As the government faces criticism on its anti-poverty policies, Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has called for more action to protect the poorest and most vulnerable from the likely consequences of an economic downturn.

Encouraging people to commit to social justice, human dignity, equality, civic participation and peace-building is the way to create good citizens, says the religion and society think-tank Ekklesia, not attempts to impose symbols of state allegiance and inflated rhetoric about ‘national pride’.

A number of Christians from Oldham are joining the national Endurance Challenge, backed by Church Action on Poverty, in which they attempt to live off £6.50 for food and £3.50 for transport for a week.

The Malawi Council of Churches is reviewing its opposition to the use of condoms in the country's anti-AIDS fight, and has said it may support the use of condoms by married couples where one or both partners are HIV positive.

Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Tether has secured a House of Commons debate on the impact of the proposed National DNA Database, which takes place today. It has been welcomed by human rights, mental health and church groups.

A campaigning group that was formed 30 years ago to change law, attitudes and policy towards crime against women will mark the anniversary with a people's trial of Britain's justice system to highlight its failure to tackle rape.

Two evangelical Anglican bishops have come out with contrasting statements on homosexuality recently, points out Mark Vernon. One recognises that the issue is about love, the other sees only rules, it seems.