News
Jesus TV breaks through barriers in Iran
Christian satellite TV in Iran is making advances beyond previous expectations as growing numbers of people embrace Jesus Christ through the broadcasts, according to a recent report.
US Lutherans prepare for first draft on human sexuality
The largest Lutheran denomination in the USA is continuing work on developing a social statement on the controversial issue of human sexuality with a first draft due out early 2008.
Under-fire hospital trust chairman quits
The chairman of a Kent hospital trust at the centre of an infection scandal has resigned, Health Secretary Alan Johnson said on Monday.
Vatican promises action after priest's gay online advances
The Vatican promised on Monday a speedy investigation into a senior official at the Holy See who was filmed by a hidden camera making homosexual advances, and to discipline him if necessary.
UN envoy says no time to 'wobble' in Afghanistan
A U.N. envoy on Monday urged countries with troops in Afghanistan to resist the temptation to reduce their roles, saying security still was a challenge and the Afghan police was plagued by corruption.
UN watchdog asks Syria about atom reactor reports
The U.N. nuclear watchdog did not know about any undeclared atomic plant in Syria and has asked Damascus about information that such a site was targeted by an Israeli air strike, a spokeswoman said on Monday.
Zimbabwe urges EU to tell Brown to 'shut up' on rights
The European Union should tell British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to "shut up" on democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe ahead of an Africa-EU summit in December, Zimbabwe's information minister said on Monday.
Putin to go ahead with Iran trip after 'plot' report
President Vladimir Putin insisted on Monday he would make a historic trip to Iran to discuss its nuclear programme, scotching doubts about whether a reported assassination plot would force him to cancel.
Burundi rebels to rejoin truce team - South Africa
Burundi rebels will rejoin a truce monitoring team they quit in July, South African facilitator Charles Nqakula said on Monday, boosting efforts to bring a lasting end to a decade of conflict.
Turkish prosecutor seeks life in bible killings case
A Turkish prosecutor is seeking extended life sentences for five men suspected of slitting the throats of three workers at a Christian publishing house, private broadcaster NTV reported on Monday.
Lebanon detains group for trying to bomb UN troops
The Lebanese army said on Monday it had detained members of a "terrorist network" who had tried to bomb U.N. peacekeepers in south Lebanon.
New Anglican row emerges with gay blessing request
The Ottawa branch of the Anglican Church of Canada has thrown a challenge to the worldwide Anglican movement by asking the Ottawa bishop to authorize the blessing of homosexual marriages.
Church asked to cover Korean hostage rescue costs
Seoul has asked the South Korean church that sent 23 volunteers to Afghanistan to pay $65,000 for the rescue of their church members after they were kidnapped by the Taliban earlier this summer.
Thousands of bloggers unite in blitz of green tips
Thousands of bloggers including a European Commissioner traded tips on Monday about how to confront climate change and other environmental problems in an Internet blitz.
EU gives green light to Chad mission
The European Union gave the green light on Monday for a force of up to 3,000 troops in eastern Chad and Central African Republic to protect civilians from violence spilling over from neighbouring Darfur.
Splintered Darfur rebels search for common ground
Representatives of seven Darfur rebel groups net in south Sudan on Monday to try to reach a common negotiating position ahead of peace talks with the government.