News

Tropical Storm Alma dies out over Central America

Alma, the first tropical storm of the hurricane season, lost its strength on Friday over Central America, sparing oil platforms in southern Mexico after slamming parts of the region with deadly winds and rain.

Meeting adopts cluster bomb ban, debates loopholes

More than 100 nations formally agreed on Friday to ban the use of cluster bombs but debate continued on loopholes that could benefit powers such as the United States, which has refused to take part in talks on a ban.

Two dead in New York crane collapse

A large crane collapsed in New York City on Friday, killing two people and damaging an apartment building on Manhattan's Upper East Side - a day after city officials investigated the crane's operations.

Anti-smoking measures in spotlight

The government launched a three-month public consultation on Saturday on how to cut the number of people smoking in Britain.

Two toddlers dead after suspected stabbing

Police are investigating the deaths of a five-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl who are believed to have been stabbed in south London, Scotland Yard said on Saturday.

Campaigners to rally against Heathrow expansion

Campaigners opposed to Heathrow's proposed third runway are hoping thousands of people will attend a rally against the airport's expansion on Saturday.

Gay couples vow to wed in Greece despite opposition from Church

Couples who have found a legal loophole to hold the first gay weddings in Greece are determined to go ahead with the services despite threats from prosecutors and the wrath of the powerful Orthodox church.

China crackdown hits house churches hard

The Chinese Government has stepped up its persecution of house churches in a wave of arrests and detentions, says China Aid Association.

Church must lead way in building better future for Northern Ireland - group

The Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland has told churches to respond to the findings of the Consultative Group on the Past by doing their part to take on sectarianism.

Great Big Tea Party throws spotlight on world's persecuted Christians

There is no denying that Brits love a good cuppa, but what most are not aware of is the intense persecution endured by Christians who live in the countries where the tea is grown, says Open Doors' Allen Moxham.

Parsons tells churches: Be more than relevant

Care for the Family's Rob Parsons is appealing to churches to reach out and meet the needs of the people in their communities.

Algeria shuts down 26 Protestant churches

Persecution watchdogs sounded the alarm this week after learning that authorities in predominantly Muslim Algeria have closed half the Protestant churches in the country over the last six months.

S African head of church grouping 'anguished' about xenophobia

The head of Africa's biggest church grouping says he is hurt and tormented by a wave of attacks against foreigners in South Africa that have claimed the lives of at least 50 people, causing self-revulsion in a nation that once prided itself for post-apartheid tolerance.