The appointment of a Catholic nun as dean of San Francisco Theological Seminary marks a significant new stage in inter-church cooperation in the United States, say observers.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly Council has approved action supporting the denomination's campaign of phased selective divestment of certain multinational corporations doing business with the government of Sudan.

The Rev Clifton Kirkpatrick, who moderates the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), is urging fast-food giant Burger King to work with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) to address wages and working conditions in the tomato fields.