News
Transgender talks begin at United Methodist meeting
Hundreds of United Methodists have begun looking over some 1,500 petitions that have been proposed by those seeking change in church policies and structures, among other things, during the church's quadrennial gathering.
Zimbabwe churches open buildings for victims of violence, torture
In the fourth week since Zimbabwe went to the polls a violent crack down is clearly underway, warns Christian humanitarian agency Tearfund.
Youth charged over school attack
A 16-year-old boy is due to appear in court on Saturday charged with wounding another youth who was stabbed in the grounds of a London school, police said.
Jazz maestro to quiz master Lyttleton dies
Jazz-age trumpet maestro Humphrey Lyttleton, fondly known as "Humph" who later made a seamless transition to radio presenter and quiz-master has died at the age of 86, his website has announced.
Three people bitten by rabid puppy
Three people are being treated for exposure to rabies after they were bitten by a puppy brought in from Sri Lanka, the government said on Saturday.
No majority for Mugabe party in recount
President Robert Mugabe's party has failed to secure control of Zimbabwe's parliament in a partial recount of March 29 elections, results showed on Saturday, handing the ruling party its first defeat in 28 years.
Torch supporters and protesters mark Japan relay
Crowds of Chinese students waving red flags scuffled with pro-Tibet protesters and Japanese nationalists in Saturday's leg of the Olympic torch relay.
Palestinian girl killed in Gaza clashes
A 14-year-old Palestinian girl was killed on Saturday during clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants in the town of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, medical workers said.
Tough language on Tibet despite China talks offer
Chinese media kept up its tough language on the Dalai Lama on Saturday, a day after a surprise offer of talks with his envoys, as analysts expressed caution about whether dialogue would ease tensions in Tibet.
World Food Program launches emergency call for Haiti
The World Food Program lacks crucially needed funds to help feed Haiti's poor, and international donors must provide urgent and massive aid, a spokesman for the United Nations agency said on Thursday.
Japan PM Fukuda gives no clue on snap poll
Embattled Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, plagued by sagging public support, gave no clue on Saturday as to whether he would call an early general election.
Iraq's Sadr tells fighters to observe truce
Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr pulled back from confrontation with the government on Friday, asking his followers to continue to observe a shaky ceasefire and not to battle government troops.
Malaysian politician apologises for knife act
A senior Malaysian politician has apologised for parading a knife at ruling-party meetings, acknowledging it had upset minority racial communities who later punished the government at elections held last month.
Renewed east Congo fighting hampers relief efforts
United Nations agencies suspended some relief operations in Congo's conflict-torn North Kivu province on Friday, and renewed fighting involving rebels threatened refugee camps and food distribution, officials said.
Archbishop: Protect poorest from effects of economic downturn
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has called on the Government to do more to protect the poorest and most vulnerable from the likely consequences of an economic downturn.
Church to celebrate unsung heroes of youth work
People's perceptions about how the church relates to young people is often that it is out of touch, but the reality in many parts of the church is very different, says the Church of Scotland.