News

High fuel prices spark protests in Asia and Europe

Protesters marched in India, Hong Kong and Nepal over soaring oil prices on Tuesday and Spaniards stockpiled fuel and food, fearing shortages because of a truck drivers' strike that has halted deliveries.

Retail sales rise but house market suffers

Retail sales rose at their fastest pace in four months in May as sunny weather encouraged consumers to splash out, but a housing market survey revealed some of the worst conditions for three decades.

Eldest child in Austria incest case wakes from coma

The eldest daughter from an incestuous relationship between Austrian Josef Fritzl and his daughter who he kept locked in a cellar for 24 years has been revived from an artificial coma, hospital sources said on Tuesday.

EU and U.S. seek to turn up pressure on Iran

The United States and the European Union sought on Tuesday to turn up the pressure on Iran to drop its nuclear enrichment programme, saying they were ready to go beyond a latest round of U.N. sanctions.

Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai rejects unity govt

Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Tuesday ruled out suggestions of a national unity government, saying his party was sure to win a presidential runoff despite government violence.

Cash-strapped U.N. cuts Sudan aid flights

The U.N.'s World Food Programme on Tuesday said it was cutting back its humanitarian air services in Sudan due to a $48 million (25 million pounds) funding shortfall.

Lord's Gym boosts health, safeguards purity

Shirtless men, women in sports bras - not at this gym.

Scottish chaplains debate benefits of devolution

One of Britain's biggest chaplaincy groups is hosting a national conference examining the pros and cons of devolution for Scotland.

Prince of Wales to thank Christians for 'million hours of kindness'

Prince of Wales to thank Christians for a 'million hours of kindness' across the UK as part of Hope08.

Maranatha: Christians can't be silent on forgotten young people

The Government's neglect of young people amounts to a "huge national crisis", the Maranatha Community has warned.

Government 'eviscerated' Climate Change Bill, says Christian Aid

International development agency Christian Aid has accused the Government of "eviscerating" the Climate Change Bill by failing to include within it a number of measures crucial to the fight against global warming.

Italy Gay pride march protests government, Church

Some 10,000 dancing and singing homosexuals and gay-rights supporters marched through Rome on Saturday, many of them chanting slogans against the Vatican and Italy's conservative new government.

Religious leaders unite to eradicate poverty

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and leaders of different faith groups reaffirmed their commitment on Monday to multi-religious efforts to help combat poverty and achieve the UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Ecumenical theological education strategic to Christianity, says congress

Ecumenical theological education is of strategic importance for Christianity in the 21st century, say Christians

In the shadow of the dam, communities long for water

Whilst the economies of South Africa and Lesotho are reaping the benefits of mountain water dams, those displaced to make way for them have little to laugh about.

Report: China funding campaign to eliminate house churches

A new report released on Sunday, exactly two months ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games, details the current Chinese Government's crackdown on unregistered Christians, including the funding of a campaign to eradicate house churches throughout China.