There are just 315 scientologists in NZ, yet the church, which was established here more than 60 years ago, has just opened a new $16 million base.

The Church of Scientology will open its new Auckland base next Saturday - with high profile leader David Miscavige tipped to be coming to cut the ribbon.

In case you missed it: This was one of Lifestyle's most popular stories of 2016

Amazon has sparked outrage by continuing to sell "racist" and religiously offensive fancy dress costumes despite criticism from customers.

Church leaders remind us that the message of Christmas goes beyond just words.

The bakery that refused to make a cake for a lesbian couple's wedding has closed after legal battles left the business financial devastated.

COMMENT: We're entering that time of year when I remind people to be kind to atheists. Remember, Christmas capitalism has room for all of us.

Why does Santa wear red and why do we kiss under mistletoe? The mysteries of Christmas unwrapped.

York Minster's bells could remain silent this Christmas for the first time since 1361 in an act of solidarity by bellringers after church axed 30 ringers.

Pastor regrets saying the kingdom of heaven must infiltrate schools.

COMMENT: A number of lessons can be learned from Belgium. This is particularly true for NZ where the problem of Islamic extremism is much more manageable.

A message from Pope Francis will be delivered this weekend to Kiwis affected by last month's Kaikoura earthquake.

Controversial pentecostal church leader Brian Tamaki is now warning his followers tremors are a divine alarm after blaming recent destructive quakes on gay people.

COMMENT: The more science advances, the more inclined is the human race to cling to nonsense.

Calls to LGBT support service OUTline are the highest they've ever been.

Destiny Church could be at risk of losing its tax-free status after a member of the public complained to Charities Services.

COMMENT: CNN this week had a discussion where the screen read: "Alt-Right Founder Questions If Jews Are People."

A Muslim cleric gave what has been labelled hate speech in an online video has been permanently stood down.

Bishop Brian Tamaki is under fire for blaming earthquakes on sinners, murderers and gays in a sermon.

Love for all was the message being sent to Brian Tamaki by a group of peaceful protesters outside his Rotorua sermon this morning.

Tamaki pointed the finger at the gay community, murderers and sinners.

COMMENT: Brian Tamaki's comments concerning earthquakes and their function in God's beautiful plan for mankind are beyond reason and beneath contempt.

Hannah Tamaki is urging people to donate to a charity drive set up to protest against her husband - boasting that Bishop Brian will enjoy a slice of the cash.

Peter Dunne has echoed calls from the public to strip Destiny Church of its tax-exempt status.

Donations to Rainbow Youth are being made in the Destiny Church leader's name after his comment that gays caused Monday's quake.

Brian Tamaki now says it's not just gays who caused the earthquake, but all 'extra-sexual' behaviour is to blame.

A BBC reporter has spoken out against racists who hid pork scratchings in her supermarket shopping basket.

The man who ate Lincoln Rd asked as to the whereabouts of God at a couple of food joints this week.

Humour, happiness and harmony lie at the heart of this Himalayan kingdom, writes Sarah Marshall.

A vicar's wife has told a tribunal how her husband led a double life as a bisexual sex addict.