News
Anglicans driven closer to schism as new 'haven' emerges for US conservatives
The Anglican Communion's chances of avoiding a fully blown schism took another dramatic setback Thursday when a leading conservative archbishop approved plans to implement breakaway dioceses in the US.
Tony Blair to convert to Catholicism this month
Former British Prime Minister is preparing to convert to Roman Catholicism within weeks, reports have said Thursday.
After decades of famine, African farm growth eyed
Long associated with famine and agricultural decline, Africa has the potential and opportunity to raise its output significantly, experts say, with global agribusiness firms eyeing the prospects for growth.
Middle East religious leaders say they are vital to peace
In an unusual joint appearance, senior Israeli and Palestinian religious leaders said on Wednesday they were not a roadblock to peace in the Middle East but a vital part of the process.
US lawmakers vote to protect gay, lesbian workers
The Democratic-led House of Representatives on Wednesday defied a White House veto threat and voted to protect millions of Americans by outlawing workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.
China angrily denounces Olympic Games 'Bible ban' reports
China reacted angrily on Thursday to reports in the European press that the government would ban Bibles during next year's Beijing Olympics, saying it could not possibly be true.
Catholic Bishop backs British brothel regulation
A Roman Catholic bishop in the southern English port city of Portsmouth is backing a campaign to legalise brothels without in any way condoning them.
Pakistan's Musharraf makes poll date he must keep
Pakistani national elections will take place before Feb. 15, President Pervez Musharraf said on Thursday, after Western allies and opponents had demanded polls be held on time and emergency rule scrapped.
Indonesia president says Bali bombers must be executed
Indonesia's president has said the death sentence for three Islamic militants on death row for the 2002 Bali bombings must be carried out, hinting in a television interview that he will not grant them clemency
U.N. sees dialogue path opened in Burma
A path to "substantive dialogue" between Burma's junta and detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been opened, U.N. special envoy Ibrahim Gambari said on Thursday.
Traditionalist pressure mounts on Anglican Communion
Traditionalist Anglican leaders have stepped up pressure on their deeply split Communion by urging it to postpone its consultative conference and pledging more support for rebels against liberal local churches.
London police chief stands firm despite de Menezes criticism
Britain's top police officer resisted growing pressure to resign on Thursday after he was criticised in a report on the shooting by London police of a Brazilian man who was mistaken for a suicide bomber.
EU border-free zone extension to benefit economy
The extension of the European Union's border-free travel zone to nine new members on Dec. 21 will bring strong economic and political benefits, Slovenia's interior minister said on Thursday.
Eight English cities pledge more climate action
Eight provincial English cities pledged on Thursday to take extra steps to combat climate change, echoing the actions of several counterparts in the United States.
Brain-boosting drugs spark ethical debate in UK
A rise in healthy people popping pills to boost performance in exams or work, raises long-term ethical and safety concerns about the effects of such treatments, British doctors said on Thursday.
Gunman shoots policeman outside Northern Irish school
A gunman shot and wounded an off-duty police officer on Thursday as he dropped his child off at a school in Northern Ireland.