Roundup: Pokie reform, juvenile justice, sex in the Bible, Israel’s church tax, Easter ecumenism, welfare blame game, military spirituality.

Most support pokie reform, poll shows

Australians overwhelmingly support poker machine reforms, a poll that may give the federal government some comfort has found.

Reform of bail law vital for juvenile justice

There is ample research showing that when children spend time in juvenile justice centres they are more likely to reoffend and begin a cycle of criminal behaviour.

Scholar challenges widely-held beliefs about the Bible and sex

A Boston biblical scholar challenges widely held beliefs about the Bible and sex in her new book, arguing scripture cannot and should not be a guidebook for sexual morality.

Jerusalem church chiefs protest against new Israeli tax move

The heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem have expressed grave concern over renewed moves by the Israeli authorities to tax church buildings and properties.

Christians and churches encouraged to continue working on common date for Easter

The general secretary of the World Council of Churches, the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, has urged Christians to give this year’s celebration of Easter a clear ecumenical profile and to work for a common date of Easter for the future, noting that this year it falls on the same day 24 April for both eastern and western traditions.

Welfare debate sliding into a blame game, says UnitingCare

The welfare crackdown in next month’s federal budget will be costly, but will pay for itself over the longer term, the government has warned.

The US Army is inventing its own faith

How does the army of a liberal, multicultural and often secular society develop in its soldiers the spiritual resilience to cope with war, to face trauma, death and bereavement, and to fight opponents who have the advantage of a strong and common religious faith?