ATLANTA — Senate Republicans advanced a bill that would bolster legal protection for religious rights, despite critics warning it could lead to discrimination against gay people and other groups.

The measure, Senate Bill 36, limits the state’s ability to enforce or pass legislation that conflicts with religious beliefs. The bill passed ...Read more

WILMINGTON, Del. — Windswept rain clouds raced over a swollen Brandywine Creek on a recent, blustery Sunday, and worshippers scattered like leaves to wander its muddy banks.

One ran her hands over an old oak’s rough bark. Another picked up pieces of trash. A pair of Canada geese honked loudly at them all.

The Rev. Pete Nunnally, of St. ...Read more

The percentage of people who call themselves Christians has been in free fall for over a decade but appears to have leveled off — at least for now, according to a major new study of religious beliefs in America.

The results don’t necessarily suggest a resurgence of Christianity but signal that a significant shift toward a more secular ...Read more

In just a matter of weeks, Pope Francis has faced several new challenges in his long-running battle with chronic lung disease. The spiritual leader’s condition has been critical, with news of his well-being waxing and waning since Feb. 14 given his age and fragility.

Here’s a breakdown of what 88-year-old Francis is facing:

What conditions...Read more

PHILADELPHIA — A federal judge has paused changes to U.S. Department of Homeland Security policy that would allow immigration enforcement agents to enter houses of worship. The order affects the Quaker, Sikh, and Baptist congregations throughout the country, including Quakers in Philadelphia, affiliated with the lawsuit.

Over a dozen migrants...Read more

COLUMBIA, S.C. — “It’s an eggs-ellent day,” Pastor John Ptak said as an orderly line formed and a light drizzle fell outside the White Knoll, South Carolina, campus of Radius Church on Thursday morning.

People lined up early for free eggs, handed out by the dozen at the weekly food pantry operated by the church.

When they heard of the ...Read more

Thomas Wenski, the archbishop of Miami, has been working with immigrants in Miami for going on 50 years.

His flock is worried. Although thousands of recent immigrants in his Catholic archdiocese are here legally, many know people who are not. Florida is home to some 1.2 million people who are in the country illegally.

Some of Wenski’s ...Read more

Twenty-seven organizations representing Jewish and Christian-based denominations filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against President Donald Trump’s administration, asking a judge to prevent immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship.

As part of the administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants, the Department of Homeland ...Read more

Athletes have historically displayed their faith in different ways during competitions, and a majority of Americans who watch sports are supportive of it, a new poll found.

Fifty-six percent of sports fans in the U.S. said they are very or somewhat supportive of athletes speaking about religious faith or other spiritual issues, according to a ...Read more