A leading figure in the official Chinese Protestant Church has emphasised autonomy and patriotism as two of its main values. But he claims the church is not subservinet to the state and is able to carry out its Christian mission.

Controversial new legislation came into force yesterday providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation as well as on the grounds of religion or belief.

In communities with high religious observance spiritual beliefs can play a positive role in deeloping strategies to combat HIV/AIDS, claims a UNICEF-backed study in Guyana.

The murder of three Christian Bible workers in Turkey has brought condemnations from all sides, including Muslims, and a statement from a European church leader that "witness to God is incompatible with the use of violence."