There have been all kinds of speculations about the religious convictions and background of US presidential candidate Barack Obama. Justin Thacker looks at his Christian outlook and asks what his relation is to evangelicalism.

The US Internal Revenue Service has told the United Church of Christ's national offices that it has opened an investigation into Barack Obama's address at the UCC's 2007 General Synod as the church engaging in "political activities."

The head of the United Church of Christ denomination in the USA has reacted with anger and frustration to accusations of racism circulating about it largest congregation, which is also Senator Barack Obama's home church.

A Jewish and a Christian leader in the United States have issued a joint statement to media and government calling for civility and honesty in public discourse - following what they describe as "recent political attacks using unattributed sources and based on a [presidential] candidate's childhood."