John Key is shocked about the Pope's resignation, describing the move by the 85-year-old as a "brave call".

helps-Roper, the granddaughter of founder Reverend Fred Phelps, was once described as the "future leader" of the church. But she and her 19-year-old sister, Grace, confirmed this week that they had departed the Kansas-based congregation in November.

Scientology has no official doctrine that we are descended from aliens but members of its order do sign billion-year contracts "to symbolise their eternal commitment".

Egypt used to be a place where you never gave a second thought to personal safety, writes Anne Penkith. Egyptians are hospitable, charming and honest - on the whole.

The streets of Port Said were convulsed by gun battles as groups of civilians, some using Kalashnikov machineguns, launched attacks on police stations and an army club.

A Christmas story from an associate, who was in a Salvation Army op shop when a family - mum, dad, and three children - stopped by to drop off a new bike.

Theists, and perhaps some atheists too, might thank God for Dr Zain Ali's gracious and insightful comments about God and religion.

I never believed the world would suddenly end, but I liked the idea that it was possible.

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

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

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

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.

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

Doomsayers believe December 21, 2012, marks the end of an ancient Mayan calendar - and, therefore, the onset of world-ending natural or extraterrestrial catastrophes.

In what her parents hope is a good omen, Scarlett Anne Lowe was born at 12.12pm on December 12, 2012.

I'd like to see church ministers being proactive in curbing violence before it happens. It is good to see church ministers taking a positive step to curb violence.

More than 40 New Zealand religious leaders have taken a joint stand today against violence towards women or children.

Next week, Kiwi musician Jason Kerrison will sit around a bonfire in the Far North strumming a guitar with friends - preparing for the end of time.

The country's largest provider of religious instruction in schools has stood down three volunteers for teaching pupils their own beliefs.

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