News

Pakistan's Bhutto survives bombing after her return

Benazir Bhutto survived an assassination attempt, hours after she returned to Pakistan from eight years of self-imposed exile vowing to end military rule and steer her turbulent country toward democracy.

EU leaders strike final deal on reform treaty

European Union leaders clinched final agreement on Friday on a treaty to reform the 27-nation bloc's institutions, replacing a defunct constitution and ending a two-year crisis of confidence in Europe's future.

Ethiopia to ease Ogaden aid delivery - UN

Ethiopia has agreed to work with the United Nations in delivering humanitarian aid to its Ogaden region, where a crackdown on rebels had impeded the flow of supplies, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Sweden plans troop contribution to EU Chad force

Sweden plans to send 200 soldiers to join the European Union peacekeeping operation in Chad and the Central African Republic, the government said on Thursday.

Report reveals UN food agency starved of cash

The U.N. agency known for battling world hunger risks "terminal decline" after being starved of cash by member states and mismanaged, a report said on Thursday.

China reduces rail freight to N.Korea, disrupts aid

China has reduced rail freight traffic to North Korea in recent weeks, holding up some shipments of humanitarian aid to the impoverished country, an aid agency and rail authorities said on Friday.

Christians have nothing to fear from Islam, says Europe Evangelical leader

The head of the European Evangelical Alliance has assured Christians that they have nothing to fear from Europe's growing Muslim population.

Christians call for Church to combat crime

The vast majority of churchgoers think the church should tackle gun and knife crime, according to findings of a recent survey.

Pope keen on visit to N.Ireland, says archbishop

Pope Benedict's decision to appoint Archbishop Sean Brady a Cardinal is a sign the pontiff is interested in visiting Northern Ireland, the Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin said on Thursday.

World Bank is denying energy to the poorest - Christian Aid

Christian Aid is calling for an urgent rethink of the World Bank's energy strategy.

Christians disappointed as EU lifts Uzbekistan sanctions

Disappointment has been expressed by a Christian human rights group at the decision taken earlier this week by EU foreign ministers to ease sanctions against Uzbekistan, despite the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in the country.

International Anglican peace conference set for Korea

An Anglican peace conference will take place next month bringing together more than 150 Church leaders and ecumenical guests focusing on peace initiatives and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.

Harry Potter author reveals books' Christian allegory, her struggling faith

After years of averting questions on whether Christian themes were present in her wildly popular Harry Potter books, author J.K. Rowling finally opened up this week about the Christian allegory in her latest book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."