A leading regional church figure says Christians in Palestine-Israel are living in a difficult situation, with some cases of Muslim-Christian tension. But talk of 'persecution' is exaggerated and the real task is to combat injustice.

Oikocredit, the leading private international microfinancier, which gives support to poor communities and social enterprise, has announced a significant growth in activity and impact in its preliminary results for 2007.

Only a small number of the refugees arrested in a controversial police raid on Central Methodist Mission in Johannesburg, South Africa, remain in jail, according to the bishop there. Appeals went to Desmond Tutu for help.