News
Mexico's Catholic Church faces priest shortage
Believers this holiday season are filling church pews across Mexico, but a shortage of priests in one of the world's most Roman Catholic nations threatens to leave many of the faithful without pastors.
Pope hails persecuted Christians as modern martyrs
Pope Benedict said on Wednesday that Christians faced persecution, torture and death in some parts of the world and continued to be made martyrs for their faith.
One killed, 14 churches attacked in eastern India
Hundreds of federal police were deployed in India's eastern state of Orissa on Wednesday after Hindu hardliners burnt and damaged 14 churches, killing at least one person, police said.
US presidential hopeful Huckabee defends Jesus as point of Christmas
Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said Jesus Christ is the point of Christmas during a sermon in reference to his Christmas ad, which has come under fire for its frank religious tone.
Fake underground churches expose North Korean Christians - news agency
The North Korean government is reportedly setting up fake underground churches and disguising national security agents as defectors to expose Christians, reported a North Korea-focused online news agency.
Indonesia marks three years after tsunami with prayers
Hundreds of Indonesians prayed at mass graves in Aceh province on Wednesday to remember relatives who died in the Indian Ocean tsunami three years ago.
Diplomatic row as Afghans expel Brit and Irishman
A diplomatic row erupted on Wednesday between Afghanistan and key aid partners after Kabul ordered the expulsion of a Briton and Irishman working for the EU and the UN, accusing them of threatening state security.
12 churches attacked in eastern India
Hundreds of federal police were deployed in India's eastern state of Orissa on Wednesday as Hindu hardliners burnt and damaged 12 churches in communal clashes, killing at least one person, police said.
Queen urges thought for less well off
The Queen, who celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary last month, said on Tuesday that the family was the core of society and urged greater consideration for the vulnerable and marginalised.
Tearfund tsunami relief three years on - the roots of a real recovery
Land reclaimed, thousands of homes reconstructed and livelihoods restored - three years after one of the world's worst natural disasters, communities continue to recover and rebuild.
Archbishop of Canterbury call to protect environment
The Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams is expected to speak of the need to protect the environment in his Christmas sermon this year.
Cardinal says immigrants 'need to be welcomed'
The head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor has called upon the nation to be more welcoming to immigrants.
Romney facing challenges in presidential bid
In a topsy-turvy Republican race for the 2008 presidential nomination, conservative favourite Mitt Romney suddenly found himself under threat in the key states of Iowa and New Hampshire on Monday, less than two weeks before voting begins.
Thaksin to return as Thai political mess churns on
Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Tuesday he was confident the party he backed in weekend elections could form a coalition government, unless prevented unfairly, allowing him to return from exile.
Settlement dispute stalls Mideast talks
Israel is considering easing criteria for freeing Palestinian prisoners, a move one Israeli official said on Monday could pave the way for the release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouthi.
Opposition holds poll advantage in tight Kenya vote
Two heavyweights of Kenya's post-independence politics square off in a presidential vote on Thursday that has overshadowed Christmas and seen the opposition hold a small lead in opinion polls during the campaign.