News

Brown urges Musharraf to hold to democratic course

Prime Minister Gordon Brown spoke to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and urged him to "stick to the course" of democracy and stability on Friday following the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.

US evangelicals support Jews leaving Iran

On Christmas Day this year, 40 Jews arrived secretly in Israel having defected from Iran, a long time enemy of the world's only Jewish state. Each of the arriving Jews received a gift of $10,000 from American evangelical Christians.

Manchester United and Children's Society launch three-year partnership

Premier league football club Manchester United and The Children's Society have launched a three-year partnership to raise funds to improve the lives of children in the UK.

City banks build star for London church

Two major city banks have teamed up with a local London church to spread festive cheer with a giant star.

Help for immigrants divides US congregations

He doesn't speak Spanish and has no idea what America should do about illegal immigration, but Rev. Larry Kreps knows he's now on a list somewhere of people willing to help illegal immigrants in a time of crisis.

40,000 youths gather in Geneva for Taizé prayers

Around 40,000 young adults from across Europe and beyond will gather in Geneva on Friday for five days of prayer and reflection.

Christmas riots continue in Orissa

Violence against Christians in the Indian state of Orissa continued for a third day Thursday even as hundreds of armed police patrolled parts of eastern India.

Malaysia Christians challenge ban on word 'Allah'

A church in Malaysia and a Christian weekly newspaper are attempting to sue the Malaysian Government for banning them from using the word "Allah". They claim that the ban is unconstitutional and violates freedom of religion.

Baptist ministers to encourage Angolan women

Five female Baptist church leaders will fly out to Angola today for two weeks of New Year mission amongst women.

Christians pay tribute to Pakistan's Bhutto

Christians have expressed their sorrow at the assassination of the leader of the opposition in Pakistan Benazir Bhutto at a political rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on Thursday.

Treasury cuts could harm theological training for CofE clergy

A Government decision to redistribute £100 million, used to finance more first degrees, could lead to a cut in the increasing number of young ordinands coming forward for training in the Church of England.

UK shoppers surge to post-Christmas sales

Britain's post-Christmas sales kicked off on Wednesday with retailers hoping a surge in shoppers would make up for a lacklustre run-in to crucial festive trading.

Indiscipline forcing teachers out, say Conservatives

Bad behaviour in classrooms and too much government red tape is prompting a growing number of school teachers to quit, the Conservatives said on Thursday.

Alzheimer's Society backs tracking devices

The Alzheimer's Society charity has backed government proposals to issue dementia sufferers with tracking devices, so long as patients agree.

UK urges restraint after Bhutto killing

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband voiced shock at the killing of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Thursday.

Pakistan's Bhutto assassinated in bomb attack

Pakistani opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been assassinated in a suicide bomb attack earlier on Thursday.