Anne Thomas

• Churches called to help young black boys achieve success

  A Christian educationalist is calling on churches to do more to increase the educational achievement of young people from disadvantaged communities.

• Scripture Union Bible reading guide proves a hit

  Scripture Union is celebrating the success of its online Bible reading guide after amassing more than 10,000 registered users in its first year alone.

• Christian group condemns Burma human rights violations

  Christian Solidarity Worldwide says the recent rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl demonstrates the “culture of impunity” reigning throughout Burma’s military regime.

• Archbishop’s adviser becomes next Bishop of St Asaph

  A senior adviser to the Archbishop of Canterbury was elected on Monday as the next Bishop of St Asaph.

• Church to pray for people with autism

  Christians and other faith communities are being invited to pray for millions of people around the world with autism.

• Ellel set to launch new online school

  Ellel Ministries is gearing up for a new way of training believers in 2009 with the launch of a brand new online school.

• India: Evangelical leader seeks prayers for peace

  The Evangelical Fellowship of India has asked Christians to pray for a peaceful 2009 for India’s believers.

• Vatican breaks from Italian law

  The Vatican announced this week that it will no longer automatically adopt laws passed by the Italian Parliament.

• Resolutions of the heart: Live generously, grow closer to God

  As nice as being happier, healthier and wealthier are for New Year’s resolutions, the ministry of Billy Graham is encouraging people to see their goals for 2009 as “an attitude of the heart” rather than “tasks to accomplish”.

• Christian Aid chair makes New Year’s Honours List

  Prison inspector and Christian Aid chair Anne Owers has been made a dame in recognition of her services to the criminal justice service.

• Christian Aid challenges nation to go green

  Christian Aid is calling on the British public to follow in the footsteps of US President-elect Barack Obama by turning their New Year’s resolutions into an all out pledge to go green in 2009.

• Caritas says 400 killed in Congo church massacre

  The Catholic aid agency said it believes 400 people were killed in massacres carried out in Congo by Ugandan rebels on Christmas Day and the days following.