Churches working for and end to outbreaks of ethnic and religious conflict in Indonesia will receive a solidarity visit from an international ecumenical delegation sent by the World Council of Churches.

On a visit to the German Federal Defence Ministry in Berlin, members of a delegation from the World Council of Churches have posed tough questions about German arms sales and about the efficacy of war as a tool of policy.

World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev Dr Sam Kobia has expressed "joy" at the liberation of Ingrid Betancourt and other hostages in Colombia - and has called for more humanitarian releases.

Women in the Orthodox Church have reached significant milestones regarding their participation in church life, but many of their concerns have not yet been fully addressed, an international gathering of Orthodox women has stated.