Episcopal Church parishes across 12 states in the USA have offered ashes to passersby at train stations, bus stops and college campuses on Ash Wednesday.

United States anti-poverty church activists have launched a 40-day Lenten campaign to put the issue of global poverty into sharper focus.

Neither International Women's Day nor Ash Wednesday usually have any great significance for me, says Jill Segger. The Quaker belief that all days and times carry the sacred within them is usually sufficient. But this year, I am moved to consider it possible that I may have been mistaken.

Christians observing the Lenten time of reflection and self-sacrifice are being urged by world church bodies to engage in acts that enable a better and more just sharing of the world's resources.