In New York at 9.30 am local time on Sunday 20 April 2008, the Pope visited Ground Zero, the name now used to refer to the site once occupied by the twin towers of the World Trade Centre. He prayed for peace and an end to hatred.

A new painting of St George by Scott Norwood Witts, which depicts the saint as a man of compassion rather than a crusader, is to be unveiled at the Catholic Cathedral of St George, Southwark, to mark the saint’s day next week.

The United States and the United Kingdom are being forced this month (March 2008) to reflect on the recent heritage of their military interventions. Who or what are we trusting in when we choose the way of the sword over the way of the Cross, asks Simon Barrow. Where does salvation lie?

The vicious circle of violence which tormented Israel and Palestine for years has returned, says Jerusalem Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan, following the shooting attack on a Jewish seminary. Blood will not save the Holy Land, he says.

Palestinians and Jews working for peace and justice have expressed deep foreboding about the future after Israel responded to the appalling recent shootings in Jerusalem with hints of reprisals and a pledge to occupy more territory.

British universities are under renewed pressure to end their investment in the arms trade, with students planning a nationwide day of action tomorrow (27 February). Peaceful protests will take place simultaneously across the UK.

With peace seemingly returning to the troubled country, churches within and outside Kenya are now taking stock of the experiences from an ecumenical team visit made during a month of unrest and violence.