Churches in Brazil have backed a provision in the newly-passed Bolivian constitution describing water as a "fundamental human right" that may not be controlled by private companies.

UK government Communities Secretary Hazel Blears will be the keynote speaker at a 'Life Beyond Debt' event run by the Evangelical Alliance on Thursday 5 February.

The global economic crisis offers an opportunity to create a more just financial system, a representative of the World Council of Churches has said during the World Social Forum in Brazil.

At the opening of Poverty & Homelessness Action Week this weekend, leaders of Christian churches in Scotland are to call for intensive investment in affordable housing.