What’s wrong with humanist weddings?
In England and Wales, only civil or religious weddings can gain legal recognition. And the government is set to block the latest attempt at reform. Anna Vesterinen reports
Mind, Body & Life
The rationalist way of death
Given that it has historically been annexed by religion, how should the non-believer mark death? Jonathan Rée dons his weeds and joins the procession. Illustration Jessica Chandler
Suffering is not beautiful
Giles Fraser's grisly Christian ethic of noble suffering is an unwelcome distraction from the vital debate over euthanasia, says Tauriq Moosa
I’m sorry, I’m dating Jesus
A barrage of evangelical dating manuals encourage Christian youth to direct their sexual desire at Jesus, and keep their hands off themselves. Ex-evangelical Jonny Scaramanga looks back at a mis-spent…
On the sidelines of America’s abortion battle
As part of studies Laura McInerney was told she needed to get out of her comfort zone. So she joined an anti-abortion protest in Missouri. Here's what she saw
South London spiritual
Though he is an atheist, Matthew Adams finds peace and solace in the Victorian churches of the South London suburb of Brockley. Photographs by Melissa Harrison
They didn’t come from outer space
We've been primed by popular culture to expect a close encounter at any moment, governments have made preparations and the tin-hat brigade say they're already here. But now ufology is…
I’m a Pope fan-boy
In a potentially career threatening move, News Editor Paul Sims gets something off his chest
Finally, some good news on FGM
Up to 20,000 girls in the UK are at risk of suffering genital mutilation, and more than 60,000 women already live with the consequences of these illegal procedures, yet there…
Flaming swords & gossamer wings
Though belief in religion is on the wane, angels have never been more popular. Why’s that? asks Sally Feldman