News
Pope says shun excessive materialism at Christmas
Pope Benedict on Sunday urged Catholics to rediscover the religious significance of Christmas, saying the holiday should not be dominated by materialism.
Christian US biologist fired for beliefs, suit says
A Christian biologist is suing the prestigious Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, claiming he was fired for refusing to accept evolution, lawyers involved in the case said on Friday.
Protesters demand action on climate change
Several thousand protesters demanding urgent action on global warming marched through the streets of London, Berlin and Stockholm on Saturday.
British soldier killed in Afghanistan
A British soldier was killed on Saturday during operations in Southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.
British Midland to add daily flight to Israel
British Midland (BMI), the second-largest carrier, said on Sunday it would start operating daily flights between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv from March 2008.
Pope in rare meeting with Russian Orthodox cleric
Pope Benedict held a rare meeting on Friday with a senior Russian Orthodox Church cleric, who hailed the encounter as proof of warming relations and a step toward greater Christian unity.
Brown appeals for Iraq hostages release
Prime Minister Gordon Brown called on Sunday for the immediate release of five British hostages held in Iraq and said their detention would not sway Britain's approach to the country.
'Back from dead' canoeists wife arrested
The wife of a man who "returned from the dead" after apparently being lost at sea in a canoeing accident five years ago was arrested on her return to Britain from America on Sunday, police said.
Mothers' Union responds to Papua New Guinea cyclone
Mothers' Union members in Britain have sent £2,500 worth of emergency relief to Papua New Guinea after Oro Province was hit by cyclone Guba in November. In the summer, Mothers' Union members in Papua New Guinea sent aid to the UK following the floods in the summer.
'Dead' Briton hid in family home for three years
A man who had been declared dead after a canoeing accident but in fact survived hid in his home for three years before his arrest this week, his wife told British newspapers on Saturday.
European Union, Africa open first summit in 7 years
European Union, Africa open first summit in 7 years Leaders from the European Union and Africa met on Saturday to forge a new strategic partnership at their first summit in seven years, marred by unease over the presence of Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe.
Bush to visit Middle East Jan. 9 to 11 -Abbas aide
U.S. President George W. Bush will visit Israel and the Palestinian territories from Jan. 9 to 11, a senior Palestinian official said on Saturday.
Pope in rare meeting with Russian Orthodox cleric
Pope Benedict held a rare meeting on Friday with a senior Russian Orthodox Church cleric, who hailed the encounter as proof of warming relations and a step toward greater Christian unity.
S. Korea's worst oil spill blackens coast
South Korean workers using skimmers and containment fences battled on Saturday to clean up the worst oil spill in the country's history, as the slick washed ashore near a nature preserve on the west coast.
NATO and Afghan troops launch offensive
Afghan, British and U.S. troops have launched a major offensive to retake the only sizeable town held by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan, Afghan and foreign forces said on Saturday.
Europe and Africa hold first summit for 7 years
Leaders from Europe and Africa hold their first summit for seven years on Saturday, their difficult relations strained further over the presence at the talks of Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe.