News
Japan's 'Hidden Christians' face extinction
One by one, the sacred relics - a medal of the Virgin Mary, a crucifix and other revered objects - are taken from a cupboard and placed on an altar for a Christmas Eve rite passed down through centuries from Japan's earliest Christians.
A lonely Christmas for Christians in North Korea
There will be no fairy lights, no carols, no turkey for Christians in North Korea this Christmas.
Prayers said for dead tug boat crew
Churches in Greenock are praying on Sunday for the families of three men who died when their tugboat sank in the Clyde last week.
Christian author defends Archbishop's nativity 'legend' remarks
Shortly after the head of the worldwide Anglican Communion drew fire for dismissing one popular aspect of the nativity story as a "legend" the week before Christmas, a Christian author and speaker defended the church leader and criticized British media for going "berserk."
Pope renews hope for positive dialogue with China
Pope Benedict repeated on Friday the Vatican's willingness to have a constructive dialogue with China's communist government.
Holy Land exhibition shows rare religious harmony
In a rare display of religious harmony in the Holy Land, a Jerusalem museum has thrown a spotlight on the shared symbols of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Blair conversion bolsters Catholicism's 'lead'
Former prime minister Tony Blair's conversion to Catholicism means he is now a member of the most popular Christian denomination in Britain, according to religious research published on Sunday.
Sarkozy breaks French taboo on church and politics
President Nicolas Sarkozy has broken a French taboo by urging a more active role for religion in public life.
Pentecostals 'Spreading Christmas Cheer' at London's tube stations
Teams of volunteers from Jesus House have been standing outside tube stations in north London this week giving out mince pies, cups of tea, coffee and hot chocolate in their annual "Spreading Christmas Cheer" initiative.
Blair converts to Catholicism
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, now the Middle East peace envoy, has converted from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism, the head of Britain's Catholics said on Saturday.
Sarkozy arrives in Afghanistan
French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in Afghanistan on Saturday for talks with Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai and to meet French troops serving under NATO's command, a presidential palace official said.
Chavez extends oil largesse
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez proposed on Friday extending a barter scheme used by Cuba to other Caribbean and Central American nations to help them pay for oil supplies with products and services.
Madeleine's parents issue Christmas plea
The parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann issued a video on Saturday with a new plea for information about her whereabouts and a special Christmas message to their daughter to "be brave".
Christian Aid Director issues Christmas message
Christian Aid Director Dr Daleep Mukarji in his Christmas message has urged people of all faiths to remember the real meaning of Christmas amid today's growing commercialism and consumerism.
Food for thought
The cookbook that tells people not only recipes, but the work that Christians are doing in the countries they originate from.
Bishop tells clergy to 'take it easy' at Christmas
The Bishop of Lichfield has spoken of his concerns for his clergy and appealed for them to take it easy at Christmas.