News
WCC urges new generation to bring fresh contribution to ecumenical future
Theology students and young theologians are being invited by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to bring new perspectives and contributions to the debate about the future of the ecumenical movement.
Sri Lanka rejects UN rights monitoring mission
Sri Lanka rejected calls for a United Nations human rights monitoring mission to the island on Saturday, as the U.N.'s rights chief voiced concern about widespread alleged abuses at the end of a five-day visit.
Rice pledges support to Russian rights activists
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Russian human rights activists on Saturday she wanted to help them build institutions to protect people from the 'arbitrary power of the state'.
Minister supports tax incentives for married couples
Labour could be about to change its policy on tax incentives for married couples after a Cabinet minister said the system should recognise the social benefits of family life, a newspaper reported on Saturday.
Merck says US FDA approves new AIDS treatment
A new AIDS treatment made by Merck & Co, the first in a new class of drugs aimed at preventing replication of the virus, has been approved by U.S. regulators, Merck said on Friday.
Human rights group warns Sudan on brink of another disaster
In a dramatic development, the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM), the party that represents the interest of Southern Sudan, has made an announcement to withdraw from the National Unity Government of Sudan.
Norman Kember continues to advocate for non-violent peace
The International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS) has expressed its delight at welcoming British Professor Norman Kember and his wife Pat to the Prague campus at the start of October.
Salford church joins Oasis on 100th anniversary
Salford Central Church will celebrate its 100th anniversary next weekend and embrace its future as it becomes part of Oasis UK, the charity founded by Steve Chalke MBE in 1985.
Indonesian boy dies of bird flu - health ministry
A 12-year-old Indonesian boy has died of bird flu, taking the total death toll from the disease in the country to 88, a health ministry official said on Saturday.
UN envoy's return to Burma may still be in Nov.
U.N. envoy Ibrahim Gambari may not return to Burma until November to press the embattled nation into a move toward democratic reform, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said on Friday.
UN urges Sudan parties to keep peace process alive
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern on Friday that former south Sudan rebels have withdrawn from a national coalition government and urged the parties to keep the peace process alive.
Salvation Army says final farewell to Pakistan Territorial Commander
The funeral has taken place in Norway of Colonel Bo Brekke, The Salvation Army's Territorial Commander for Pakistan, after he was found shot and killed in his office in Lahore.
Agreement reached to end UK Royal Mail dispute
Britain's Royal Mail and union leaders agreed in principle on Friday to end a dispute that has caused crippling postal service stoppages and disrupted businesses.
China may expand environmental watchdog early '08
China's environmental watchdog could be expanded or given Cabinet-level status by March to enforce policies aimed at fighting chronic pollution, a top Chinese government adviser said on Friday.
Gore: back to work on 'planetary emergency'
Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, said he was getting straight back to work on the "planetary emergency" of climate change.
Christians Lawyers defend right to believe in 'One Man, One Woman' teachings
As the Government continues to develop its proposals to amend the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill to introduce an offence of inciting hatred on the grounds of sexuality, Christian lawyers have continued to express concerns.