Religious leaders, including Protestant, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Muslim, Kimbanguist and indigenous, are deeply involved in peacebuilding efforts. (From ‘Sightings’)

Foreign Minister, Bob Carr’s recent evaluation on ABC Radio (Thursday, 1 November 2012 ) of Australia’s interest in West Papua’s problem with Indonesia, or for him and Canberra – Indonesia’s problem with West Papua – shows little understanding of the issue and profoundly wishful geopolitical thinking.

Simon Smart, director of the Centre for Public Christianity, reflects on the changing dynamic of the American religious right and how it is set to influence the presidential election, and beyond.