News
In Burundi fear of guns drives insecurity
An abundance of illegal guns in the hands of civilians and ex-combatants is threatening to stall peace efforts in the central African nation of Burundi and undermine security once more.
Church of Greece elects moderate as Archbishop
Greece's Orthodox Church elected on Thursday a moderate and popular bishop, Metropolitan of Thebes Hieronymos, as its new head, live TV pictures showed.
Draft Anglican Covenant tries to balance autonomy and unity
The second draft Anglican Covenant stresses autonomy, but asks the Anglican Communion's provinces to commit to a process of deliberation over contentious issues.
2007 a tough year for Chinese Christians - report
The persecution of Christians in China worsened in 2007, according to a new report from China Aid Association.
Police review to call for red tape cuts
A review of police work being published on Thursday is expected to call for cuts in paperwork which could free up as many as 3,000 frontline officers.
Bank of England set to cut rates
The Bank of England looks set to cut interest rates at midday on Thursday to head off a sharp consumer-led slowdown as storm clouds continue to gather over the global economy.
Northern Rock bidder fears Virgin name
The "in-house" team hoping to lead Northern Rock to safety fears the government will favour rival bidder Virgin because voters may see it as the better option, the leader of the management proposal said.
Clegg sees ID card vote 'a decade away'
Prime Minister Gordon Brown can wait almost a decade before holding a vote on compulsory identity cards, according to calculations made by the opposition Liberal Democrat party.
Britain warned against importing athletes for 2012
A leading figure in British sport has warned against importing athletes from overseas to boost the home medals tally at the London 2012 Olympics.
Government to spur research into climate impact on poor
The government will increase research into the possible impacts of climate change on the world's most vulnerable people, including deeper poverty and conflict, the international development minister said.
Smith wants ban on youths having alcohol in public
Police could be given powers to confiscate alcohol from teenagers under 18 even if there is no indication they plan to drink it, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said on Wednesday.
Church joins Scottish Wedding Show for first time
The Scottish Episcopal Church will be the first church denomination to take part in a major commercial wedding show when it joins the Scottish Wedding Show this month.
Catholic bishop blasts Brazil on Amazon destruction
A senior Roman Catholic bishop criticized Brazil's government on Wednesday for energy and agriculture policies that he said were destroying the Amazon forest and threatening the livelihood of local populations.
Rice and Miliband in Afghanistan in show of unity
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Foreign Secretary David Miliband arrived in Afghanistan on Thursday in a symbolic show of unity, pressing the case for reluctant NATO allies to share the combat burden.
Clinton dips into pocket to keep up with Obama
Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton looked ahead on Wednesday to a long and bruising presidential battle, and Clinton said she loaned $5 million (2.55 million pounds) of her own money to the costly fight to keep pace.
Turkey takes first step to end headscarf ban
Turkey's parliament voted in a first round on Thursday to change the constitution to lift a ban on women students wearing the Muslim headscarf at university, a measure opposed by the secular elite.