Atheists are often criticising the ethics of religious belief, says Giles Fraser. But do they base their own moral practice too much on what they are against?

Anti-arms trade campaigners say that a new 'ethics' report commissioned by weapons giant BAE Systems will not change public perceptions of the company, following a High Court ruling over investigations into corruption charges.

Agricultural export subsidies in rich countries which destroy local food production and the income of poor farmers in the global South need to be withdrawn to alleviate the world food crisis, says ethicist and priest Christoph Stückelberger.

Controversial Scottish Catholic leader Keith O'Brien, accused of making intemperate and inaccurate remarks over the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, has vowed to keep the pressure on PM Gordon Brown.

Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, has called on the 62nd session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, currently being held in New York, for a consistent ethic of life in relation to development, poverty, ecology and human dignity.

At his appearance to say prayers at the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo, Pope Benedict has spoken of the 'blind selfishness' that can result from an over-preoccupation with money. He says capitalism is not the only valid economic system.

A senior leader of the Russian Orthodox Church has said the major churches in Europe need to join forces and seek allies from other faiths to ensure society upholds traditional ethical values - and has criticised Christians who take a different view.