STOVER, Mo. (RNS) In any denomination, Christians confronted with the shocking news that a pastor has been accused of sexual misconduct, many congregations circle the wagons. But what happens when those circling the wagons around their pastor are also those who have to make the ultimate decision about his fate — his career, his paycheck, his reputation? By Tim Townsend.

SAN FRANCISCO (RNS) It’s just another night of stand-up comedy at the Punch Line as Jesus takes the microphone. It's "Holiday Heathens,'' a December comedy show featuring humor poking fun at religion, written by atheists for atheists. By Kimberly Winston.

(RNS) A new poll shows more than a third of Americans believe the severity of recent natural disasters is evidence that we are in the “end times” described in the Bible – a period of turmoil preceding the return of Christ and the end of the world. By Lauren Markoe.

New York police arrest man for throwing chemical at rabbi. Glenn Beck: keep government out of marriage. Notre Dame Cathedral's 850th anniversary celebrations.

PASADENA, Calif. (RNS) This coming Saturday, everything I've ever believed and preached from the pulpit of All Saints Episcopal Church will be put to the test. Why? Because we're the first church to host a convention of Muslims, prompting screams that we're sympathizing with terrorists. By Ed Bacon.

(RNS) At age 83, former computer programmer Edie Windsor has become a rock star in the gay rights community. But her lawsuit to legalize gay marriage is mostly about her long love affair with Thea Spyer and lessons from her fourth-grade civics class. By Richard Wolf / USA Today.

(RNS) A graduate student who was expelled from Eastern Michigan University after citing her faith when she declined to advise a gay client has settled her case with the school. By Adelle M. Banks.

(RNS) A new Catholic translation of the Bible tweaks an Old Testament text -- Isaiah 7:14 -- that many Christians consider a prophecy about Jesus’ birth. So, why did they alter a 2,745-year-old prophecy, and does it change what the church teaches about Jesus’ virgin birth? By Daniel Burke.

(RNS) Jews and Muslims in Germany are relieved that a tumultuous political controversy over circumcision in Germany has ended with passage of a law that allows the practice for religious reasons. By Lauren Markoe. 

(RNS) At 5:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday (Dec. 12), Pope Benedict XVI reached out to the world of digital seekers — 140 characters at a time. He began with a blessing: "Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart." By Cathy Lynn Grossman / USA Today.

Why are so many couples getting married today? What did the pope tweet? Is "Amish Mafia" an accurate depiction of the "gentle people"? What do Mormon feminists have planned for this weekend?