A sculpture of Christ is removed from outside a church in West Sussex after its vicar said it was "scaring young children".

A ceremony in Japan recalls the 17th-Century persecution of Christians, thought to have claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Israeli police have to restore order at one of Christianity's holiest sites after a brawl breaks out between monks in Jerusalem.

Amnesty International says executions are surging in Saudi Arabia and the main victims are foreigners or the disadvantaged.

A selection of portraits by Irish born British artist Francis Bacon have gone on display at Tate Britain gallery in London.

Madonna courts controversy at a concert in Rome by dedicating her hit song Like A Virgin to the Pope.

The mayor of Aberystwyth, who featured in Monty Python's Life of Brian, wants a 30-year ban on the film lifted.

Some of the most striking images from around the world on 18 July 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI calls for all religions to unite against terrorism and resolve conflicts peacefully as he continues his visit to Australia.

The Fortingall Yew is named one of the top ancient trees in the whole of the UK by a conservation charity.

It's got good actors and some snazzy camera angles - but does Bonekickers give archaeology a kicking?

A selection of the 300 artefacts to be displayed at the Royal Academy of Arts' Byzantium exhibition in October.

The BBC's Robert Pigott reports from Jerusalem's meeting of conservative Anglicans opposed to homosexuality.

Blue sky thinking, pushing the envelope - the problem with office-speak is that it cloaks the brutal modern workplace in such brainlessly upbeat language... as Lucy Kellaway dialogues.

Thousands of pilgrims file past the exhumed body of a Catholic saint, Padre Pio.

The BBC announces plans to make a series dramatising stories from the Old and New Testaments.

Christians around the world hold services on Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Rageh Omaar looks at the enduring mystery of the Shroud of Turin and the studies that continue to probe its origin.

A painting of Christ's crucifixion by the creator of The Broons and Oor Wullie is discovered after 50 years.