The current global financial crisis is a spiritual one with usury at its heart, argues political economist Ann Pettifor. In spite of the Gospel message, Christians have also colluded in idolising wealth above people and planet.

Much contemporary human rights discourse is individualistic. But, Savi Hensman points out, human beings are also shaped by economic, social, cultural and religious forces which work for justice - or against it.

The current global financial crisis is not a counsel of despair, says Patrick Hynes. It is an opportunity to review our priorities and invest practically for change through agencies like Oikocredit.

The current economic crash is producing cries of pain, calls for "self-healing" and questions with a distinctly theological resonance, says Martin E. Marty. But do we really get the need to, er, repent?

Those who defend discriminatory practices for faith schools are losing the argument on principle, in terms of community cohesion and on the research evidence about standards, says Andrew Copson. Let's open schooling up for all.

Accord is bringing together Christians who favour a change in policy around faith schools, giving priority to openness and inclusion. Their voices are not always heard in the polarised debate about schooling which Acord wishes to redirect in a more positive direction.

A pioneer in the global study of the phenomenon of fundamentalism, commentator and scholar Martin E. Marty reflects on the changing patterns of religious life as they have impacted Europe recently.

Mercy, not sacrifice, is the Christian keynote when dubious appeals to unity are used in religion and in society to thwart calls for social justice, says Savi Hensman. She cites recent examples in Japan and in world Anglicanism.

When Anglican bishops attending the Lambeth Conference took part in an anti-poverty walk with other faith leaders through central London, they traced steps that vividly illustrate the real divisions of our world, says Savi Hensman.

Author and evangelical thinker Brian McLaren wants to shift the argument within Christianity away from "culture wars" and towards a rediscovery of the Gosple message free of the overbearing impact of Christendom culture.

The concrete wall behind the altar of the Christian Church of Central Sulawesi in Palu, Indonesia, is testimony to the depth of conflict there writes Maurice Malanes. But now peace is being given a chance.

The threatened mortgage guarantee market in the US betokens an economic crisis, says Philip Blond. But the real tragedy - often overlooked - is the betrayal of Fannie Mae's original mission to house the poor.

Should parents who choose to treat their children's illnesses with prayer rather than medicine be charged with abuse, neglect, or even manslaughter when their children die? Shawn F. Peters explores the issues.

Much religion is dripping in sacrificial language, says Keith Walton. The appeasement of the gods is a common theme in many traditions. But in the biblical tradition, love that does justice becomes the core of a new perspective, based on a different understanding of who God is.

Have many American Christians forgotten the distinction between discipleship and partisanship, asks Martin E. marty, looking at some authors who unpack the complex relationship between Christian faith and political reality.