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  • 26 Sep 2007
    Beijing's new Catholic bishop promises harmony between church and society

    Beijing's new Catholic bishop, 42-year-old Joseph Li Shan, reported to have the approval of both the Vatican and the Chinese government, says he will help the development of a "harmonious society". Government officials in say religion can play an important role in building such a society.

  • 26 Sep 2007
    Mixed response to US Episcopal compromise on gay issue

    There has been a decidedly mixed initial response to the attempt of the Episcopal Church in the USA to reach a compromise over the issue of lesbian and gay blessings and ordinations, with some media commentators hailing it as a refusal to give in and others seeing it as a cave-in.

  • 26 Sep 2007
    Mennonites take significant steps forward in ecumenical relations

    The Mennonite Church USA has taken two significant steps forward in inter-church relations by joining an American-wide ecumenical body and receiving an official apology from Evangelical Lutherans for past persecutions of Anabaptists.

  • 26 Sep 2007
    Plea to world churches on overcoming US gun culture

    A US Christian leader has asked a World Council of Churches peacemaking team visiting the United States for assistance to rid his country of the "scourge" of gun violence during the team's September 2007 visit.

  • 25 Sep 2007
    Pope says selfishness with money and capitalism are not the only way

    At his appearance to say prayers at the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo, Pope Benedict has spoken of the 'blind selfishness' that can result from an over-preoccupation with money. He says capitalism is not the only valid economic system.

  • 25 Sep 2007
    United Methodists continue struggle against Bush institute at university

    Opponents of a Bush Library and Institute have vowed to continue their fight within the 11 million member United Methodist Church to deny approval to Southern Methodist University (SMU) to host the Bush complex. They say it dishonours the inclusive Gospel message.

  • 24 Sep 2007
    Burma's military junta threatens monks as nonviolent protest grows

    Burma's ruling military junta has warned it is ready to "take action" against Buddhist monks leading growing protests for an end to repression within the country. But the nonviolent action has confused the authorities and unleashed massive public support.

  • 24 Sep 2007
    US Presbyterians back disinvestment campaign on Sudan

    The Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly Council has approved action supporting the denomination's campaign of phased selective divestment of certain multinational corporations doing business with the government of Sudan.

  • 24 Sep 2007
    Mennonites help with hurricane relief in Nicaragua

    Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), the North American Anabaptist relief, development and peace agency, is helping to provide food and other aid in seven indigenous communities in northeastern Nicaragua that were devastated by Hurricane Felix.

  • 24 Sep 2007
    Archbishop still hopeful about the Anglican Communion's future

    After two days of "encouraging" talks with the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops in the USA, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams told reporters prior to setting off on his Middle East trip that he is still hopeful about the Anglican Communion's future.