WEST KENDALL

Vandalism strikes fear at West Kendall mosque

Vandals smashed the windows of a West Kendall mosque, the Islamic School of Miami, in an incident members are saying is part of a disturbing trend.

NORTH MIAMI BEACH

Episcopal rite seals Cutié wedding vows

Ex-priest Alberto Cutié and Ruhama Buni Canellis took the Episcopal vows of marriage in one of South Florida's most picturesque settings, a rebuilt Spanish Monastery.

CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY

Ex-Scientology officials say leader hit staff

(AP) -- The leader of the Church of Scientology struck his subordinates numerous times and set an example for physical violence among the tightly controlled religion's management team, four former high-ranking church executives told a newspaper for a story published Sunday.

RELIGION

White House aide brings his message -- and his 'little brother' -- to Miami

Joshua DuBois made post-election headlines when Barack Obama asked him to lead a 25-member council of religious and nonprofit leaders that advises the president on policy, but he spoke of a softer subject in South Florida this week: his relationship with his ''little brother,'' 15-year-old Aidid Brayboy, whom he has mentored for nine years.

BRICKELL

Land deal puts new synagogue on track for 2011 opening

The real estate slump has allowed an Orthodox Jewish group to purchase land for a new synagogue across the street from Miami's Mary Brickell Village for 20 percent of the original asking price.

New choir focuses on the Anglican tradition of Evensong

The Anglican Chorale sings traditional Anglican music, known as Evensong, at Trinity Cathedral in downtown Miami.

RELIGION

Bishop who took in Alberto Cutié unafraid of making waves

The bishop who brought Catholic priest Alberto Cutie into the Episcopalian fold is a master recruiter not afraid to tweak the powers that be.

Scholar teaches Old Testament in Holy Land

In his years teaching classic and modern Hebrew literature in Miami, Samuel Pagán's classroom consisted of four walls and some modern audiovisual equipment. It was efficient but sterile.

RELIGION

Report: Anti-Semitic incidents in Florida down, vandalism up

Incidents against Jews in Florida decreased in 2008, but vandalism jumped by 40 percent, according to a new report.

ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI

Archdiocese of Miami considers closing 14 churches

Financial strains in some Catholic congregations, and the movement of many families to the suburbs, may force the closing of 14 churches.

Father Alberto Cutié's leap of faith: New church, a plan to marry

The Miami Beach priest who left his church amid controversy has joined the Episcopal Church -- and plans to get married.

HOLLYWOOD

Hollywood church challenges city's zoning

The attorney for an Indian church attempting to open in Hollywood is alleging that the city is violating court orders to revise its zoning code as required in a 2006 settlement with a local synagogue. The move reignites that five-year court battle.

RELIGION

Archdiocese of Miami: Catholic churches face closure

The Archdiocese of Miami, looking to make financial cutbacks, may close several struggling Catholic churches in South Florida.

TELEVISION

Cutié photographers appear on `Cristina'

One of the photographers who took photos of the Rev. Alberto Cutié has apologized.

NEIGHBORS IN RELIGION | BY BEA HINES

Bishop Victor T. Curry celebrates pastoral anniversary

Congratulations to Bishop Victor T. Curry, who celebrated his 18th pastoral anniversary May 12-17, with special services throughout the week.

IN MY OPINION

Are parents using religion to hide from grim reality?

Parental dilemmas, those tough choices all grown-ups must make during that treacherous trek through child-rearing, are as common as scraped knees and tear-stained faces. Guiding a kid into adulthood is not for the faint-hearted.

RELIGION

Anti-gay church to protest in South Florida

A radical Kansas-based church plans to hold a series of anti-gay protests in South Florida this weekend.

RELIGION

Supporters of Rev. Cutié rally in his defense, call for end to celibacy rule

The debate over the Catholic Church's policy on priests' celibacy surfaced in the wake of the romantic scandal involving the Rev. Alberto Cutié.

THE MIDDLE EAST

Pope's visit to Israel begins with controversy

Pope Benedict endorsed a Palestinian state, and was criticized by some Jews who say his remarks at the Holocaust memorial failed to show enough compassion.