John Henry Newman’s Bid For Sainthood
As the Pope visits Birmingham next week, a crucial item on the agenda is to beatify John Henry Newman. Allen Turing looks at how this came about.
State Visits – All Are Welcome
As non-Catholics grumble about the expense of the Pope’s State Visit, Gareth Allen looks at some of the other distinguished guests who have broken bread with Her Madge.
America’s Battle Lines Are Drawn
The current furore over the Ground Zero Mosque that isn’t at Ground Zero and isn’t a mosque is a sign of the times. Gareth Allen writes that America is becoming increasingly polarised.
Lourdes – Still Curing After All These Years
The rate of miracles at Lourdes appears to be slowing down. Allen Turing asks if the holiness of Our Lady is wearing off with the progress of medical science, or if it’s just a coincidence.
Disgrace From The Jaws of Honour
Another success from Vatican PR. The Pope would have questions to answer, writes Gareth Allen, if he weren’t so damned infallible.
Heresy Corner – Mind The Gap
Since the time Jesus walked the Earth, his followers have been disagreeing over who are the best at praising him. Woe betide anyone who loves him in the wrong way. Gareth Allen identifies some key heretics.
A Pride of Popes – A Brief History of Christianity
As we gear up to host the Holy Father, shock news emerges that he might not be our real dad. Gareth Allen checks the DNA of Christianity and comes up with some other candidates.
Islam “Not A Religion” According to Tennessee Republican
Tennessee Lt-Gov Ron Ramsey yesterday questioned whether Islam was actually a religion. Gareth Allen writes that this silly man is playing right into the hands of Osama Bin Laden.
Another Success For Vatican PR
Gareth Allen looks at the latest PR disaster coming out of Rome. What would Mandelson do?
Anglican Alternative Reality
As the Anglican Church lurches closer to homophobic, misogynistic self-destruction, Gareth Allen draws a comparison with the real world.
Atheism in the Islamic World
Continuing our analysis of atheism around the world, Gareth Allen looks at the huge range of political systems in the Islamic world.
Officially Sanctioned Atheism in Japan
In Japan, religion and politics are officially separated by the post war constitution. According to Wendy Uchimura, though, things are not quite that simple.
Hugo Chavez vs The Pope
In Venezuela, socialism and Catholicism are clashing head on. Richard Steele looks at Hugo Chavez, the man at the eye of the storm.
Freedom Of Religion, Not Freedom From Religion
One nation under god. The history of the United States is steeped in religion and, despite a clearly defined separation of church and state, there are precious few non-believers in political office. Gareth Allen reports.
A Question of French Intolerance
France threatens to cross the line from secularism to discrimination. An all-party commission proposed that the niqab – the most popular form of the Muslim veil that is worn in that country – be banned in public places.