The trouble with fatwas
As reports of the declaration of "sexual jihad" in Syria show, bizarre clerical pronouncements discredit Islam and distort non-Muslim perceptions of the faith. Riazat Butt calls for some sanity
Faith & Religion
Scottish census reveals rise in non-religious population
The results of the 2011 survey show growing numbers of Scottish non-believers alongside falling numbers of Christians
Cult of Cartoonists
Not satisfied by the religions on offer, Sam Mills decides to create another cult of her own. Illustrations by Ralph Steadman
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)…
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
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)…
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.…
If we want a debate on the veil, why not listen to Muslim women first?
As usual, the voices of those most affected are being excluded.
Pope Francis tells non-believers to abide by their conscience
In a letter to a newspaper, the Pontiff once again hints that God’s mercy might extend to the faithless.