of other Christian faiths on Friday evening, telling them that only by "holding fast" to sound doctrinal teaching can they confront secular ideology and the individualism that "undermines or even rejects transcendent truth." more >>

Continuing his efforts at conciliation with those of other faiths, Pope Benedict XVI made his first visit to a synagogue in the United states on Friday, accepting gifts and proclaiming his "respect and esteem" for the New York Jewish community. more >>

On streets that for generations were home to German theaters and beer gardens, German-American New Yorkers welcome the papal visit as a heaven-sent event they hope will draw renewed attention to "this magnificent part of New York City history." more >>