The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will visit Zimbabwe in a show of support for Anglicans under siege from a renegade ex-bishop.

Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe's has attacked Catholic bishops, accusing them of lying about the nation's dire social and economic situation.

Amnesty International has expressed shock that at least 45 Zimbabwean activists have been charged with treason and could face the death penalty.

In his Christmas Sermon, the Archbishop of Canterbury stresses mutual dependence, loyalty and solidarity in the face of economic constraint and abuse of minorities.