The norms will include abuse and the "attempted ordination of women" among the list of most serious crimes against church law.

Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida vetoed a proposed Florida bill, but similar legislation is having more success in other states.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio said that requiring personnel in military hospitals to perform abortions would place "a very heavy burden" on those who value human life.

Manoj Pradhan, a leader of anti-Christian violence that rocked India’s eastern Orissa state in 2008, was convicted of murder on June 29.

The coast of Louisiana is off limits to its own residents, and their livelihoods and quality of life are suffering.