Christian groups and churches in Indian's eastern state of Orissa are demanding urgent protection, saying they have been hounded by Hindu extremists, with reports of nine people being killed in attacks since Christmas.

A marriage registrar has vowed to make a legal challenge to the acceptance of civil partnership ceremonies, claiming that she objects to them on religious grounds and should therefore be exempt from having to perform them.

As Britain gets into gear for the new year after an extended holiday season which often includes an excess of food and drink, a church known for its temperance stance has called on the government to rethink alcohol licensing laws.

Churches and society at large need to offer reparation to descendants of those enslaved, tortured and murdered by the transatlantic slave trade, says an international conference sponsored by three major ecumenical organizations.