Europe's biggest grouping of Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant churches has called on Albania to return sacred property seized during the 46 years of communist rule that followed the Second World War.

Leaders of Eastern Orthodox churches recommitted themselves to overcome intra-Orthodox conflicts as well as to continue theological dialogues with Christians from other confessions at a 10-12 October meeting in Istanbul, Turkey.

The compassionate actions of human beings, not their claims against each other, reflect the will of God and the transforming power of Jesus the Prince of Peace, say the heads of the churches in Jerusalem this Christmastide.