News
UN envoy says India risks religious violence
The UN freedom of religion investigator has warned that India risks more religious violence, like Gujarat's 2002 riots that killed 2,500 people, as delays to bring justice encouraged an atmosphere of impunity.
Muslims question Vatican baptism of Islamic critic
The Easter baptism of an Italian Muslim by Pope Benedict was a provocative act that raises questions about the Vatican's approach to Islam, a leading participant in Christian-Muslim dialogue said on Monday.
Growing clamour over embryology bill
A Labour MP has called church leaders, scientists and MPs to the table to address the row over a free vote on the embryology bill row.
Comoros troops take Anjouan capital
The Indian Ocean archipelago nation of Comoros said it had captured the capital and airport of the rebel island of Anjouan on Tuesday in a African Union-backed seaborne assault.
Heavy fighting erupts in Basra
Heavy fighting erupted in Iraq's southern oil hub of Basra on Tuesday, and a military official said a major operation had been launched against armed groups in the city.
Afghan peace hurt by West's failed aid pledges
Peace in Afghanistan is undermined by Western nations' failure to deliver promised aid and 40 percent of funds that do reach the country return to the West in profits and salaries, aid agencies said on Tuesday.
U.S. officials in Pakistan for talks
Two senior U.S. government officials arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday and are likely to meet Pakistan's new prime minister and President Pervez Musharraf.
Australia boosts tsunami detection in Coral Sea
Australia said on Tuesday it had installed a deep ocean tsunami buoy in the Coral Sea off its northeastern coast, boosting tsunami detection in a region which has seen two tsunamis kill more than 2,000 people since 1998.
Consumers to gift taxman record amount
Britons are set to gift a record amount of money to the taxman by failing to take steps to reduce their tax liability, figures showed on Tuesday.
Brown and Sarkozy to urge banks to disclose write-offs
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy will urge banks this week to make "full and immediate disclosure" of write-offs due to the global credit crisis, British officials said on Monday.
More people have faith in resurrection than stock market - bishop
England is "far from a secular country" and people desire a "return to real Christianity", says Bishop of Lichfield.
Cigarette display ban considered
Retailers could be forced to take cigarettes off display, under government plans to crack-down on smoking.
Litvinenko's widow demands inquest
The widow of poisoned Russian emigre Alexander Litvinenko has asked British authorities to press ahead with an inquest that she hopes will shed light on suspected Russian state complicity in his murder.
Muslim converted by Pope says life in more danger
An outspoken Muslim author and critic of Islamic fundamentalism who converted to Christianity at the hands of Pope Benedict said on Sunday he realised he was in greater danger but he has no regrets.
Be wise about sex
Rejoice in your partner and don't get lost because of folly
Church leader wants multi-denominational visit to Holy Land
The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland has invited the leaders of other denominations to join him in a solidarity visit to the Holy Land.