The rapidly developing field of stem cell research mobilises immense amounts of money in private and public grants, says Celia Deane-Drummond. But it also raises deep ethical questions regarding health justice and the dignity of human life.

Amid passionate public debate on bioethics, stem cell research. the use of embryos and abortion, the Methodist Church is taking a careful investigative approach to 'early life' ethical concerns based on both scientific and theological data.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, in an interview marking the 5th anniversary of his enthronement, has expressed concern about 24-hour drinking as the "tip of the iceberg" in a culture of alcohol abuse in Britain.