News
Jesus born in manger to Virgin Mary, affirms Williams
The Archbishop of Canterbury clears the confusion on some key details in the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, including his birth in a manger to the Virgin Mary.
A journey to the Holy Land
In the final approach to Christmas, many people will be bustling about visiting relatives, shops, churches, carol services and maybe even Santa's Grotto. One stop that many people will not be making this Christmas, however, is the one place where it all started.
Remember homeless children this Christmas, says Archbishop
The Archbishop of Canterbury has appealed to the nation to spare a thought for the 130,000 homeless children in the UK this Christmas.
Bethlehem profits from peaceful Christmas
Bethlehem souvenir store owner Mike Canawati is gearing up for his merriest Christmas in years.
China and India launch anti-terrorism exercise
China and India, who fought a brief border war in 1962, have started a week-long anti-terrorism military drill to improve trust and cooperation as the two rising powers seek to put aside decades of frosty relations.
Ecumenical initiative to accompany churches in conflict situations
A new World Council of Churches (WCC) initiative aimed at supporting Christians living in conflict situations around the world has begun.
Kosovo independence process cannot be held back
The European Union must be ready to guide Kosovo on an unstoppable path to independence after the U.N. Security Council failed to agree on the Serb province's future, the incoming EU presidency said on Thursday.
Pakistan begins formal probe into train crash
Pakistani investigators began a formal probe on Thursday into the derailment of an express train, with officials saying a mechanical fault on the track was the likely cause of the crash that killed at least 40 people.
South Korean leader to put economy first
South Korea's president-elect promised on Thursday to put the economy first once he takes office and not to be shy about telling prickly North Korea to mend its ways over nuclear weapons and human rights.
Suicide bomber kills 13 Iraqi volunteers
A suicide bomber exploded a belt packed with explosives at a recruiting station for neighbourhood patrols in Iraq's restive Diyala province on Thursday, killing 13 volunteers and wounding 10, police said.
Iran nuclear plant may not start before end-2008
Iran's first nuclear power plant Bushehr will not be operational until at least the end of 2008, Russian news agencies quoted the head of the company building the facility as saying on Thursday.
Enough evidence seen to prosecute Zuma
South Africa's top prosecutor says there is enough evidence to prosecute Jacob Zuma, the new head of the ruling ANC, on allegations of corruption, Talk Radio 702 reported on Thursday.
60,000 Christian pilgrims to visit Holy Land this Christmas
Around 60,000 Christian pilgrims are expected to visit Israel this Christmas. The Israeli Tourism Ministry has said that the number of pilgrims is around 50 per cent higher than in 2006.
'X Factor' winner tipped for Christmas number one
Scottish singer Leon Jackson is on course to secure the Christmas number one spot with his debut single after winning "The X Factor" at the weekend, retailers said on Thursday.
BSkyB may have to cut ITV stake
BSkyB looked set for a costly climb-down after a regulator said it should sell more than half of its anti-competitive 17.9 percent stake in ITV.
Queen becomes oldest monarch
The Queen becomes the country's oldest monarch on Thursday, overtaking a milestone set by her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria.