If watching football is a waste of time with redeeming moments, much the same could be said about prayer, says Simon Barrow. In a world over-attached to achievement, we lose sight of the fact that what is really 'worth it' is often not conventionally 'productive'.

Few recognise how important play can be – particularly a team sport such as football. This has all changed since the major charities set up charity gift schemes.

A British university department dedicated to exploring the relationship between sport and spirituality has launched itself internationally by staging an inaugural conference for sports coaches, chaplains and administrators, as well as professional athletes and academics.

Using the 2008 Olympics in Beijing as a platform, a US commission on religious freedom has called for increased international pressure on China to end its intolerance of religious expression - writes Cheryl Heckler for Ecumenical News International (ENI).

Campaigners who are part of a London-wide citizens organisation, which brings together a wide range of community and faith groups, held a demonstration at the end of last week, calling for fair pay for workers involved in preparing for the 2012 London Olympics.