Following the proposals set out in the Queen's Speech, three of Britain's largest denominations are urging the UK's politicians to “focus their concern on those who made little out of the good economic years".

Britain's Methodist, Baptist and United Reformed Churches have called on European politicians to make firm commitments on climate change policy at the EU summit meeting in Strasbourg, which starts today.

Senior Baptist, Methodist, United Reformed Church and Salvation Army representatives will attend the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative party conferences to discuss their shared concerns.

Leaders of three large Free Churches in Britain have issued a statement encouraging the voting public in Britain to use the upcoming European elections to back major change on global finance, climate and international poverty.

Staff of the United Reformed Church went bananas as part of a world record attempt in support of Fair Trade recently. They joined Fairtrade Foundation supporter groups in a 24-hour initiative.

Churches should back concerted efforts to establish secure everyday living for Palestinians and Israelis after the Gaza ceasefire, says the moderator of the Northern Synod of the United Reformed Church.

The Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church are leading the way in responding to an Africa Day of Prayer in which the suffering people of Zimbabwe will be held in the thoughts and intentions of participants.

Richard Mortimer has been appointed deputy general secretary of the United Reformed Church. He moves from a role in guiding the Church’s links with other Christian traditions, as secretary for ecumenical relations.

Meeting from 13-14 October 2008, the Methodist Council - a governing body for the Methodist Church in Britain - has backed a major Free Churches' initiative on the environment in the light of the reality of global warming.

The Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church have cautiously welcomed news of the power-sharing deal reached between the Zanu-PF and MDC political parties in Zimbabwe. But they have expressed concern about the practical realities.