News
China unveils anti-graft plan and warns task 'arduous'
The survival of China's ruling Communist Party rests on its ability to curb corruption, the government warned in a plan released on Monday that outlines the need to clean up sectors from land use to fiscal transfers.
Kidnappers release Greek industrialist
A prominent Greek businessman who was kidnapped for ransom earlier in June was released early on Monday, police said.
Colombian captive urges Betancourt to stay strong
A Colombian soldier kidnapped by rebels more than 10 years ago sent a "message of strength" to French-Colombian politician and fellow hostage Ingrid Betancourt in a video released on Sunday.
Somali activist assassinated, U.N. boss kidnapped
Somali gunmen shot dead a peace activist and kidnapped a senior United Nations official, while a roadside bomb killed three policemen in the anarchic Horn of Africa country, witnesses said on Sunday.
Conservative Anglicans in Jerusalem to debate future in troubled communion
More than 1,000 conservative Anglicans gather in Jerusalem on Sunday for key summit on the future of orthodox Anglicanism.
Reformed churches pray for Zimbabwe
Reports of the intimidation, torture and death of opponents of Zimbabwe's government have prompted a call for a day of prayer on Sunday 22 June among the worldwide Reformed family of churches.
Catholics hope St Paul Year opens church in Turkey
Christians gathered in southwest Turkey on Saturday to celebrate the birth two millennia ago of Saint Paul, and Catholics hope the event will boost religious freedom in the secular but mostly Muslim state.
Romanian church denounces formation of clergy trade union
The Romanian Orthodox Church has condemned the formation of a trade union among its clergy, and has said that priests should follow church procedures in making demands and airing grievances.
Welsh Mothers' Union takes to the road
A group once renowned as the "tea-making arm of the church" is reaching out across the world to promote family life.
Big Issue founder launches Christian centre for excluded young people
Parents and children need support in order to make the most of education, Big Issue founder tells Christians.
Angola urges end to Zimbabwe poll violence
Angola's veteran leader has added his weight to appeals to Zimbabwe's government to end the political violence and intimidation that is threatening the legitimacy of its June 27 presidential run-off election.
Five foreign troops killed in Afghanistan
An improvised explosive device (IED) killed four U.S.-led coalition soldiers on Saturday in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, the scene of a large anti-Taliban offensive and an insurgent jail break.
At least 17 dead as typhoon lashes Philippines
At least 17 people were killed as Typhoon Fengshen lashed the Philippines on Saturday causing flash floods and landslides.
Ethiopia: aid workers exaggerated drought threat
Ethiopia accused some aid agencies on Friday of exaggerating the impact of a drought afflicting the country to raise money under false pretences.
Iran presses on with nuclear enrichment 'non-stop'
Iran is pressing on with uranium enrichment "non-stop", its envoy to the U.N. nuclear agency was quoted as saying on Saturday, despite a world powers' offer of economic incentives to coax Tehran into halting such activities.
Chinese couples queue for Olympic 'I do'
More than 1,000 Chinese couples queued for hours for marriage licenses to wed on August 8, the date of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, state media said on Saturday.