News

Murdered teen assaulted by 'up to eight' attackers

Police investigating the knife murder of an 18-year-old male youth in south London said on Friday he had been assaulted by up to eight hooded attackers.

EU executive endorses African farmer aid plan

The European Commission backed a plan on Friday to give 1 billion euros (795 billion pounds) to farmers in Africa next year to help tackle high food prices and boost output, despite opposition by many EU states.

Iran does not expect Israeli or U.S. attack

Iran said on Friday it did not expect an attack from Israel or the United States triggered by the long-running dispute over its nuclear programme.

South Africa lauds Mandela on 90th birthday

South Africa celebrated the 90th birthday on Friday of Nelson Mandela, a symbol of reconciliation in a nation now torn by doubts and nostalgia for his leadership.

Breast-feeding triggers pulses of feel-good hormone

When a baby breast-feeds, it triggers a flood of the hormone oxytocin that releases milk from the mammary gland and a feeling of love and trust in the mother that ensures the baby's needs are met.

Unnecessary flights killing the poor says Tutu

Businessmen who take flights rather than use video conferencing are adding to global warming that is condemning millions of the world's poorest people to death, according to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Pope calls for unity against terrorism

Pope Benedict called for all religions to unite against terrorism and resolve conflicts peacefully on Friday and heard an Islamic leader urge Christians to overcome "misconceptions and prejudices" about Muslims.

Lambeth: Archbishop expresses 'grief' over absent bishops

The Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed his regret at the decision of a quarter of the Anglican Communion's bishops to stay away from the Lambeth Conference.

He ain't heavy... Italy's metal brother

Dressed in his traditional brown robe, sandals and twirling the rope around his waist, 62-year old Friar Cesare Bonizzi is no ordinary heavy metal rocker.

Christians do not need to fear Islamic take-over in UK, says Interserve head

The UK is not in danger of an Islamic takeover, according to Steve Bell, the National Director of Interserve, an expert on Muslim issues.

Siloam helping at-risk children in India

Childhood should not include your mother's suicide, being cruelly tormented about your squint eye condition and forced into slave labour. But that is the experience of Asha (name changed for security reasons), a young girl in India receiving the care and support of Siloam Christian Ministries.

Lutheran theologians weigh up tradition and Pentecostalism in Africa

There is much diversity among Lutheran churches in Africa with regard to healing, exorcism, testifying, speaking in tongues and other practices associated with Pentecostal churches, yet there are Lutheran theological convictions, such as the priority of God's grace, that are key for assessing such practices.