Faith is the driving force behind “impressive work” in many local communities fighting poverty, a senior government minister has claimed in relation to a visit to a Glasgow-based anti-poverty organisation.

The political and social shock waves caused by weeks of pro-democracy protests in East Germany followed by the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, were felt around the world, says Stephen Brown. They still resonate today, and have important theological implications.

Christian resistance contributed significantly to the fall of the Berlin Wall, says the Rev Sam Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, on the 20th anniversary of the epochal event that ended the cold war.

Public figures, scholars and peacemakers are among those speaking and performing at a celebration in London which aims to connect Palestinian Christians with those in the UK.

Human rights groups have protested to the Iran over a longstanding travel ban on a journalist and activist which has prevented him from receiving the Martin Ennals Award in person.

A demonstration of Muslim hardliners calling for sharia law to be imposed in Britain was cancelled in London over the weekend amid planned counter-protests by democratic Muslims.

The Iranian authorities must immediately release dozens of people arrested last week during a prayer service in support of activists detained following protests after June’s presidential election, Amnesty International has said.

A prayer service for peace in the East German city of Leipzig exactly 20 years ago triggered the chain of events that a month later led to the opening of the Berlin Wall.

The Anglican archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, has called on the South African government to ensure that it upholds its commitment to women's rights as an important step in the battle against HIV and AIDS.

The police and the Director of Public Prosecutions are facing strong criticism for bringing charges against peaceful protestors who wore fancy dress at the G20 demonstrations in April. They are accused of impersonating police officers.

Zimbabwe's Supreme Court has ordered a permanent stay of the criminal proceedings against prominent human rights activist Jestina Mukoko, in a move welcomed by campaigners.

The Elders initiative is seeking to bring wisdom and perspective to global issues, says Martin Marty. What they have to take on are not just secular assumptions but ones deeply rooted in mistaken religious ideologies.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has called for proper protection from violence and abuse for Iranian exiles living in Iraq, citing the situation in Ashraf refugee camp. He hopes British influence can play a role.