Spiritual Practices
Anglicans asked to donate more towards cathedral rebuild
It has been 13 years since the building was extensively damaged in the earthquakes.
Christchurch unearths saints kept in coffee jars
A new exhibition showcases relics found underneath Christchurch's Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, which was badly damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes. Audio
Pope Francis says sexual pleasure 'a gift from God'
The pontiff was delivering a sermon focused on what he called "the demon of lust".
Priest's 'sanctified' robe and hat stolen from Wellington church
A church in Wellington is reeling from the theft of precious religious garments from its temple.
Ayodhya: Transforming a flashpoint holy city into the 'Hindu Vatican'
Swathes of the city have been bulldozed to turn it into what some Hindu nationalist leaders are calling a 'Hindu Vatican'.
Pope defends same-sex blessings declaration, says it is misunderstood
Pope Francis has suggested those in the Catholic Church who have resisted the declaration have jumped to "ugly conclusions" because they do not understand it.
2023 Christmas Church Service from the Cook Islands Christian Church, Porirua
We celebrate Christmas with the Cook Islands Christian Church, Porirua. This service is conducted by Assistant Minister Makatea Tairea and features hymns in the Cook Islands language sung… Audio
Who was the real Santa Claus? Fact and fiction
As the world celebrates Christmas, where did Santa Claus first come from, and who was the real-life saint that inspired the traditions? Video
Cardinal Tom Williams dies, aged 93
Williams was the third New Zealander to hold the rank in the Catholic Church.
Senior cardinal convicted of embezzlement in Vatican corruption trial
Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the most senior Catholic Church official ever to stand trial before a Vatican criminal court, was convicted on Saturday of embezzlement and sentenced to five-and-a-half years…
Rebuild Catholic cathedral on same site - Christchurch bishop
The Category-1 listed heritage building was demolished in 2020 after devastating quakes in 2010 and 2011.
Macron accused of betraying French Republic after participation in Jewish ceremony
The French President participated in the lighting of a Hanukkah candle inside his official residence, leading to denouncement by both left and right politicians.
Legacy of colonisation driving decline in traditional Christian beliefs among Māori
Analysis - Religious beliefs among Māori have shifted significantly over the past two decades.
Pope Francis fires Texan bishop after criticism of reforms
The bishop had questioned the Pope's leadership of the Catholic church.
Quake strengthening begins at historic Taranaki Cathedral
Strengthening work will soon start at Taranaki Cathedral - seven years after New Zealand's oldest stone church was closed due to earthquake risk.
Expert Feature: Near death experiences
Maybe you'll see a bright light, a tunnel, or speak to someone you know who has already passed away.....Associate Professor Natasha Tassell-Matamua from Massey University's School of Psychology is our… Audio
Arbaeen: A journey of faith
An estimated 30 million people are gathered in Iraq right now for what could be the world's largest annual gathering. First Up's Mahvash Ikram spoke to a Kiwi pilgrim about her journey. Audio
'Sometimes you got to go tell some people to go screw themselves'
In October 2022 Kanye West (a.k.a.Ye) was dropped by sponsors and social media for repeated anti-semitic outbursts. Jewish hip hop artist Rami Even-Esh aka Kosha Dillz - renowned for his freestyle… Audio
Megan Dunn: worshipping art
Art writer and author Megan Dunn is taking us to church. A surprising amount of art can be found on the walls and windows of Aotearoa's places of worship. Milan Mrkusich, Doreen Blumhardt, Nigel Brown… Audio, Gallery
'Something evil': Jehovah's Witness practice of shunning
Former Jehovah's Witnesses say the religion's practice of shunning followers who leave the faith causes serious long-term harm and is a breach of human rights.
According to the religion's beliefs… Audio