Christians should be able to look past denominational differences and see their common humanity, said a church leader working with other faith and civic leaders to stop gross human rights violations in the Philippines.

Churches in Bangladesh have launched a massive relief effort, with support from international partners and agencies, for victims of the devastating cyclone that has claimed thousands of lives along the country's southwestern coast.

Christian-Muslim relations and the rights of the minority Christian community are among the likely discussion points when Pope Benedict XVI meets with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah next week - after his controversial UK state visit.

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC), which brings together 75 million Reformed Christians in 214 churches in 107 countries, has moved decisively to increase its global reach on economic and ecological justice issues.

Difference between faiths and life-stances do not have to lead to division, but can be part of a rich blend of perspectives working for the common good, says a leading Christian service agency responding to a bridge building letter from Muslim scholars.

Hard-line Christian groups who say mild-mannered Harry Potter is an occult conspiracy are unlikely to be reassured by news that one of its key characters is gay - even though JK Rowling has confirmed the series is based on Christian themes.

An opinion survey due to be launched next week indicates that a vast majority of churchgoers think the church should play a grassroots role in tackling gun and knife crime, following recent initiatives from Black churches.

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary the Rev Dr Samuel Kobia, a Kenyan Methodist, has welcomed the peace and dialogue letters sent by a widely representative group of Muslim scholars to various Christian leaders last week.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has given an intial positive response to the 'A Common Word' document from Muslim scholars and religious leaders addressed to Christian leaders.

Tens of thousands of people from a variety of religious traditions across the United States are preparing to fast on Monday 8 October 2007, as part of an initiative to pray and work for peace in Iraq. Non-religious persons will also join them.