Dissident Russian priest dies

THE dissident Russian Orthodox priest Fr Gleb Yakunin died on Christmas Day, at the age of 80. He had been suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder. Fr Yakunin was an outspoken critic of the Soviet government, which he accused of suppressing religious rights, and of the leaders of the Orthodox Church, whom he accused of failing to join him. He was excommunicated in 1997. He spent much of the 1980s in prison camp and in exile. Obituary to follow

Third priest found dead in Guerrero, Mexico

A ROMAN Catholic priest, who disappeared in Guerrero, Mexico, on 21 December, was found dead on Saturday. He had been shot in the head. He is the third priest murdered in 2014 in the state of Guerrero, where 43 students, still missing, were seized in September.

Brazil and Uruguay allow Christian course in prisons

THE prison systems in Brazil and Uruguay have agreed to allow the Christianity Explored course to be offered. In Brazil, where the initiative is being funded by the national government, almost 11,000 prisoners are expected to complete the Prisoner's Journey, of which Christianity Explored is the central component. The programme is run by Christianity Explored Ministries, founded at All Souls', Langham Place, and Prison Fellowship International.