News

UN's Ban Visits Libya to Spur Action on Darfur

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon flew to Libya on Saturday for a meeting with leader Muammar Gaddafi to discuss Libya's role as a mediator in an upcoming Darfur peace conference.

Baptist Churches told to Apologise for Slave Trade

A senior member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) has called on individual churches to apologise for the slave trade on Racial Justice Sunday this weekend.

Archbishop Harper opens CMS Ireland House

Archbishop of Armagh opens new building for Church Mission Society Ireland with a message hope in the future.

Belfast Service for Mothers concerned about their Children

A special service will be held in St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, later in the month for mothers concerned about their children.

EU Ministers Press for Treaty Deal as Clock Ticks

EU foreign ministers voiced optimism on Friday a deal could be clinched on a major reform treaty next month, despite a looming Polish election and pressure in Britain for a referendum.

Chad Says It Will Help UN Darfur Peace Moves

Chad promised on Friday to back United Nations moves to end the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region by allowing international peacekeepers on its own soil, and even offered to host preliminary peace talks.

San Diego Church Makes $198 mln Sex Abuse Settlement

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego has settled lawsuits with 144 victims of sexual abuse by priests for $198 million, the diocese and lawyers for the victims said on Friday.

EU to Vow to Remain United on Kosovo

European Union states will seek to maintain a common front over the breakaway Serbian province of Kosovo on Saturday, amid growing concern that it will declare independence unilaterally.

UN Nuclear Head Urges Western Patience on Iran Plan

The head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog body on Friday rebuffed Western critics of a cooperation deal it has struck with Iran as "back-seat drivers" and urged them to give it time to work to help avoid war.

Portuguese Police Name Madeleine Parents Suspects

Portuguese police named the parents of missing British four-year-old Madeleine McCann as suspects in their investigation on Friday, their lawyer said after they were questioned for hours by police.

APEC Leaders Agree Climate Change Pact at Summit

Asia-Pacific leaders agreed on Saturday to adopt a "long-term aspirational goal" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Australian Prime Minister John Howard said.

WEA Partners with TOPIC for Improving Pastoral Ministries

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has announced TOPIC (Trainers of Pastors International Coalition) as its new global partner to work closely together for their common commitment to the pastoral ministry.

Cardinal Calls for Churchgoers to Reach Out to 'Lapsed' Congregations

A national initiative is being launched to invite Catholics to reach out to the hundreds of thousands of people in England and Wales who have been baptised but very rarely, if ever, attend Mass.

20,000 Attend First Weekend of Shoutfest '07

Over 20,000 people attended the first weekend of America's annual Christian youth concert event, the Shoutfest '07 tour. In addition, it has been reported that 15,000 Books of Hope were distributed, while hundreds of people came forward for ministry with 123 first time decisions for Christ.

Young Woman Killed in Eritrea for Refusing to Renounce Jesus Christ

Christians have been left outraged by the death of a young woman in Eritrea, allegedly tortured to death in a military facility for refusing to renounce her faith in Jesus Christ.

Most Unreligious Candidates Lead US Presidential Race

While faith issues continue to feature prominently in the 2008 US presidential race, a new survey reveals that candidates do not necessarily have to be seen as religious to gain wide support from voters.