The die seems cast for the next General Election, says Simon Barrow. But much can still shift if non-Conservative parties, voters and reformers swing into action.

Will he or won't he? The BBC is suggesting that Gordon Brown may announce today in his conference speech that he will go head-to-head with the leaders of the other two main parties in a series of television debates. Brown should do the right thing says Jonathan Bartley.

Faith and civic groups are engaged in a whole series of campaigns for people and planet, says Niall Cooper. But if politicians are to be held accountable up to and beyond the election, common action is needed in place of competing cacophony.

Kevin Rudd's own values are shaped by faith, says Doug Hynd, but there are conflicting responses from within the churches to the way in which Christians should and should not engage a plural political process.

Australians have voted for change, says David Wood. The new premier is a Christian, but he points to a tradition which is outward looking and generous, not insular.

Kevin Rudd, a man who has been described by the media as "a bookish, intellectual Christian" and "a self-confessed nerd" has triumphed in the Australian general election against long term right-wing incumbent John Howard.

Though the main media attention went to his apparent decision not to call an immediate general election, Prime Minister Gordon Brown today vowed to maintain "pressure for change" in Burma, ahead of demonstrations against suppressed protests in the country.

Gordon Brown, artfully manoeuvred into Downing Street, will have little room to operate in for the social justice agenda. But what space there is will be created by the power of imagination, says Simon Barrow. Look at the example of Northern Ireland.