New Budget Campaign Asks 'What Would Jesus Cut?'

"A coalition of progressive Christian leaders has taken out a full-page ad that asks 'What would Jesus cut?' in Monday’s edition of Politico, the opening salvo in what the leaders say will be a broader campaign to prevent cuts for the poor and international aid programs amid the budget battle raging in Washington."

Interaction Between Scientists and Evangelical Christians

"Science and religion, at odds for centuries, can -- and may be bound to -- find common ground, say speakers at AAAS session."

Google Earth Reveals Lost Tombs in Saudi Arabian Desert

"Satellite images available via the Web-based 3-D map program show that large portions of the country hold a wealth of archaeological remains that predate Islam and may be several thousand years old."

Growth Stalls, Falls for Largest U.S. Denominations

"Church membership in the USA declined this year, pulled by decades of falling numbers for mainline Protestant denominations."

First French 'Designer Baby' Born

"French doctors have announced the birth of a baby selected by genetic sampling who may offer a cure for a sibling affected by an incurable hereditary disease."

As Cuban Economy Sputters, Evangelicals Rise

"For decades, Cuba’s evangelicals met behind closed doors, holding services in living rooms and converted garages. But as the country confronts hard times, followers have come out of the shadows, turning to religion to meet both economic and spiritual needs."

U.S. Catholic Church Blesses iPhone App for Confession

"The U.S. Catholic Church has apparently given its blessing to an iPhone app aimed at helping Catholics with confession, Reuters reports."

Church and State (Universities)

"Major higher education groups urge Supreme Court to consider appeal of ruling they fear could force public colleges to financially support worship and other practices of religion."

With Upheaval, How Large Is The Opening For Islam?

". . .most academic and policy experts say an Iran-style scenario is far-fetched for Egypt and other Arab countries that are now seeing uprisings. There's no doubt that Islamist parties will play a role in transitional governments and open elections, should they occur."

Vatican to Update Bioethics Guide for Catholic Hospitals

"Controversies over bioethical standards at U.S. Catholic hospitals show the need for greater Catholic education for health care workers, Vatican officials said Thursday."

Obama Delivers Major Speech on Personal Faith

"President Barack Obama gave an unusually personal speech about his religious faith on Thursday, saying that 'it is the biblical injunction to serve the least of these that keeps me going and keeps me from being overwhelmed,' in address to a prayer breakfast in Washington."