News
Pope Calls for Peace to Make 'Heaven' on Earth
Pope Benedict made an appeal for peace on Sunday, saying nations should halt bloody conflicts around the world to create a heaven on earth.
Italian Doctor Innocent of Murder in Euthanasia Case
An Italian doctor who switched off the life support of a terminally ill patient who wanted to die was cleared of charges of "consensual murder" on Monday.
Turkey Government Faces EU Challenges After Big Poll Win
Turkey's ruling AK Party on Monday celebrated its decisive victory in a parliamentary election, but strong nationalist gains dented its majority and could hamper reforms crucial to its European Union bid.
Poland Softens Tone on EU Treaty
Poland softened its tone on a treaty to reform European Union institutions on Monday before the start of formal negotiations to turn a political deal clinched at a summit last month into a legal text.
Another Aid Worker Killed in Sri Lanka
A gunman shot dead a Sri Lankan staff member of the Danish Refugee Council in the island's army-held far northern Jaffna peninsula, the aid group said on Monday, the latest in a series of killings of humanitarian staff.
Harry Potter Makes History as Fastest-Selling Book
U.S. sales of the seventh and final Harry Potter volume hit an estimated 8.3 million in the first 24 hours, confirming its place in the history books as the fastest-selling book ever.
Salvation Army Commissions Thirty New Officers to 'tell the Good News'
Thirty new Salvation Army officers (ministers) were commissioned in a service at packed Methodist Central Hall over the weekend.
Darfur Rebels Call for Equal Representation at Peace Talks
A newly formed Darfur rebel group on Monday said a meeting of rebel leaders in Tanzania next month must give "equal representation" to all insurgents in Sudan's conflict-torn western region.
UK's Flooded Farms Spark Fears of Food Shortages
A soaking summer has begun to take its toll on crops such as grains and vegetables in Britain and extinguished hopes for a recovery in the country's struggling dairy sector, industry sources said on Monday.
EU Takes First Step for Chad Darfur Refugee Force
The European Union took the first step on Monday towards sending forces to Chad and the Central African Republican to help the United Nations protect refugees trapped in the violent region bordering Darfur.
Poland Mourns Pilgrim Crash Victims, Events Cancelled
Flags flew at half mast, church bells tolled and a rock concert was cancelled as Poland began three days of mourning on Monday for at least 26 Polish pilgrims killed in a bus crash in France.
Anglican Council Backs 'Clear Warning' to Schori & Rowan Williams
The American Anglican Council (AAC) has praised the recent statement from the Global South Steering Committee urging The Episcopal Church (TEC) to repent and change to restore true communion to the worldwide Anglican Churches.
South Korea Considers Evangelical Zeal Following Kidnappings
The kidnapping of 23 Korean church volunteers in Afghanistan has raised questions in South Korea over whether the country's evangelical Christian groups may be too zealous in sending missionaries overseas.
Church of England says No to True Human Hybrids
The Church of England gives cautious approval to the proposal to produce animal-human hybrid embryos for research into the alleviation of serious diseases.
Aids Women Fight Fear and Stigma as well as Disease
When Papua New Guinea's Maura Elaripe was diagnosed with HIV she thought it was a death sentence, but 10 years later she is still fighting the disease and the fear and stigma associated with it in her homeland.
No End in Sight to China Floods as Hundreds Die
Storms are expected to batter large swathes of China again on Monday after floods, landslides and lightning killed more than 150 people last week alone, state media said.