You might find yourself sitting next to an atheist in church this Christmas.

One of the most interesting stories in our top five breaking news this week, is about this research which claims many atheists embrace religious traditions such as churchgoing for the sake of the children. CNN says the number could be as high as twenty percent of atheists. It surprised the researchers, who said either the atheists did it so their children could make an informed choice, or because of the religious preferences of their partner. Others said they enjoyed the community that religious institutions bring. So pray and be prepared to welcome an atheists this yuletide.

The other big story was the ALP's same-sex marriage decision and the reaction to it. A quick rundown of some reactions to read - Paul Sheehan says the ALP is starting to outdo the greens in fringe politics, Peter Costello puts forward a reason for this, the Australian sees a backlash, two western sydney MP's have been quick to distance themselves from the decision, reporters quickly looked for division in Christian denominations but found little, and late in the week, there was even a prediction that it will end in court.

Some other must reads this week - look what euthanasia has come to in the Netherlands, New York public schools now off limits for church plants and the Burton St Baptist Tabernacle sadly turns to other uses, but with a nod to Mr Eternity.