Critics argue that the proposed measure would place the Christian minority at a distinct disadvantage.

Pakistan's decision to shut down a federal ministry charged with safeguarding the rights of the nation's religious minorities has renewed fears that conditions for minorities will worsen.

Pope Benedict XVI blamed persistent world hunger on selfish and profit-driven economic models.

Budget cuts in many states caused school districts to eliminate or reduce their summer nutrition programs.

The latest of the four Amazon activists to be killed was Adelino Ramos, a farmer and leader of the Corumbiara Peasant Movement.

"There are many terrible scenarios that are pointing to war," Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala said.