Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has given firm support to the work of the Independent Asylum Commission at a private seminar in Lambeth Palace - affirming the need to treat those fleeing oppression with dignity.

Two women theologians from Mexico and the Democratic Republic of Congo due to speak at a Mennonite-sponsored conference for women of colour were denied visas by the US State Department, which cited "lack of assets" as a reason for excluding them.

Churches, voluntary organisations and the local council in Sheffield have come together to declare the city a place of welcome for asylum seekers and refugees. They aim to improve policy coordination and to challenge public misperceptions.

Contrary to the popular media image, many evangelicals are not anti-gay, says a UK campaigning network which draws hundreds of evangelical Christians and their friends together. This week they are backing the launch of a church education initiative on Jesus and prejudice.