Hate crime rising, Christian Nationalism emerging, new leaders for the world's Catholics and Anglicans, concern over assisted dying and abortion, and grassroots peace and justice movements - how religion hit the headlines in 2025

Memorial to 15 Jewish people killed at Bondi Beach; 8,500 people mark the winter solstice at Stonehenge; Two Archbishops in waiting point out Jesus was a refugee; Vicar in St Albans takes carol singing to the pubs; Plea to stop using donkeys in nativity plays

Speculation that Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ successor will be announced today; Jewish children living in fear in Britain ‘has become normalised’; Sydney Catholic cathedral Christmas light show becomes memorial to Bondi Beach victims; Chaplains offering support to overworked shop staff in the Christmas rush

Chief Rabbi says ‘crack down on hate speech’; Multiple demands for ‘globalise the intifada’ chant to be banned; Hong Kong editor and committed Catholic Jimmy Lai faces life in prison; Charity set up to offer Muslims advice on ‘a good death’