California is to resume executions after a three-year hiatus. Campaigners have responded to the proposed lethal injection regulations with a series of concerns placing a strong focus on religious and spiritual freedoms.

Amid pressure from both sides, the governor of Texas has blocked part of a bill which would have prevented the death penalty being used for a particular category of people convicted under a provision called the Law of Parties.

Worldwide vigils have been held for Troy Davis, a death row prisoner in Georgia, USA, who is believed to be innocent, and is still trying to get a court to hear evidence collected since his original trial 18 years ago, which could prove his innocence.

Catholic bishops in the US have emphatically endorsed a campaign to end the use of the death penalty in America, saying that the country cannot "teach that killing is wrong by killing those who kill."

Christians encouraged by fall in death penalty figures

-15/11/04

Christian campaigners will be