News

Recycle your unwanted Christmas gifts, says Presbyterian head

The head of the Presbyterian Church of Wales has called on people to recycle their unwanted Christmas gifts and leftover food to care for the environment this festive season.

Standing room only at Christmas services

Churches in the Diocese of Lichfield have enjoyed packed out services this Christmas, some with record high attendances.

Mystery worshippers to uncover what encourages churchgoing

Christian Research has commissioned Retail Maxim to begin a new "mystery worshipper" initiative designed to find the reasons why people do not go to Church or practise the Christian faith.

Christian Peoples Alliance joins forces with European Christian Democrats

The Christian Peoples Alliance (CPA) has made British electoral history by being the first party in the country to formally join part of the European family of Christian Democratic parties.

Police enforce curfew after India religious riots

Religious curfew comes into force in parts of eastern India after fatal clashes between Hindus and Christians.

Salvation Army, European Commission agree humanitarian partnership

The Salvation Army has entered into a five-year agreement with the European Commission's humanitarian arm to more effectively respond to global crises.

Mexico's Catholic Church faces priest shortage

Believers this holiday season are filling church pews across Mexico, but a shortage of priests in one of the world's most Roman Catholic nations threatens to leave many of the faithful without pastors.

Pope hails persecuted Christians as modern martyrs

Pope Benedict said on Wednesday that Christians faced persecution, torture and death in some parts of the world and continued to be made martyrs for their faith.

One killed, 14 churches attacked in eastern India

Hundreds of federal police were deployed in India's eastern state of Orissa on Wednesday after Hindu hardliners burnt and damaged 14 churches, killing at least one person, police said.

US presidential hopeful Huckabee defends Jesus as point of Christmas

Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said Jesus Christ is the point of Christmas during a sermon in reference to his Christmas ad, which has come under fire for its frank religious tone.

Fake underground churches expose North Korean Christians - news agency

The North Korean government is reportedly setting up fake underground churches and disguising national security agents as defectors to expose Christians, reported a North Korea-focused online news agency.

Indonesia marks three years after tsunami with prayers

Hundreds of Indonesians prayed at mass graves in Aceh province on Wednesday to remember relatives who died in the Indian Ocean tsunami three years ago.

Diplomatic row as Afghans expel Brit and Irishman

A diplomatic row erupted on Wednesday between Afghanistan and key aid partners after Kabul ordered the expulsion of a Briton and Irishman working for the EU and the UN, accusing them of threatening state security.

12 churches attacked in eastern India

Hundreds of federal police were deployed in India's eastern state of Orissa on Wednesday as Hindu hardliners burnt and damaged 12 churches in communal clashes, killing at least one person, police said.

Queen urges thought for less well off

The Queen, who celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary last month, said on Tuesday that the family was the core of society and urged greater consideration for the vulnerable and marginalised.

Tearfund tsunami relief three years on - the roots of a real recovery

Land reclaimed, thousands of homes reconstructed and livelihoods restored - three years after one of the world's worst natural disasters, communities continue to recover and rebuild.