Who are state schools for?
The Archbishop of Westminster says parents have a right to expect the state to fund religious education. Meanwhile, research reveals faith schools top the "most socially-exclusive" state schools list.
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Ed Miliband goes for the informal approach: political language unmasked
Critical discourse analyst Johnny Unger looks at the rhetorical tricks used yesterday in the Labour leader's conference speech.
Former Pope denies child abuse cover-up, and other stories – our morning round-up
Former Pope, Benedict XVI, denies abuse cover-up In a letter to a prominent Italian atheist, the ex-Pope says he never tried to cover up child sex abuse by priests. (BBC)…
A scientist’s job is to question our assumptions about the world, not unthinkingly repeat them
If the "reality" of your event is that you haven't invited any women, then address the failing, writes Alice Bell
Muslim Brotherhood banned in Egypt, and other stories – our morning round-up
Muslim Brotherhood banned by Egyptian court The Islamist party, which was overthrown by a coup earlier this year, will have its assets confiscated. (Guardian) Pope Francis excommunicates pro-gay marriage priest…
Will the Greek government ban Golden Dawn?
Interview: author Dimitris Psarras tells us about the rise of far-right extremism in Greece
Most Pakistanis are horrified at attacks on Christians – now it’s time to speak out
Sunday’s bombing highlights the dire reality faced by religious minorities in the country, writes Samira Shackle
The IPCC meets in Sweden to issue a new critical climate change report, and other stories – our morning news round-up
Scientists to issue firm warning on climate change The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, comprising scientific experts and political officials from as many as 195 UN states, will this week…
Pope warns the Catholic Church risks “falling like a house of cards”, and other stories – our morning round-up
Pope Francis: Church’s “obsession” with gays, abortion and contraception means it risks “falling like a house of cards” The recently-appointed Pope gives a frank interview to an Italian journalist. (Independent)…
PM Tony Abbott starts conservative reforms in Australia
After one day in the office, the newly appointed Prime Minister has angered scientists, women and gay people
In Quebec, some religious symbols are more equal than others
A proposed charter of secular values has sparked protest from citizens who feel it unfairly targets ethnic minorities
Prof Hawking backs assisted suicide, and other stories – our news round-up for this morning
Professor Stephen Hawking supports assisted suicide “I think those who have a terminal illness and are in great pain should have the right to choose to end their own life…
Nick Clegg plays the victim card: political language unmasked
Critical discourse analyst Johnny Unger looks at the rhetorical tricks used today in the Lib Dem leader's conference speech.
Some clarity on the veil “debate”
Recognise islamophobia for what it is, don't exclude people and don't hide from difficult questions, writes Daniel Trilling
Greek man murdered by neo-Nazis, and other stories – our morning round-up
34 year-old Greek anti-fascist murdered near Athens by uniformed neo-Nazis Pavlos Fyssas, a hip-hop artist who organised anti-racist concerts was stabbed outside a cafe in the port town of Piraeus.…