News Update

The consensus view: The justices will limit the expansion of gay marriage rights to California, with few if any implications for the rest of the country. Only on the Defense of Marriage Act, most agree, will the court strike a broad blow against discrimination by striking down the ban on federal benefits for married same-sex couples.

About 72 percent of Americans say legal recognition of same-sex marriage is "inevitable," according to a survey released Thursday.

Edward Snowden, the former CIA employee who leaked information about U.S. surveillance programs, is the world's most famous spy. Is Snowden a traitor or a hero?

A judge in Upper Egypt found a Christian teacher guilty of defaming Islam and levied a massive fine against her after prohibiting her lawyers from presenting a single witness during the trial.

"SheZow" is "the world's first 'transsexual' superhero." Guy is a 12-year-old boy who uses a magic ring from his dead aunt, shouts "You go girl!" and morphs into a crime-fighting female.

Do Republicans have an evangelical problem in a party that's been both derided and heralded as God's Official Party?

After years of fights over religious monuments on public land, a county courthouse in northern Florida will soon be the home of the nation's first monument to atheism on public property.

The United Nations Human Rights Council heard directly from the wife of imprisoned Iranian-American pastor Saeed Abedini June 4 as she asked the international community to "do more" to ensure that Iran upholds its human rights obligations.

For the Rev. Ernest Easley, the decision to cut ties with the Boy Scouts was simple. The Bible says homosexuality is a sin. The Boy Scouts do not.

Evangelical organizations have launched a media blitz to push members of Congress to pass an immigration bill that would allow the nation's 11 million unauthorized immigrants to apply for U.S. citizenship, strengthen border security and revamp the legal immigration system. The ad buy will feature radio ads and billboards in 13 states featuring pastors urging people to support the ongoing efforts in Congress.

The IRS targeted more than Tea Party groups for special investigations. The agency also went after religious, pro-life and pro-marriage groups, holding up tax-exempt status for months and even seeking details about group prayers.

On June 30, many Egyptians are being urged to go into the streets all over the country in response to a recent call for rebellion against President Mohammed Morsi, his administration and the ruling party to which he belongs -- the Muslim Brotherhood.