The concrete wall behind the altar of the Christian Church of Central Sulawesi in Palu, Indonesia, is testimony to the depth of conflict there writes Maurice Malanes. But now peace is being given a chance.

A major international conference on Catholic peacemaking is to take place later this year, bring together an interdisciplinary group of scholars and peacebuilding practitioners from countries around the world that have been torn by conflict, it was announced yesterday.

Children are not often asked for their opinions on the big issues of life, but church partners in India and the UK have decided that children are the perfect place to start when talking about peace.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee has expressed appreciation for the establishment of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, and urged WCC member churches to encourage and support its efforts.

As UK church leaders prepare for a pilgrimage to the beleagured city, news has emerged that a peacebuilding school in Bethlehem which welcomes Muslim, Christian and Jewish girls and boys has been told that part of their building is due to be demolished by the huge Israeli 'security wall' being constructed around the town.