Faith news updates - read the top faith and religion news from across the U.S.

Image: Kenneth Arnold, holding his 2-year-old daughter Sophia, and his wife Josephine Arnold

Kenneth Arnold, holding his 2-year-old daughter Sophia, and his wife Josephine Arnold, of Suitland, Maryland, at a Sunday service at First Baptist of Glenarden in Maryland on June 29. In blue foreground is Louis Snowden, 95, of White Plains, Maryland.

Calling on gospel to call off debt

As communities throughout the country descend into economic gloom, churches are providing financial counseling and pointing people to local and state programs that help with finances. Full story

Nikki Kahn / Washington Post

More news and other features

Pope wraps up Australia trip

Pope 'deeply sorry' for clergy abuse

Bible class rules set for Texas schools

He ain't heavy... Italy's metal brother

Fully veiled woman's case roils France

Saudi king opens interfaith event in Spain

Wis. court rules against men in abuse case

100,000 Catholics gather for event

Excommunicated for shirtless calendar

Gay U.S. bishop fights exclusion from meeting

Dalai Lama defends Islam as peaceful

Religion adds wrinkle to flood recovery

Newsweek: Obama's Christian journey

Feds keep hands off church sanctuaries

Religious snake-handlers busted in Kentucky

Looking for a mate? Priest, 79, has advice

Mormon facing discipline for shirtless calendar

Polygamist leader released from hospital

Town split over teacher accused of preaching

Italian court grants right-to-die request

Settlements reached in clergy abuse suits

Patriarch of outlawed church dies

News

Obama pledges aid to Afghanistan
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama pledged steadfast aid to Afghanistan in talks Sunday with its Western-backed leader and vowed to pursue the war on terror "with vigor" if elected, an Afghan official said.

McCain spends aggressively ahead of cap

Beijing limits cars to clear air

Harrington wins second British Open

Pope wraps up Australia trip

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Protesters greet the pope in Australia
July 14: Dozens of demonstrators gathered in Australia to protest the pope's visit. Msnbc.com's Dara Brown reports.

Can Catholics help Democrats?

Can Obama woo the faithful?

Religious community outraged at school bullying

Pope in Prada?