Another round of so-called peace talks between Israel and Palestine begin today in Washington. This scenario is more familiar than a TV summer rerun.

You may remember early in the summer, I, and other observers, squawked that the Obama Administration was playing fast and loose—possibly intentionally—with our most basic freedom: Freedom of religion.

Religion More Important in Poor Countries than Rich, Surveys Finds
Cuban Church Leader Arrested on Questionable Charges
Samaritan's Purse Sends Relief Supplies to Flood-Hit N. Korea
German Catholic Bishops Release New Sex Abuse Guidelines

Matthew 24:37‑41 is a key passage some Christians use to justify an escapist theology, approaching this world with a “Why shine the brass on a sinking ship?” attitude. But a closer look at the context reveals a few flaws in this kind of thinking.

I don’t know anyone who justifies race-based slavery, but I have known good folk with more than a dollop of sympathy for the Confederacy.

Teens who get less than eight hours a night at risk for obesity, experts say.

Muslims led by a hard-line cleric on Friday resumed building on a Christian cemetery in Mandi Bhawaldin, desecrating more graves in spite of a local government order to halt construction.

USA Today reported Monday that a record one in six Americans now receive some form of anti-poverty aid.

Poll: U.S. Split on Whether Islam Promotes Violence
Ex-Leader of Belgian Catholics Urged Victim to Keep Silent
African Bishops Ask Anglicans to Heed Same-Sex Moratoria
Teen's Sweet 16 Raises $30K for Kenyan Orphanage

With prayers and the tolling of bells, but also with second-line parades and Mardi Gras Indians, New Orleanians on Sunday took stock of their rebuilt lives in the five years since the hurricane.