Religion News Blog

Faith-Healing Death Ruled a Homicide; Parents Charged With Murder

Religion News Blog — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:47:02 +0000

The death of an 8-month old son of a Philadelphia ‘faith healing’ couple already on probation for the negligence death of another child has been ruled a homicide by a medical examiner.

Herbert and Catherine Schaible have been charged with third-degree murder.

Full story: Faith-Healing Death Ruled a Homicide; Parents Charged With Murder

Israeli police detain man suspected of running abusive cult

Religion News Blog — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:16:52 +0000

Updated Israeli police have arrested man whom they suspect of leading a violent cult community that routinely practiced child abuse.

The group of people he controlled consisted of six families, including 11 parents and 25 children.

Full story: Israeli police detain man suspected of running abusive cult

City Harvest Church leaders on trial in embezzlement case

Religion News Blog — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:13:46 +0000

The pastor and five other leaders or Singapore's City Harvest Church are on trial for alleged embezzlement.

Prosecutors say the six siphoned off nearly $40 million of church funds in a scheme to boost the career of pop singer Sun Ho, wife of pastor Kong Hee.

Full story: City Harvest Church leaders on trial in embezzlement case

Religion News Briefs, Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Religion News Blog — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:25:59 +0000

Did Pope Francis perform an exorcism? The Vatican says he did not intend to do one...

Plus: The Way of St. James, a 1,200-year old pilgrimage

And the Lord's Resistance Army, a terrorist group led by 'mystic' Joseph Kony, has killed more than 100,000 people over the past 25 years.

Full story: Religion News Briefs, Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Kashi Ashram; phony cancer cure; Child-Friendly Faith Project…

Religion News Blog — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:35:19 +0000

A Christian minister who sold a phony cancer cure that included suntan lotion and beef flavoring has been jailed and fined.

Cult expert Steve Hassan joins the Board of Advisor of Child-Friendly Faith Project.

And the leader of a church whose wealth is "impossible to calculate" tells world leaders what to do with their money.

Plus: You won't believe what people claim is going on inside the Kashi Ashram. And the head of Saudi Arabia's religious police makes our 'Religious Insanity' file.

Full story: Kashi Ashram; phony cancer cure; Child-Friendly Faith Project…

Satanic ritual killing trial continues in Johannesberg

Religion News Blog — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:54:40 +0000

In October, 2011, two teenage girls were doused with petrol and set alight on a hill south of Johannesburg, South Africa, in what authorities, prosecutors and the accused say was a Satanic ritual killing.

Full story: Satanic ritual killing trial continues in Johannesberg

Prosecutors, atty’s to seize more properties from cult leader

Religion News Blog — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:19:53 +0000

Federal prosecutors and attorneys are seeking the seizure of more buildings from cult leader Tony Alamo -- who is serving a 175-year prison sentence for taking girls as young as nine as his 'wives.'

The properties are to be sold in order to satisfy judgements against Alamo.

Full story: Prosecutors, atty’s to seize more properties from cult leader

End is near for false prophet’s radio network

Religion News Blog — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:09:22 +0000

There are indications that the demise Harold Camping's Family Radio Network is imminent. Camping, a heretic of Christianity, is best known for his failed doomsday predictions.

A mayoral candidate in North Miame claims she is endorsed by Jesus Christ.

Plus: a doctoral student at Harvard University proposes that Muslim clerics with poor job prospects are more likely to preach violence.

Full story: End is near for false prophet’s radio network

Hana Williams’ starvation death; Scientology photoshops; Saints…

Religion News Blog — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:04:23 +0000

The severity of charges against a 'Christian' couple accused of starving their 13-year-old adopted daughter to death depends on whether they girl's age can be verified.

Also: Once again, the Scientology cult has photoshopped one of its events to make it appear more people were there than bothered to show up.

Plus: declaring saints -- Catholic Church vs. the Bible (We've got a winner).

Full story: Hana Williams’ starvation death; Scientology photoshops; Saints…

Jedi Force is waning in Canada; and other religion news briefs

Religion News Blog — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:40:25 +0000

Jediism is losing followers in Canada, according to the latest census. Also: the arrival of religious immigrants has worked to offset the country's growing secular population.

Scientology troubled front group Narconon now has the Oklahoma government looking over its shoulders.

Also: Vactican official says worshipping Santa Maria is blasphemy.

Full story: Jedi Force is waning in Canada; and other religion news briefs