It was raining in the Philippines capital Manila as the plane took off with Christians in the Media's Dominic and Catherine Steele on board. But Dominic and Cathie had no idea that the bad weather they were experiencing was part of a storm that 80 kilometres away was causing landslides and floods and would leave more than 300 dead.

What does it mean to respect someone? Is it necessary to first see them as equals? The questions of equality, respect and justice resonate loudly throughout Austin Clarkes much acclaimed novel, The Polished Hoe, which tells the story of a woman who confesses to murdering the man who has been her lover, abuser, benefactor and controller since she was a girl.

Christmas succeeds because it is so basic. A man; a woman; a baby. A set of human problems: a decision made by a lonely teenager to become mother and to bear both the child and the shameful consequences; an apparently questionable conception; talk of a divorce; the willingness of two young people to go through with the birth and to raise the child despite the cost. Would they have made that decision today? Or would there have been talk of a termination?

Sydney Missionary and Bible College is sending out a record number of new graduates to deliver an old message.

The catchcry of contemporary missional thinking is, "go to 'them' ". The "them" are of course the 'not-yet-christians' (the p.c. term for pagans, or unbelievers).

A new range of services means Sydneyanglicans users can now stay in touch with whats 'new without having to constantly surf the net.

A new broadcasting deal means Australians now have access to Christian television programs 24-7.

The potentially lucrative listing of St Andrews Cathedral as a heritage icon may hamper future gospel work, say staff.