Europe

Church of England to vote on women bishops

The Church of England could vote to allow female bishops for the first time in its history on Monday, ending half a century of bitter divisions over the role of women.

Challenge to UK surveillance programs

Civil liberties campaigners have begun a legal challenge against the alleged use of mass surveillance programs by the British intelligence services, in what they said were historic public hearings sparked by the Snowden leaks.

US presses Iran in nuclear talks

US Secretary of State John Kerry has pressed his Iranian counterpart to make “critical choices” during talks in Vienna, six days before a deadline to cut a historic deal that would finally dispel fears about Tehran’s nuclear drive.

Middle East

Arab League asks international community to protect Gaza

The Arab League has called on the “international community” to end Israeli air strikes on Gaza and to protect Palestinians, ahead of a foreign ministers’ meeting.

Asia

Modern great Jayawardene to retire from Test Cricket

Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene, who is 37 years old and one of the sport’s modern greats, will play his last Test matches against Pakistan in August.