The appointment of a Catholic nun as dean of San Francisco Theological Seminary marks a significant new stage in inter-church cooperation in the United States, say observers.

While the impact of flu viruses and the issues surrounding them is making life increasingly difficult in Mexico, churches in the USA are seeking to respond rationally and with care to a situation where panic can be a major part of the problem.

News coverage of the religious landscape in the United States has in recent years gained visibility because of increased interest in issues related to religion but now faces an uncertain future.

The Episcopal Church is being asked to address the concerns of the poor in the USA, focusing initially on the needs of Native American communities through a "Model for Domestic Poverty Alleviation."

The United Church of Christ in the USA will observe its first Immigrant Rights Sunday on 3 May, to highlight vital issues of justice and hospitality for people facing discrimination and exclusion.

Despite conflict in Gaza, bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are proceeding with plans to travel to the Middle East today.

A Canadian author is encouraging parents and children in North America to put human relationships ahead of seasonal "shopaholism".

Activists disappointed by a measure to ban same-sex marriage in California that has deeply divided religious groups, say nationwide protests against the prohibition are a milestone in civil rights for gays and lesbians.

In a powerful speech to his supporters in Chicago which has been beamed across the world, US president-elect Barack Obama has said that his victory at the polls "is not the change, but the opportunity to make that change."