Indonesia president regrets E.Timor violence

Indonesia's president expressed regret on Tuesday for violence surrounding East Timor's 1999 independence ballot after a joint probe blamed state institutions for "gross human rights violations".

"We convey very deep regret at what happened in the past that has caused the loss of lives and property," Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said after the truth commission submitted its report on the violence to him, East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta and East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

The two governments set up the Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) in 2005 to look into the atrocities, but it has no power to prosecute, prompting criticism that it serves to whitewash atrocities.

It has been boycotted by the U.N.

The report on the violence, during which the United Nations estimates about 1,000 East Timorese died, was submitted in Bali.
News
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce

In the Orthodox calendar, Easter falls one week after the date celebrated in western Europe.

Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth
Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth

It follows an earlier open letter addressed to King Charles, calling upon him to defend Christianity in line with his titles of Supreme Governor of the Church of England and "Defender of the Faith".

Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice
Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice

Churches can breach the code even when acting in good faith.

Religion is often left unspoken in the workplace despite widespread faith identity, research finds
Religion is often left unspoken in the workplace despite widespread faith identity, research finds

Fifteen per cent of UK employees with a faith say they have experienced religious discrimination in the workplace.