News

Pakistan turmoil presents growing danger for Christians - Release International

Life for Christians in Pakistan is set to become increasingly dangerous in the new year, following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, warns Release International.

Tackling teenage violence is London's 'foremost issue' - councillor

The leader of the Christian Peoples Alliance has said that tackling teenage violence is London's "foremost issue" in 2008.

N. Korea's breathing space may not last long in 2008

North Korea faced no outcry on Monday when it failed to account for its nuclear programs by an agreed year-end deadline, but Pyongyang might not be able to procrastinate for long in 2008.

Religion less of a factor in New Hampshire vote

Republican U.S. presidential hopeful John McCain brought his pitch to a New Hampshire church basement on Saturday, but religion was hardly on his agenda.

Turkish police arrest man over plot to kill priest

Turkish police have uncovered a plot to murder a priest, throwing the spotlight once again on religious freedom and security for Christians in the majority-Muslim but secular country.

Christian Aid urges restraint in Kenyan unrest

International development agency Christian Aid has said it is disappointed at the conduct of Kenya's electoral commission following the disputed election victory of President Mwai Kibaki.

Malaysian Government goes back on 'Allah' ban

The Malaysian Government has gone back on its decision to ban a Catholic newspaper from using the word "Allah".

Spanish Socialists accuse Church of meddling

Spain's governing Socialist Party on Monday accused the Catholic Church of campaigning for the conservative opposition after bishops slammed laws on divorce and abortion at a mass rally in Madrid.

In a safer Baghdad, Iraqis party for 2008

On New Year's Eve Ridaa al-Azzawi squeezed into his pointy snakeskin boots, his tight black sweater and his snazzy corduroy flared jeans, hustled down to a Baghdad hotel ballroom and partied for peace.

Diocese of Hereford to help people keep New Year resolutions

The Diocese of Hereford is trying to break the New Year tradition of failed resolutions with a new initiative to help people to do much better at keeping them.

Six Christians dead, 400 houses burnt in eastern India

The US-based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that state police and federal armed forces in eastern India have failed to contain anti-Christian violence that began on Christmas Eve and has killed at least six Christians in Orissa state.

'God doesn't do waste,' says Archbishop on YouTube

The Archbishop of Canterbury has followed the Queen's lead in posting his annual message on YouTube, where his green theme for the New Year is 'God doesn't do waste'.

On New Year's Eve, Pope warns of 'false exaltation'

Western society is suffering a "deficit of hope" where many people seek shallow sexual gratification instead of faith and family values, Pope Benedict said in a New Year's Eve sermon.

Millions see in the New Year in UK

Millions across the UK have taken to the streets to usher in the New Year with firework celebrations.

Cardinal stresses importance of family in society

The foundations of a strong Christian life and a loving family are built first and foremost in the home, says the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Church people make it onto New Year's Honours list

The Diocese of Lichfield is celebrating after two of its church people made it onto the New Year's Honours list.