The Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government has congratulated CrossReach, the operating arm of the Social Care Council of the Church of Scotland, for its "dedication" and for 150 years of "vital" services to social care.

More than 50 religion and belief leaders, educationists, and LGBT rights advocates have signed an open letter urging the Secretary of State for Education not to dilute draft guidance for independent schools on teaching respect for LGBT people.

The World Council of Churches General Secretary, the Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, has urged an international, interreligious conference in Abu-Dhabi to use their religious influence and institutions to nurture tolerance and respect through the transcendent value and concrete practices of love.

More than 30 Church leaders from across Europe have signed a Christmas statement highlighting the plight of refugees, urging all nations and people to celebrate Christ's birth by working for a more welcoming and inclusive Europe.