The orang-utan could be the first great ape to become extinct if urgent action is not taken to protect the species from human encroachment in South-east Asia, reports the Independent newspaper.

German churches' practical experience with confronting the issue of domestic violence will play an important role in a Peace Declaration of the World Council of Churches planned for 2011.

The Rt Rev Dr Tom Wright, a leading Evangelical Anglican bishop in the Church of England has said that the tactics of a new factional network within Anglicanism amount to "bullying".

Echoing remarks made early this year by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chief Justice has said that there is no conflict between Sharia principles for conflict resolution and civil law.

After "what can be described as a façade election", the World Council of Churches has called for global action and the protection of Zimbabweans "against increased and continued violence".