News

Rick Warren counsels Jews on recruiting congregants

Megachurch pastor Rick Warren attended a large Reform Jewish gathering last week to share tips on how to build a community.

Faith is not part time in the South, says Kobia

African Christians regard their Christian faith as their whole life and not just a part-time activity, said the head of the World Council of Churches on Sunday.

Castro hints he will not cling to power

Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who has not been seen in public for 16 months, suggested on Monday he might give up his formal leadership posts -- the first time he has spoken of his possible retirement since he fell ill.

Divided ANC starts leadership vote

South Africa's ruling ANC on Tuesday began voting in an acrimonious leadership election expected to put Jacob Zuma on track to become the country's president in 2009.

Turkish troops cross into Iraq

A group of 300 Turkish troops crossed into Kurdish territory in northern Iraq overnight, Iraqi officials said.

Baby boy for Sophie and Prince Edward

The wife of Prince Edward, the Queen's youngest son, gave birth to a baby boy on Monday, Buckingham Palace announced.

Curbs expected on non-EU tourists to Britain

The government is expected to announce that it is looking at halving the time tourists from outside the European Union can stay in the UK from six to three months, a source at the Home Office said on Tuesday.

'Difficult year' for farming community

Flooding, bad weather, foot and mouth disease, bluetongue and avian influenza have made 2007 a "difficult year for many", says Farm Crisis Network.

Short legs linked to liver disease in study

Women with short legs may have a higher risk of liver disease, with both probably caused by diet or other factors early in life, British researchers reported on Monday.

Solicitor says Fallon's B sample is positive

Six-times champion jockey Kieren Fallon has had his positive drugs test confirmed by a B sample, his solicitor said on Monday.

Clegg tipped as new LibDem leader

The Liberal Democrats name their new leader on Tuesday at a time when support for the party is at its lowest in the polls for six years.

Government admits losing new data

The government suffered new embarrassment over missing data on Monday when it revealed one of its contractors had lost the details of 3 million learner drivers.

Honours report wants end to patronage

A parliamentary report into the "cash for honours" scandal will recommend stripping the right to create peers from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his successors, the Guardian reported on Tuesday.

Evangelicals encourage governments to agree targets on carbon emissions cuts

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has welcomed the landmark global agreement on climate change struck at the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia on Saturday.

Vatican rules out Pope Israel visit

The Vatican said yesterday that there are no plans for Pope Benedict XVI to visit Israel in the near future. The Pope has a standing invitation to visit the country and has expressed his wish to go.

Church offering drug and alcohol support receives £3m award

A central Bristol church has been awarded over £3 million for restoration work by the Heritage Lottery Fund.