Washington National Cathedral has hosted a summit of Christian and Muslim faith leaders, seeking to promote understanding and reconciliation between the two traditions.

The Church of England General Synod yesterday declined to define itself as being "in communion" with a breakaway group in the USA, acknowledging its desire to be Anglican but falling well short of recognition.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams' reflections on the Episcopal Church's General Convention in California, are already provoking controversy and a variety of reactions.

The Stonewall riots in June 1969 in New York helped to transform society in the USA and beyond, says Savi Hensman. The General Convention of the Episcopal Church in July 2009 is far more sedate, but the issues facing Christians of all traditions are profound.