More than 30 people have been burned to death in a church in western Kenya after they sought refuge from the mounting violence over last week's elections - which has claimed more than 250 victims, according to official estimates.

Modern democratic politics is in danger of turning into a beauty contest and an electoral pantomime, says Simon Barrow. It needs reconnecting with people in civil society, changing institutions and the grassroots.

Plans being considered by a senior government education adviser may see church and other faith-based schools lose their power to select pupils - something which has led to widespread accusations of discrimination against them.

A Jewish and a Christian leader in the United States have issued a joint statement to media and government calling for civility and honesty in public discourse - following what they describe as "recent political attacks using unattributed sources and based on a [presidential] candidate's childhood."

The Rt Revd Alan Harper, Bishop of Connor has been elected Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland by the House of Bishops of the Church of Ireland.