News
Caspian states won't let soil be used for any attack
Caspian Sea states declared in Tehran on Tuesday they would not let their soil be used for an attack on any of them, an apparent response to speculation the United States could resort to force in its nuclear row with Iran.
Evangelicals respond as Abortion review refuses to consider ethics
Excluding ethics in a select committee abortion enquiry has set a dangerous precedent, the Evangelical Alliance has said.
Japan cuts aid, West cranks up pressure on Burma
Japan cut aid to Burma on Tuesday, a day after the European Union stiffened its sanctions and U.S. President George W. Bush threatened to follow suit in response to the junta's crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.
Neonatal unit shut in MRSA scare
A hospital in northern England said on Tuesday it had shut its neonatal intensive care unit after a number of babies tested positive for a strain of the superbug MRSA.
Liberal Democrats commence search for new leader
The Liberal Democrats began the search on Tuesday for their third leader in 18 months after Sir Menzies Campbell resigned in the wake of falling poll ratings and growing criticism of his style.
Scottish Cardinal to make historic visit to China
The most senior Roman Catholic Church leader in Scotland will become the first Catholic leader in the West to visit China this century this week, as he begins a 12-day pastoral visit.
Christians highlight the plight of thousands of destitute refugees
Church Action on Poverty is rallying Christians to highlight the plight of thousands of destitute refugees.
Joel Osteen reveals the key to becoming a 'better You'
Popular US televangelist Joel Osteen, whose smile is known to millions worldwide, is releasing his next greatly anticipated book - Become a Better You.
US church leader arrested at White House in Iraq war protest
The Rev. John Thomas, president of the US United Church of Christ, has been arrested in a protest about the Iraq war outside the White House.
America's NAE formally names Ted Haggard's successor
The US National Association of Evangelicals has formally named the Rev. Leith Anderson as its president nearly one year after a sex-drug scandal forced its former president, Ted Haggard, to resign.
Jesus TV breaks through barriers in Iran
Christian satellite TV in Iran is making advances beyond previous expectations as growing numbers of people embrace Jesus Christ through the broadcasts, according to a recent report.
US Lutherans prepare for first draft on human sexuality
The largest Lutheran denomination in the USA is continuing work on developing a social statement on the controversial issue of human sexuality with a first draft due out early 2008.
Under-fire hospital trust chairman quits
The chairman of a Kent hospital trust at the centre of an infection scandal has resigned, Health Secretary Alan Johnson said on Monday.
Vatican promises action after priest's gay online advances
The Vatican promised on Monday a speedy investigation into a senior official at the Holy See who was filmed by a hidden camera making homosexual advances, and to discipline him if necessary.
UN envoy says no time to 'wobble' in Afghanistan
A U.N. envoy on Monday urged countries with troops in Afghanistan to resist the temptation to reduce their roles, saying security still was a challenge and the Afghan police was plagued by corruption.
UN watchdog asks Syria about atom reactor reports
The U.N. nuclear watchdog did not know about any undeclared atomic plant in Syria and has asked Damascus about information that such a site was targeted by an Israeli air strike, a spokeswoman said on Monday.