Christian Aid is launching a new two day cycle challenge, The Cathedrals to Coast Cycle Ride, for 2012 as part of its portfolio of sports related challenge events.

Governments and companies must redouble their efforts to implement international supply chain control standards aimed at ending the trade in conflict minerals, a new UN report suggests.

Surrey has topped the child sponsorship league this year according to charity Action Aid. Enough children were sponsored by the county to fill 80 primary school classes.

A new website, urging a radical rethink of Christmas spending, has been launched this autumn. www.casc-aid.org.uk promotes charitable giving at Christmas on a basis at least equal to the amount that we spend on our own gifts and celebrations, and urges both churches and charities to advocate ‘preferential’ or ‘50/50 giving’ to good causes.