Spiritual Practices
Level 2 means sharing food for New Plymouth's Indonesian community
Many ethnic groups outside Tāmaki Makaurau used to picking up home-made delicacies at community events or religious gatherings, still have to wait for alert level 2 for their favourite "takeaway"…
Church services offer chance to worship within household bubble
Worshippers will need to reacquaint themselves with virtual church services or other forms of spiritual reflection in their bubble today.
Government cracks down on conversion therapy
Conversion therapy will become a crime punishable by up to five years in prison, under legislation introduced to Parliament today.
It involves attempting to change a person's sexual orientation -… Audio
Private service to farewell Toa the baby orca
Baby orca Toa was farewelled at the weekend by around 70 people before being taken for burial by Ngāti Toa rangatira.
The orca died in his sea pen on Friday evening after being cared for at the… Audio
Woman warns South Korean religious sect recruiting in Auckland
A woman who spent years in a South Korean religious sect operating in Auckland is warning others of its recruitment techniques.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus has been described as a doomsday cult, and… Audio
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki - the first day of Matariki
Today is the first day of Matariki, the Māori lunar new year.
Across the country, people gathered at dawn around fires, on hilltops and on beaches to catch a glimpse of the glittering cluster.
And… Video, Audio
New Matariki holiday dates released
Dates for the next 30 years of the new Matariki public holiday were released at a special ceremony this morning.
The calendar date for the public holiday will shift each year to align with the… Audio
India Oxenberg on escaping the NXIVM cult
The signs were there, but for seven years, India Oxenberg got sucked deeper and deeper into the NXIVM cult.Her mother, Dynasty actress Catherine Oxenberg tried everything to get her out. India talks… Audio
Auckland roads closed for gang member's funeral
Roads are closed after more than a hundred gang members from the Head Hunters, Rebels, Comancheros and King Cobras arrived in cars and motorbikes at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Lynn this… Audio
Islamic Women's Council holds meeting on hate
Negative attitudes towards the Muslim community in New Zealand - and in particular towards women - remains deep-rooted and has been addressed at a gathering part of the anti-terrorism hui in… Audio
Juliet Moses standing by anti terrorism hui speech
New Zealand Jewish Council spokesperson Juliet Moses is standing by comments she made at the anti-terrorism hui in Christchurch on Tuesday.
The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand led a… Audio
Muslim community leader describes online hate messages
A Muslim community leader has spoken out about the growing online abuse from fellow New Zealanders.
Aliya Danzeisen from the Islamic Women's Council has been at this week's conference on terrorism.
… Audio
New Vatican laws toughen sexual abuse punishment
Pope Francis has changed the Roman Catholic Church's laws to explicitly criminalise sexual abuse.
Chaplaincy shortage prompts new lecturer role
A nationwide shortage of chaplains has prompted Otago University to appoint its first ever lecturer in chaplaincy. The Very Reverend Dr Graham Redding has taken on that role and he talks to Jesse the… Audio
Joshua Rivera: Growing up and awaiting the rapture
It is said by many evangelical Christians that true believers will be transported to heaven at the second coming of Christ, known as the rapture. Journalist and writer Joshua Rivera grew up in an… Audio
'Holding onto hope': Ramadan helps mosque shooting survivor heal
The holy month of Ramadan is coming to a close for millions of Muslims worldwide and is especially significant for those most directly affected by the Christchurch mosque terror attacks.
Ex-Exclusive Brethren member shares story of ousting
A woman who was excommunicated by the Exclusive Brethren Church when she was 20 likens it to becoming a refugee in her own country.
Lindy Jacomb, who grew up in South Auckland, was cut off by her… Audio
Ex-Exclusive Brethren accuse church of tearing families apart
Former members of the Exclusive Brethren allege the secretive sect is breaking up families, putting members in isolation and attacking their livelihoods in order to maintain control.
Last week RNZ… Audio
Excommunication from Exclusive Brethren like being refugee
A woman who was excommunicated by the Exclusive Brethren Church when she was 20 likens it to becoming a refugee in her own country. Lindy Jacomb, who grew up in South Auckland, was cut off by her… Audio
40 yo relics excavated from Christchurch's Catholic Cathedral
Demolition workers at Christchurch's Catholic Cathedral have excavated coffee jars full of holy bones and relics that were buried underneath the building for more than 40 years. Catholic Diocese of… Audio