“Muslim Leadership Council” the government can engage with; 400 million pilgrims expected for Hindu festival in India; Pope awarded US Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction; Would be children’s TV presenter turned nun, in line for sainthood

Religious buildings destroyed and communities ripped apart by fire in Los Angeles; Tributes to President Carter, whose life was ‘a testament to the goodness of God’; Founder of Sikh Youth UK jailed for theft; New church pilgrimage centre opened at site of Jesus’ baptism

Christmas message to the Church of England: strip off finery and kneel in penitence and adoration

Alongside traditional Christmas worship, cathedrals are offering beer and carols, Christmas tree avenues, buildings bathed in light and music from Handel to Michael Bublé

British Muslims have adopted some Christmas traditions such as shared family meals, celebrating generosity rather than the birth of Jesus as God made man, which is forbidden

England and Wales's new cardinal, Timothy Radcliffe, says new open dialogue is needed for polarised post-Western world