The severity of charges against a ‘Christian’ couple accused of starving their 13-year-old adopted daughter to death depends on whether they girl’s age can be verified.

Also: Once again, the Scientology cult has photoshopped one of its events to make it appear more people were there than bothered to show up.

Plus: declaring saints — Catholic Church vs. the Bible (We’ve got a winner).

Jediism is losing followers in Canada, according to the latest census. Also: the arrival of religious immigrants has worked to offset the country’s growing secular population.

Scientology troubled front group Narconon now has the Oklahoma government looking over its shoulders.

Also: Vactican official says worshipping Santa Maria is blasphemy.

A Scientology front group, Social Betterment Properties International, has bought Larry Hagman’s estate. Here’s what those front group are all about.

Femen holds a bare-chested ‘Jihad’ in protest of calls for the stoning death of an activist in Tunesia.

Also: Children who are wards of the State of Oregon can be vaccinated despite their parents’ religious objections.

Rick Warren’s youngest son commits suicide.

In today’s Religion News Briefs, find out why an outfit that calls itself ‘Friends of Narconon’ is misusing the name of one of a former Narconon, Lucas Catton, in classic Scientology-on-the-attack fashion.

The Scientology front groups finds itself under increasing scrutiny and legal pressure.

Two former Narconon executives will expose the Scientology front group to daylight in a broadcast on NBC’s Rock Center.

Also: a panel of cult experts looks at the question, Are Cults a Hidden Epidemic?

Three men who were sentenced to death for their part in the Aum Shinrikyo cult’s 1995 Sarin nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway may be called to testify in the trial of fellow cult member Makoto Hirata.

Hirata faces trial for the fatal abduction and confinement of a notary clerk.

Also: ‘Hot Yoga’ guru Bikram Choudhury faces a sexual harassment lawsuit. Plus, more trouble for Narconon Arrowhead: Lawsuits allege its counselors traded sex for drugs.

Plus: Citizens of a polygamous cult’s town are being watched by surveillance cameras.

Scientology Amsterdam is seen by the cult’s head office in Los Angeles as ‘a small and failing org,’ says Jenna Miscavige, niece of Scientology’s current cult leader, David Miscavige.

The Amsterdam base has faced rent arrears several times.

Some churches operate more like cults than religious orders, says a member of the advisory board for the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

What definition of a cult he uses is not clear, but

Parents in Asher, Oklahoma are concerned about the fact that controversial Scientology front group Narconon made a presentation — and handed out literature — at a local school.

Narconon Arrowhead currently is the target of three wrongful death lawsuits. Last week, Gary Smith, the chief executive officer of Narconon Arrowhead, and several of the center’s employees had their drug counseling certifications revoked.

Gary Smith, the chief executive officer of Narconon Arrowhead in Oklahoma, and several of the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center's employees have had their drug counseling certifications revoked.

Clear talk from Lawrence Wright, author of Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief in Talking Scientology: A Q&A with Going Clear Author Lawrence Wright:

Former teachers and administrators are concerned that at-risk students at the Phoenix-based Career Success charter school district have been exposed to teaching methods tied to the Church of Scientology

Lauren Drain spent 7 years in the Wesboro Baptist Church. Her parents are still part of the hate group.

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the UK’s most senior Roman Catholic cleric, resigns after being accused of “inappropriate acts” towards fellow priests.

And the Church of Scientology in Australia is in damage control — this time over claims that it held a woman hostage. .

Also: Irish exorcists. Plus the Ex-Scientology Kids website has a new look.

Jon Atack has vastly updated his critical book about the Scientology cult.

Also: a man quits his job over the number ’666,’ and a cult leader who claimed to be an alien from Sirius has been jailed for abusing his followewrs.

Plus: Renegade Amish cult leader Samuel Mullet and 15 members of his clan have been jailed for their hate crimes. More inside…