News

Japan's Fukuda to be Named PM, Form New Cabinet

Japan's Yasuo Fukuda was to be selected prime minister on Tuesday, then form a cabinet that must confront a resurgent opposition keen to force an early election.

Climate Shift is Biggest Security Risk, says Australian Officer

Climate change, not war or terrorism, will be the century's biggest security challenge with China unlikely to be able to feed its vast and growing population as a result, Australia's top policeman has warned.

China Issues Fresh Warning to Taiwan Over UN Bid

China has sounded a fresh warning to self-ruled Taiwan over a planned referendum on its bid to join the United Nations, saying such a move by an island it considers sovereign territory would endanger regional peace.

Bush to Focus on Myanmar Not Iran in U.N. Speech

President George W. Bush is set to announce new U.S. sanctions against Myanmar over human rights as the annual U.N. General Assembly gathering of world leaders gets under way on Tuesday.

North Korea Nuclear Talks Face Uncertain Hurdles

Having coaxed North Korea to shut an aged reactor, disarmament talks resuming this week face the harder task of persuading Pyongyang to loosen its grip on broader atomic ambitions it has long held vital to survival.

UK Financial Compensation Scheme Dismisses Worries

Britain's compensation scheme to guarantee UK bank deposits dismissed concerns over its funding on Tuesday, after a newspaper report said it had only 4.4 million pounds ($8.9 million) to cover retail savings.

Respond to Grace with Gratitude, not Pride, says Reformed Church Head

God's assurances in 1 Peter that believers are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" are dangerous words if they are misconstrued, says the General Secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches.

Pioneering Televangelist Rex Humbard Dies at 88

The Rev Rex Humbard, one of America's premier televangelists, died on Friday at the age of 88.

South Korean Mission Groups Re-Strategise for High-Risk Areas

South Korean Christians take a fresh look at mission in high-risk areas.

BWA Head: Genuine Unity a Big Challenge for Baptists

The big challenge Baptists worldwide face is a greater manifestation of unity amid differences that sometimes challenges the oneness in Christ, says a top Baptist official.

Fears Anglican Communion Could Split By End of Year

Concerns are growing that the worldwide Anglican Communion could split by the end of the year under proposals being written up by a leading US conservative bishop.

Premier Blog Awards Celebrate Web-Savvy Christians

Premier Christian radio's first ever Christian Blog and Web Awards took place last week, signalling a new era of web-wise Christianity and celebrating some of the best sites the UK's Christian community has to offer.

WFP Maize Boosts Farmers in Lesotho

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has completed a historic purchase by buying maize directly from a group of small-scale farmers in Lesotho, the first ever direct purchase in that country.

Bishop sees 'Life-Enhancing' work of CAFOD in Kenya

The Catholic Bishop of Hallam saw for himself the struggles faced by young people living in Africa's largest slum during a visit to Kenya last week.

Westminster Bishop attends Beatification of Marian Congregation Founder

Bishop Alan Hopes attends beatification of Fr Stanislaus Papczyński, the founder of the Marian Congregation.

Evangelical Alliance Responds to Dispatches' Persecution Programme

The Evangelical Alliance has responded to last week's Dispatches programme on Channel 4 which claimed to have uncovered evidence of the "violence and intimidation facing Muslims who convert to Christianity in Britain".