(RNS) Americans believe Christianity is a force for good on poverty and even women's rights, but has a negative impact on sexuality and America's image abroad, according to a new poll. By Annalisa Musarra. 250 words.

(RNS) Churches take pride in plumes of sweet smoke, glorious music, and, for at least one day, full pews. But outside our doors, fear and hatred prevail without much opposition from us. I feel a deep sadness about a Christian enterprise that cannot do what we were called to do, but retreats instead into what we enjoy doing.  By Tom Ehrich.

“We feel we have a role to play in renewing the culture and holding back the effects of sin,” said Gabe Lyons, founder of Q, a nonprofit organization based in New York City that will host its sixth annual conference in Washington, this week. “We’re not to do it in an antagonistic way. We hope to do it in a hopeful way." By Yonat Shimron

"Not withstanding the measures we must take to protect our citizens, any Christian from the West Bank can reach Jerusalem on Good Friday and Easter."

HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. (RNS) He is young and looks even younger than his 36 years. Yet in the midst of a confrontation with the federal government that could have grave consequences for his future, the Rev. Seth Kaper-Dale acts with the poise of a much older man. By Bob Braun.

VATICAN CITY (RNS) A Vatican-sponsored event in the mother country of the mafia, Sicily, wants to revive the church's role in fighting the cultural roots of organized crime. By Alessandro Speciale.

(RNS) A umbrella group of Christian denominations dedicated to fighting racism has called on churches to use the death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin as a "teachable moment" for them to speak out against stereotyping. By Adelle M. Banks.

(RNS) Faith leaders delivered more than 230,000 signatures to the office of Village Voice Media, demanding they shut down the adult advertising section on their website, Backpage.com, where advertisements for sex with underage minors have appeared. By Annalisa Musarra.

NEW YORK (RNS) The 2012 Templeton Prize, which recognizes "spiritual progress" in the world, was awarded to the Dalai Lama for his long-standing support of the engagement of religion and science. By Chris Herlinger.

(RNS) For decades, Psalm 139 has been a byword of the anti-abortion movement that has used its line about being "knit together in my mother's womb." Now, its other verse about being "fearfully and wonderfully made" has been embraced by gay and lesbian Christians. By David Van Biema

WASHINGTON (RNS) The U.S. Commission for Religious Freedom just got two new members, both darlings of conservatives: Princeton University philosopher Robert P. George and Zuhdi Jasser, who describes himself as an alternative voice to established Muslim civil rights groups. By Lauren Markoe.

HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. (RNS) Saul Timisela spends his days in a Sunday school classroom, with a small bed and a rack on which to dry his laundry. The room is decorated with cards from children expressing their love. "It is my home and I love it," says Timisela, who's been seeking sanctuary to avoid deportation back to Indonesia. By Bob Braun.

ORONTO (RNS) A new poll shows that more than half of all Canadians distrust Muslims, and 42 percent of Canadians said discrimination against Muslims is "mainly their fault." By Ron Csillag.

(RNS) In his new book, "Religion For Atheists: A Non-believer's Guide to the Uses of Religion," Swiss philosopher Alain d Botton outlines an array of things he contends religions get right and atheists can adopt to create a better, richer secular society. By Kimberly Winston.

(RNS) A new movie confronts a controversial topic by highlighting two words that don't typically go together: abortion and survivor. By Annalisa Musarra. 475. With photos.