A new Muslim think-tank, Quilliam, which aims to bring together voices who oppose violence and extremism, and who want to explore Islam in a modern European setting, was launched at the British Museum yesterday.

Three Free Church Christian denominations in the UK are urging voters to take a clear stand against racist and extreme political parties as election day for local councils in England and Wales draws nearer.

Christian groups and churches in Indian's eastern state of Orissa are demanding urgent protection, saying they have been hounded by Hindu extremists, with reports of nine people being killed in attacks since Christmas.

The Bishop of Rochester has been strongly criticised for his claims that Islamic extremism has turned some communities into no-go areas, and that Britain is disintegrating because it is no longer seen as a Christian nation.

Despite India remaining the world's most populous and vibrant democracy, freedom of religion is in decline and plural secularism threatened, says a journalist-turned-Christian activist who is now secretary general of the All India Christian Council.

An ambitious media look at religious zealots in Christianity, Judaism and Islam is receiving worldwide media coverage, but lukewarm reviews from television critics in the United States. The CNN series began to air on 22 August 2007