The rejection by Irish voters of a treaty to reform the European Union has exposed serious deficiencies in the workings of the 27-nation body, says the head of a grouping of European Protestant churches.

Britain counts itself as a mature democracy. But what really guarantees freedom and fairness, asks Simon Barrow, and how does the church relate to the will of the people in wider society?

Protesters from the campaigning group Plane Stupid have today mounted a hight profile protest against the proposed Heathrow third runway by waving banners from the roof the the parliament building, in a major breach of security.

Election issues fresh Kenya and Pakistan, and the larger picture of democratic electoral processes, formed the focus for three public statements adopted by the World Council of Churches' central committee meeting in Geneva.

The UK-based international development agency Christian Aid has voiced disappointment in the conduct of Kenya’s electoral commission following President Mwai Kibaki's disputed election victory - and has called for restraint.