The Romanian Orthodox Church has condemned the formation of a trade union among its clergy, and has said that priests should follow church procedures in making demands and airing grievances. But the workers involved disagree.

It's too easy too blame the vulnerable for the failings of public services and the economy, says Savi Hensman. We need a new culture, and both faith groups and secular ones like trades unions can contribute.

A Christian group in Hong Kong has appealed for churches to show solidarity with hundreds of ironworkers who have been on strike for more than three weeks in what is reported to be the territory's longest-running industrial dispute for 30 years.