Government officials say a lack of safety and security measures and the use of highly flammable materials in the building helped the fire spread.

The troops have cordoned off the Christian colony, blocking all entry and exit points with barbed wire.

The church is in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, and for the second consecutive year Israeli police had told church leaders access would be considerably restricted.

Limiting church attendance to 1,800 people compared to 10,000 in the past is a necessary safety precaution, police say.

Israeli police say they have stepped up patrols around Christian sites in Jerusalem as churches report abuse by Jews following the swearing-in of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right government.

Dozens of Muslim students went on rampage after a fellow student, Deborah Samuel, made a statement on social media which they considered offensive against the Prophet Muhammad, according to local police.

Abang Johari Openg says politicians should focus on 'big issues' concerning the public instead of fighting over use of the word.

Health SOPs keep physical congregations skeletal but not everyone has the internet access needed to follow church services online.

Interfaith dialogues were the norm during the Prophet's time; why shouldn't the same be done now?

The powerful blast at the church in Makassar city on Sulawesi island left at least 14 church officials and congregants injured by debris.

Selangor sultan says 'Allah' is sacred to Muslims although the word 'Tuhan' can be used as a translation for 'God'.

Danald Jute says it is merely a fair and just judgment which took into account the fact that the Christian community in Sabah and Sarawak have been using the word 'Allah' for generations.