News
South Korean Christian Hostages Said to be Healthy
The remaining 19 Korean aid volunteers held hostage in Afghanistan are reportedly in good health, reporters were told Friday by an Afghan doctor who is in regular contact with a senior Taliban commander.
Malaysian Pastor Vows to Open First Gay-Friendly Church
The first and only openly gay pastor in Malaysia said Thursday he will move forward with plans to open the country's first gay-friendly church despite government opposition.
Lichfield Diocese gets Behind Back to Church Sunday
Churches in the Diocese of Lichfield are getting ready to welcome back thousands of former members in September when 1700 churches across the country take part in Back to Church Sunday.
Christian Aid Pledges $7 Million for Hurricane Dean Relief
Christian Aid has announced that it will be making nearly $7 million available to local partner organisations in Jamaica and Haiti, following Hurricane Dean.
Sanctus Real in Studio, Preparing for Tour
Christian rock band Sanctus Real will hit the road 20 September for the 50 city US Live In This Moment Tour with Steven Curtis Chapman and Bethany Dillon.
Christians Stand Firm amid Uganda 'State Homophobia' Accusations
Christians have stood firm in Africa, denouncing homosexuality as against Biblical Scripture, as an international human rights group accused Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's government of promoting "state homophobia".
Climate Change Fight Must be Won in Developing Nations
More than two thirds of cuts in greenhouse gas emissions needed by 2030 to fight climate change will have to come from developing countries, the United Nation's climate change secretariat said on Thursday.
India Moves to Decriminalise 'Victim' Prostitutes
India plans to decriminalise prostitution by treating sex workers as victims and not offenders, and instead going after traffickers, pimps, brothel owners and clients, a government official said on Friday.
Malaysia Suspends Newspaper for Offensive Jesus Caricature
Malaysia's Muslim-led government slapped a one-month publishing ban on a newspaper on Friday for printing a caricature of Jesus holding a cigarette and a can of beer.
EU Power Firms Taking Advantage of Climate Change Fight
European power companies are making billions of euros in excess profits in the European Union's battle to beat global warming by cutting emissions of carbon gases, and consumers are paying for it, economists say.
Merkel Puts Climate Change Top of Germany Agenda
German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged on Friday to fight climate change and tackle the skills shortage in Europe's biggest economy in the second half of her government's term, but crtics said her plan lacked ambition.
Woman Dies After Attack by Gang of Youths
A "kind" young woman who was attacked by a gang of youths in a Lancashire park almost two weeks ago has died of her injuries, police said on Friday.
African Union says Sudan Must Implement Southern Deal
The African Union (AU) appealed to the governments of Sudan and its semi-autonomous south on Friday to speed up the implementation of a 2005 peace deal designed to end two decades of war between the former foes.
Church Criticises Government as Brazil Bribery Trial Opens
Brazil's Supreme Court voted on Friday to put on trial the first of 40 people accused of operating an illegal fund-raising scheme by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's ruling party and allies in Congress.
Presbyterian Church Rebukes 'Lesbian Evangelist'
The U.S. Presbyterian Church has rebuked one of its ministers who describes herself as a "lesbian evangelist" for presiding over two gay weddings, officials said on Friday.
UN Council Extends Lebanon Peace Force for Extra Year
The Security Council extended by a year on Friday the mandate of the U.N. force that has kept an uneasy peace in southern Lebanon since Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas fought a war there last year.