Church of England schools tackle gay bullying

Homophobia must not be tolerated in Church of England schools, says guidance launched by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The Bible or religious texts should not be used to justify homophobic behaviour, says the advice sent to all Church of England schools. But homosexuality is recognized as a "divisive issue" in the church. The guidance says that Church of England schools should not turn a "convenient blind eye" to prejudice.

Turkey mine disaster: Tear gas fired at Soma protesters

Turkish police have fired tear gas and water cannon at thousands of protesters in the eastern town of Soma, where some 300 miners died on Tuesday. The demonstrators in the town shouted anti-government slogans. The protest occurred after the mine operators held a news conference to deny any negligence over the disaster. There have been angry anti-government rallies across Turkey for the last three days over what has become the country's worst-ever mine disaster.

Stars boycott Beverly Hills Hotel over Brunei 'sharia'

Stars of Hollywood are boycotting one of the area's most famous hotels because of a harsh Islamic penal code introduced by Brunei's government. Comedians Jay Leno and Ellen DeGeneres are among the celebrities supporting the boycott against the Beverly Hills Hotel and other hotels owned by Brunei. After a heated debate, the city council unanimously voted to condemn Brunei. Brunei's leader, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, announced the first phase of the new penalties last week. They will eventually include death by stoning for homosexuality and adultery.

Nigeria abducted schoolgirls: Malala Yousafzai urges action

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who survived a shooting by Taliban insurgents, has said the world must not stay silent over the abduction of more than 200 girls in Nigeria. She told the BBC that "if we remain silent then this will spread, this will happen more and more and more". The girls were kidnapped more than three weeks ago by Islamist Boko Haram militants in north-east Borno state. Malala was shot in the head in 2012 for campaigning for girls' education. The 16-year-old survived after months of surgery and rehabilitation in the UK, and is now a vocal campaigner for girls' access to education worldwide.

UKIP man faces suspension over Twitter comments

A UKIP local election candidate who tweeted "Islam is evil" and that homosexuality was an "abomination before God" faces suspension from the party. UKIP said it had started disciplinary proceedings against Harry Perry, who is standing for election in Stockport. A UKIP spokesman said the party did not condone or share his "crackpot" views. The tweets came to light after Mr Perry sent private messages to a Lib Dem candidate on Facebook. However, we know that this candidate was actually doing the right thing. 

Honduras child killings: Probe into 'gang links'

Honduran authorities are investigating the deaths of at least seven children who may have been murdered after refusing to join criminal gangs. In the latest case, police found the body of a seven-year-old boy who appeared to have been tortured. His 13-year-old brother was found dead a day before. All the crimes took place over the last month in an area dominated by street gangs in the industrial city of San Pedro Sula. Sadly, Honduras has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

Four arguments about whether the UK is a Christian country

David Cameron's remarks that the UK is a "Christian country" were criticised by a group of public figures. What are the arguments for and against the prime minister's claim?

For: The census

In the 2011 census 59% of residents of England and Wales described themselves as Christian when asked "What is your religion?" This was down from 72% in 2001.

For: Established church

England has an established Church. Its bishops sit in the House of Lords. The Queen is both head of state and also supreme governor of the Church of England.

For: Cultural Christianity

Even Richard Dawkins, figurehead for many atheists, has described himself as a " cultural Christian" who liked "singing carols along with everybody else". 

For: The calendar

A glance at the way national holidays are structured - not to mention the working week - demonstrates the continued influence of Christianity, says Rees.