Associated Press Mount Vernon, Ohio – The decision to fire a science teacher accused of preaching his Christian beliefs in the classroom and burning crosses on students’ arms has divided residents of this Ohio town and rekindled the debate over the separation of church and state. Teacher John Freshwater, 52, was fired last month after…

Associated Press London, England – The Church of England’s ruling body voted its support Monday for women to become bishops, a move that risks further division because it lacked accommodation for traditionalists opposed to the idea. The decision after hours of debate among leaders of the British church came even as the Anglican church worldwide…

By Greg Garrison Religion News Service (RNS) Thousands of pilgrims from across the country visited central Alabama for a five-day prayer retreat focused on a woman who has reported daily sightings of the Virgin Mary since 1981. Marija Lunetti, from Medjugorje in the former Yugoslavia, reported daily visions while pilgrims gathered outside the house where…

Associated Press – July 7, 2008 BEIJING – China urged the Dalai Lama again on Monday to show support for the Beijing Olympics, in an apparent effort to link the demand more closely with continued talks. The statement from a Chinese spokesman to the official Xinhua News Agency included other previously issued conditions for talks:…

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