One if the most widely translated works in history has been given a very 21st-century update.

The first parts of what will be New Zealand's largest musical instrument have arrived at Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Dearly beloved: there's a petition to challenge the dress code for this year's school ball at St Dominic's Catholic College, a girls' high school in West Auckland.

A study reveals a link between attending religious services and a longer life expectancy.

A challenge to religious instruction in state schools on the grounds of direct discrimination could not be legally defended by the Ministry of Education, documents say.

Gay Anglicans are reacting with a mix of fury and resignation after the Anglican Synod today failed to approve the blessing of gay marriages.

Liberal Anglican priest Dr Helen Jacobi says she is ashamed of her Church after it postponed "blessings" for gay marriages for at least two years.

Maori prayers could be banned from the classroom if campaigners are successful in their bid to remove religious instruction from state schools.

Secular education campaigners have faced a significant setback in their legal fight to ban the Bible from public schools.

The moderation and maturity of Muslims in New Zealand was evident once again in their response to the Egyptian initiative.

Egypt is sending imams as part of new drive to reduce radicalisation and counter jihadism.

A woman claiming to have suffered stigmata -- the injuries Jesus suffered when he was crucified -- has become the subject of hot debate.

New Zealand provides a model of religious tolerance for the rest of the world, former Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday.

COMMENT: For me Easter Monday is a great time to reflect on how boring it is to be an atheist.

Shorter fasting days during the Islamic holy month could be the attraction to draw wealthy Muslim tourists to New Zealand, a University of Auckland academic says.

COMMENT: It's time to let Easter go. Its spiritual significance is non-existent and its recreational function an annoyance.

When others let us down the hope present in the Easter story still stands. It's a hope that stands for eternity.

COMMENT: The tenets of Muslim belief are not compatible with a secular society, writes Alan Duff.

Judas may be one of the hardest of all historical figures to present in a good light, but prominent clerics have lent voices to calls for a reappraisal.

COMMENT: Alan Duff's vitriol and vilification of religion is counter-scientific and unwarranted.

COMMENT: Humans invented God - not vice-versa - as handy tool for manipulating others.

A Russian man is being prosecuted for writing a post on social media that equated the Bible to a "collection of Jewish fairytales".

Australian Cardinal George Pell has laid blame for failing to act against a paedophile priest on the dying former bishop of Ballarat.

Leaders of the Gloriavale Christian Community have opened up to the public after revelations the group has more than $40 million in assets.

Pope Francis has added the strongest voice yet to a growing chorus of world leaders taking a stand against the celebrity candidate.

Well-known atheist and biologist has been forced to cancel his upcoming New Zealand tour due to health problems.

Scientists have found a long-awaited explanation as to why humans have for centuries maintained orderly societies: the fear of an angry god.

Food is key to Chinese New Year, and families and restaurants will ring in the Year of the Monkey with special feasts.