Leading theologian Professor Russel Botman has declined to stand as a candidate in South Africa's forthcoming elections for a party that has broken away from the country's ruling ANC.

The geopolitical dynamics and instability in the Middle East makes that region an important element of any US president’s foreign policy, says Timothy Seidel. But the major parties are still trading in stereotypes, not solutions.

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai says he will not be bullied into power sharing at any cost and has challenged President Robert Mugabe to hold new elections if he is not prepared to reach a genuine agreement.

Christian leaders in Zimbabwe have called on parties to continuing power-sharing talks to shun partisan interests and urgently break the impasse that is holding back the conclusion of negotiations aimed at resolving the country's political and economic crisis.

Robert Mugabe waved a Bible and made an oath of allegiance before God to Zimbabwe as he was sworn in as president following an election widely dismissed as meaningless. But anti-apartheid hero Archbishop Tutu says he must go.

Zambian and Zimbabwean Roman Catholic bishops have exhorted the government of Southern African to take much stronger action in pressuring the government in Harare to ensure a credible presidential election in Zimbabwe.

The Methodist and United Reformed Churches have together voiced their concern about increasing levels of violence and political intimidation, linked to the delay in announcing the result of Zimbabwe’s presidential election.

Three Free Church Christian denominations in the UK are urging voters to take a clear stand against racist and extreme political parties as election day for local councils in England and Wales draws nearer.

The general secretary of the World Council of Churches has told his UN counterpart that the ecumenical body and its members in Africa are planning for the monitoring of elections scheduled in Zimbabwe.