A group of African delegates to The United Methodist Church General Conference have denounced the recent votes to allow for same-sex marriage and noncelibate LGBT clergy, accusing the UMC establishment for failing to properly invite 70 African delegates in time for them to travel to the General Conference.

The Global Methodist Church has issued an official response to the United Methodist Church's General Conference vote to drop the denomination's decades-old ban on ordaining noncelibate homosexuals and allow the blessing of gay unions.

The Iranian Parliament voted on Tuesday in favour of a bill stipulating the death penalty for apostasy. The bill was approved by 196 votes for, seven against, and two abstentions.

Embryos containing human and animal material have been created in Britain for the first time, a month before the House of Commons votes on new laws to regulate the research.