Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's special envoy at the All African Conference of Churches general assembly in Maputo, Laurence Konmla Bropleh, has called on the churches in Africa to help make their leaders accountable.

Kenyan church leaders have hailed the election of Senator Barack Obama as the 44th president of the USA, saying they hope it is a positive turn for Africa that can help steer good governance on the continent.

As part of a UN debate about the future of development in Africa, a senior Vatican representative has called for "authentic partnership" with the continent in tackling the many challenges of poverty and development.

The Rev Joaquina Filipe Nhanala was elected on 23 July as the first female United Methodist bishop in Africa. From 1 September, she succeeds Bishop João Somane Machado, retired leader of the Mozambique area.