News
Prayer Countdown Targets China Ahead of Olympic Games
Christians worldwide are being urged by a ministry working with persecuted churches to join a prayer countdown for Chinese believers ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in China.
Head of European Baptist Federation Calls for Release of Pastor in Azerbaijan
The head of the European Baptist Federation is appealing to Baptists across Europe to write to the President of Azerbaijan asking for the release of a Baptist pastor the EBF fears has been unfairly imprisoned.
Compassion UK Saves a Child in Poverty Every Hour
Compassion UK is saving the life of a child every hour, every day of the year, according to its latest statistics.
Prime Minister's Office in Furore Over Anti-London Mosque Petition
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's office was caught up in a row on Friday over plans for a large mosque in London that have drawn vitriolic opposition from far-right campaigners.
Dwindling Congregation Brings Historic Lake District Church to a Close
One of Britain's most historic churches is to close on Sunday, when it will hold its final Sunday Service.
Housing Justice Appeals for More Affordable Housing
Alastair Murray, Development Co-ordinator for Christian charity Housing Justice UNLEASH, has called on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to provide more affordable housing.
Taliban Kidnap 23 Korean Christians from Afghan Bus
Taliban insurgents have kidnapped 23 Korean Christians from a bus in Afghanistan, officials said on Friday, the biggest group of foreigners seized so far in the militant campaign to oust the government and its Western backers.
Actress at UN to Urge Action Against Human Trafficking
Governments must view human trafficking as a security issue because the proceeds are often used to fund violence including terrorism, actress and U.N. Goodwill Ambassador Julia Ormond said on Thursday.
France, UK Propose Tax Cut on Climate-Friendly Goods
France and Britain said on Friday they would ask the European Union to reduce value added taxes on green products such as environmentally-friendly fridges and cars to set an example in fighting climate change.
German Politician Sparks Creationism Education Row
A German minister for culture has provoked outrage among politicians and some religious figures for suggesting theological questions about the origin of the world should be included in school biology lessons.
UN Aid Chief Urges Blair to See Gaza Hardships
The head of the main U.N. aid agency for the Palestinians urged international powers on Wednesday to act to ease an effective trade embargo on the Gaza Strip and send their new envoy Tony Blair to visit the enclave.
UN Urges Darfur Rebels to Attend Peace Talks
The U.N. envoy for Darfur on Thursday urged a rebel leader to reverse his opposition to efforts by the U.N. and the African Union to launch peace talks with the government.
Chad's President Accepts EU Force in Violent East
Chad's President Idriss Deby said on Thursday he had agreed in principle to let a European Union force into the east of his country to contain violence that has spread from neighbouring Sudan's Darfur region.
Worldwide Floods Show Much Still to be Learnt
As communities around the world battle the worst floods in living memory, experts warn such events may become more frequent due to climate change and that lessons still need to be learnt to limit losses.
Kidnapped Italian Priest Freed in Philippines
An Italian priest held captive for over a month in the southern Philippines wants to return to his parish there after his Muslim rebel captors assured him he would not be seized again.
Jews Welcome Pope's Move on Latin Prayer
A Jewish group has welcomed the Vatican's suggestion that a little-used traditional prayer for the conversion of Jews, which it views as antisemitic, could be dropped from a revived Latin rite.