Policy Areas - Crime and Justice

Pope apologises for priests' sexual abuse in Australia

staff writers — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:24:44 +0100

Pope Benedict XVI, leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, has told Australians he is deeply sorry for the sexual abuse of children by some Catholic priests and has said that those responsible must be brought to justice.

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.

Kazakh churches say draft law harks back to Soviet era

Ecumenical News International — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:11:38 +0100

Christian churches in Kazakhstan have condemned a new draft law on religions, which they say will re-impose Soviet-style restrictions in a country where Islam has the largest number of followers.

Australian court rules against restrictions for Pope's visit

staff writers — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:09:25 +0100

Legal restrictions imposed for Pope Benedict's visit to Sydney this week, which could see protesters arrested for "annoying" Catholic pilgrims, are unconstitutional, the Australian Federal Court has ruled.

Archbishop urges end to detention of child asylum seekers

agency reporter — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:56:42 +0100

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has today supported the findings of the Independent Asylum Commission, which has called for more humane and dignified treatment for those seeking sanctuary in the UK.

London gun and knife crime prayer vigil at Westminster Cathedral

staff writers — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:58:45 +0100

A London gun and knife crime prayer vigil is to take place at Westminster Cathedral on Friday. The vigil is organised by Pasture, a group of Catholics, with a special interest in the young in the streets of London who are involved in gangs, knife and gun crimes.

Catholics join protests against Australian restrictions for Pope's visit

Ecumenical News International — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:58:16 +0100

Roman Catholic social justice advocates have joined in widespread criticism of new laws restricting protests during World Youth Day in Sydney this month, which Pope Benedict XVI will attend in his first visit to Australia.

Sentamu defends Williams and urges action on knife crime

staff writers — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:11:57 +0100

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has defended Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams from attacks by Anglican hardliners and has urged the Church of England to reach out to young people involved in knife crime.

Churches urged to confront the issue of domestic violence

agency reporter — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:01:42 +0100

German churches' practical experience with confronting the issue of domestic violence will play an important role in a Peace Declaration of the World Council of Churches planned for 2011.

Top judge carefully re-opens debate about Sharia in Britain

staff writers — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:16:01 +0100

Echoing remarks made early this year by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chief Justice has said that there is no conflict between Sharia principles for conflict resolution and civil law.

WCC spells out the international action needed on Zimbabwe

agency reporter — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:36:09 +0100

After "what can be described as a façade election", the World Council of Churches has called for global action and the protection of Zimbabweans "against increased and continued violence".

Date set for BAE-Saudi corruption enquiry appeal

Simon Barrow — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:29:33 +0100

The Serious Fraud Office appeal against a judicial review judgment that said the BAE-Saudi corruption inquiry was stopped by the government unlawfully has been set for next week.

The law on a wing and prayer

Shawn F. Peters — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:52:55 +0100

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.

It's community that counters terror

Simon Barrow — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:16:58 +0100

Many, including the Church of England, have argued that the government's 42 days detention without charge strategy is wrong - but what's the alternative?