The current global financial crisis is a spiritual one with usury at its heart, argues political economist Ann Pettifor. In spite of the Gospel message, Christians have also colluded in idolising wealth above people and planet.

Much contemporary human rights discourse is individualistic. But, Savi Hensman points out, human beings are also shaped by economic, social, cultural and religious forces which work for justice - or against it.

The global financial crisis should not derail progress on fighting poverty worldwide, religious leaders have said, adding that the current financial market turmoil makes attempts to tackle deprivation all the more urgent.

Amidst rapid social and political changes in Eastern and Central Europe, leading representatives of theological institutions in the region gathered in Romania recently to seek more mutual cooperation and development.

The current global financial crisis is not a counsel of despair, says Patrick Hynes. It is an opportunity to review our priorities and invest practically for change through agencies like Oikocredit.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos, seen by many of the world's Orthodox Christians as their spiritual leader, has said he backs the bid by Turkey to join the European Union if the Muslim-majority nation meets human rights standards.