As we await the inevitable media-inspired 'Popefest' from the Vatican, Alistair McBay wonders if the new Bishop of Rome will grasp the full meaning of the words transparency and accountability, and face up to the Herculean task of getting the Church's house in order.

Terry Sanderson says level of arrogant politicisation to which The Catholic church aspired under the papacy of Joseph Ratzinger was appalling, but perhaps the decline of support in the pews may bring the Church to its senses.

In a new academic paper Brian D. Earp argues that a firm distinction must be drawn between criticisms of religious practices that stem from irrational prejudice and bigoted attitudes and those that are grounded in sound moral reasoning.

A challenge to the exception of Alsace-Moselle from the 1905 French law that separates church and state has failed.

Who really has the interests of children awaiting adoption at heart? A tale of two adoption agencies by Alistair McBay.

Not a week goes by now without more depressing headlines about the gradual demolition of the NHS but provision of chaplaincy services apparently remains "essential"

An encouraging letter from a Church of England vicar advocating disestablishment of the Church appeared in the latest issue of the Church of England Newspaper.

Terry Sanderson on why it is hard for secularists to to resist the feelings of schadenfreude at the accumulating catastrophes that are assailing the Catholic Church.

Revd Dr Darrell Jackson's analysis of secularity reveals that contemporary Europe is simultaneously experiencing 'pre-secularity', secularity, and 'post-secularity' but finds a surprising number of mentions of God, the church and religion in the constitutions of individual countries.

Terry Sanderson argues that under Joseph Ratzinger, the Vatican has become despised and resented throughout the world – greatly reducing its authority.

Terry Sanderson asks if the new Archbishop's determination to "bring people to Jesus" will result in him colluding in the destruction of state-run welfare services.

Human Rights activist Nahla Mahmoud explains why we should all unequivocally demand one equal law for everyone – both in the UK and abroad.

A new report by the Theos think-tank throws some interesting light on the evangelical Christian groups that have pushed themselves to the forefront of religio-political activism in the past couple of decades.

A new report from a charity that supports young people's right to informed choice on abortion has revealed the extent of poor-quality education on the topic.

Keith Porteous Wood on why Edwards Leigh's bill to amend the Equality Act to add "conscientious beliefs about the definition of marriage" as a protected characteristic alongside disability, sex, and sexual orientation should never make the statute book

The Icelandic Parliament (Althing) this week passed a law which gives secular life stance organisations the right to apply for equal legal status with religions.

Maajid Nawaz warns that the longer we stand by and watch the far Right and Islamists impose their dogma on our streets, the more the extremes will become mainstream for a rising new generation.

Several events over the past few months that have strengthened the argument for a change the relationship between the church and the state in this country. Terry Sanderson vows the NSS will not stop until the Anglican Church is in its rightful place – which is not as part of the state.

David Cameron's big society initiative could result in religion taking control of welfare provision, just as it did in Victorian times. Terry Sanderson warns against this and explains why the role of 'faith communities' should be limited and modest.

In an attempt to capture demographic data on the non-religious, Atheist Alliance International has set up the Atheist Census.

Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society, provides a comprehensive round-up of the reaction to this week's European Court of Human Rights ruling on 'religious discrimination' in the workplace.

Ronan McCrea, a barrister who helped prepare the National Secular Society's intervention, explains why this week's ECHR ruling does very little to change the rights of believers in the workplace.

Excellent commentary form employment law specialist Darren Newman on the discrimination case involving a devout Christian who refused to work on Sundays.

We've got another big year coming up and the strength of our voice is crucial. Please be part of it. Put your principles into action today.

Despite describing themselves as "open and inclusive" organisations, both the Scouts and the Girl Guides currently insist that new members take a 'Promise' that includes a religious oath. However, this could all be about to change.