Policy Areas - People and Power

German Olympic bracelets highlight human rights issues

Ecumenical News International — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:10:29 +0100

A German church has far exceeded its initial expectations in so far distributing more than 200,000 black bracelets intended as a symbolic protest against human rights abuses in China during the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Prisoner who became South African president celebrates 90 years

staff writers — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:01:19 +0100

Nelson Mandela, who played a crucial role in ending apartheid in South Africa, is 90 today. After a series of public appearances around the world over the past few weeks, he will spending the day at home with his family.

African churches call for tough action on Mugabe abuses

agency reporter — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:15:19 +0100

Delegates from churches in Zimbabwe, South Africa and other countries in the Southern Africa Development Community have expressed clear support for targeted sanctions against Zimbabwe.

Campaigners deplore impact of national DNA database on black communities

staff writers — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:14:23 +0100

Black community and church leaders are backing a symposium next week at the House of Commons on the over-representation of African Caribbean people on the national criminal DNA database.

Colombian president apologises over misuse of Red Cross symbol

staff writers — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:55:36 +0100

Colombian president Alvaro Uribe admits that a Red Cross symbol was worn by a member of the military mission that freed 15 hostages including Ingrid Betancourt from Farc rebels recently.

Government asked for prompt action to address rural inequality

staff writers — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:11:00 +0100

A church group has repeated its call for action to end inequality outside Britain's main urban areas. It comes as a new report shows that poverty and inequality are growing in Britain’s rural communities even faster than in towns and cities

Churches' solidarity visit to Indonesia will focus on reconciliation work

agency reporter — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:00:54 +0100

Churches working for and end to outbreaks of ethnic and religious conflict in Indonesia will receive a solidarity visit from an international ecumenical delegation sent by the World Council of Churches.

Bishops would stay in Lords under Government proposals

staff writers — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:21:38 +0100

Plans for a wholly or mainly elected House of Lords have been shelved until after the next general election, Jack Straw announced yesterday, but bishops would remain in a reformed Second Chamber if it is not wholly elected.

Independent Asylum Commission commends leadership of Scottish asylum policy

agency reporter — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:01:02 +0100

The Independent Asylum Commission which contains a number of church leaders, will hail the Scottish Government’s interventions to improve the treatment of asylum seekers when it presents its three reports of conclusions tomorrow

US faith leaders call for action to tackle domestic poverty

agency reporter — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:14:25 +0100

Faith leaders in the world's riches nation have told a hearing that it is time to stop the "poverty train" in the United States of America and rescue its 37 million citizens who are still living below the poverty line.

Time to remove Bishops from the House of Lords

Press Office — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:29:13 +0100

Following the announcement by Jack Straw yesterday that should a reformed House of Lords contain an appointed element, the Government would maintain the place of bishops in it, Jonathan Bartley, co

Overcome fear, urges gay bishop as protestor disrupts sermon

staff writers — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:26:46 +0100

The openly gay Anglican Bishop of New Hampshire in the USA has spoken today of his sadness for a protester who interrupted his sermon on Sunday - urging Christians to overcome prejudice and fear with love.

URC offers support to Zimbabweans living in Britain

staff writers — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:51:28 +0100

The United Reformed Church has urged local congregations to take action to support Zimbabweans living in Britain, as warns government over the continuing crisis in the southern African nation.

Methodist Church condemns UK’s failure of Zimbabwean refugees

agency reporter — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:32:09 +0100

The Methodist Conference has condemned the UK government’s failure to care for Zimbabwean refugees and is urging the Government to immediately stop all deportations to Zimbabwe and grant indefinite ‘right to remain’ to Zimbabwean refugees.

Childhood experiences 'hold key to homelessness' says report

agency reporter — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:24:20 +0100

A new generation of children risks becoming socially excluded and even homeless unless urgent action is taken to tackle poor and abusive parenting head on, a report warns today.