US churches warm to gay and lesbian couples

A NEW poll suggests that churches in the United States have become more welcoming to gay and lesbian people over the past six years. Researchers from Duke University and the University of Chicago found that in 2012, 48 per cent of churches would allow gay or lesbian people to become full members; in 2006, this figure was 37 per cent. Twenty-six per cent of churches would allow gay or lesbian people to play a part in leadership - up from 18 per cent in 2006. The percentage of Americans who say that society should accept homosexuality has grown from 51 per cent in 2006 to 62 per cent this year.

Malaysian archbishop condemns 'Allah' prohibition

THE Primate of the Anglican Church in Southern Asia, the Most Revd Datuk Bolly Lapok, has described the attempts by the Malaysian government to prevent Christians' using the word "Allah" for God as akin to cultural "genocide". He said that, for Malay Christians, "Allah", the Arabic word for God, had become embedded in their language, Bibles, and hymns, and said that he would continue using the word "until Kingdom come". Archbishop Lapok has previously condemned decisions by Malaysian courts that have ruled that the word "Allah" could not be published in Christian newspapers (News, 18 October, 25 October).

Kenyan archbishop to lead anti-corruption campaign

THE President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, has appointed the Anglican Primate of Kenya, the Most Revd Eliud Wabukala, to chair a new anti-corruption committee. The National Anti-Corruption Campaign Steering Committee will lead campaigns to encourage Kenyans to reject bribery, and to create an anti-corruption culture.

More Christians arrested in Iran

THREE Iranian Christians involved in making a film of the life of Jesus have been arrested by the country's security forces. Shahram Ghaedi, Heshmat Shafiei, and Emad Haghi were detained after a raid on Mr Ghaedi's house last month in Esfahan, 270 miles south of Tehran. All three are converts to Christianity, and Mr Ghaedi had been playing the role of Jesus in a film. Iranian Christian activists say that the men have been taken to a high-security wing of the local prison.

Welby on next Lambeth Conference

THE Archbishop of Canterbury has dismissed reports that the next Lambeth Conference has been cancelled. "As it hasn't been called, it can't have been cancelled," he told the BBC. The Archbishop has long said that the decision to call the world's Anglican bishops together rests with the Primates, and will be made when they meet after his round of visits.