Policy Areas - People and Power

Freed Irish priest wants to remain in the Philippines

Ecumenical News International — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:06:33 +0000

A 79-year old Irish priest, who was released unharmed one month after being kidnapped in the Philippines by a militant group, says he wants to continue serving there.

The Charter for Compassion

staff writers — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:09:19 +0000

The Charter for Compassion seeks to bring people together across the varieties of global faith and belief, in recognition of the fact that "in separateness lies the world’s great misery, in compassion lies the world’s true strength."

Charter for Compassion seeks unity against division and violence

staff writers — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:30:33 +0000

Moral, spiritual and cultural leaders from around the world have launched a global call for compassion among followers of different beliefs, religious and non-religious.

European governments asked to act on rights after Berlin Wall events

agency reporter — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:27:00 +0000

Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin wall, European governments must act urgently to tackle human rights abuses against migrants, asylum seekers, detainees and minorities, Amnesty International has declared.

Church near Berlin Wall hosts event to mark its role in epochal change

Stephen Brown — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:31:51 +0000

Germany's political and church leaders have marked the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall on 9 November with an ecumenical service at the Protestant church in eastern Berlin which played a key role in the events.

Government minister supports role of faith groups in anti-poverty work

staff writers — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:13:44 +0000

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 Berlin Wall fell in many places

Stephen Brown — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:14:28 +0000

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.

Fall of Berlin Wall continues to inspire, says world churches' chief

staff writers — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:48:25 +0000

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.

Festival event aims to build UK-Palestinian Christian links

staff writers — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:08:44 +0000

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.

Protests as Iranian activist barred from receiving human rights award

agency reporter — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:56:16 +0000

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.

Democratic Muslims pleased as sharia demo is called off

staff writers — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:02:28 +0000

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.

Iran told to release activists arrested for praying

agency reporter — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:20:48 +0000

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.

Faith should be critical not cosy towards power

Press Office — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:21:23 +0100

Commenting on the UK Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government's remarks that "faith must be respected and its power acknowledged by government", the religion and society think-tank E

Churches remember 'holy disorder' and the fall of the Berlin Wall

Ecumenical News International — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:40:46 +0100

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.

Church asks South Africa to respect women's rights in AIDS campaign

Ecumenical News International — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:41:03 +0100

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.