The debate about creationism and evolution is clearly not over. Nearly half of the American population believes that God created human beings in their present form about 10,000 years ago.

The Episcopal Church and the breakaway Diocese of San Joaquin squared off Wednesday in Fresno County Superior Court in their long-running church property battle, but no final decision was made in the case.

Bishop Armando X. Ochoa of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno said he was surprised -- and elated -- with the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina as the new pope.

A two-day gathering in Fresno again will present ways that the faith community can see itself -- and the city -- in new ways to help others.

Roman Catholics in the Valley joined a worldwide prayer Monday for the papal election process, which begins Tuesday in Vatican City. The College of Cardinals is meeting this week at the Vatican to select one of their own to replace Pope Benedict XVI, who became the first pope to step down since the Middle Ages.

Valley Roman Catholic parishioners say they want the next pope to be much younger than his predecessor and to take on corruption plaguing the church.

Dr. David Young, a surgeon at Kaiser Permanente Fresno, has a special place in his heart for people needing medical care but without means to pay. He has traveled to Africa regularly to provide free care. "To me, it's like putting money in an offering plate," he says.

Fresno Pacific University's new president, Pete C. Menjares, has been busy getting to know students, faculty members, employees and the community since he began his duties July 28.

It is easy to focus on justice, resentment and punishment. We forget that mercy and forgiveness are also important social values.

COARSEGOLD -- In a former homebuilder's office at Highway 41 and Road 417, Believers Assembly provides more than Sunday services in the foothill community.

Victory Life Center is trying to make a difference in an impoverished Highway City neighborhood near Shaw Avenue and Highway 99.

A group of local contractors is nearing completion of a Fresno home renovation project — and the home’s sale will benefit four central San Joaquin Valley nonprofit organizations helping the needy.