Comment

pexels-yankrukov-8199133

Theological education is facing imminent collapse, just when society needs it the most

2026-07-24T14:31:00+01:00By

The number of theology departments in the UK have halved in a decade, with the University of Exeter the latest to make deep cuts. Michael Tang argues that the knowledge factories are closing at the very moment our culture is hungriest for wisdom

PAADMB

​Prioritising the aid budget isn’t as Christian as it seems

2026-07-24T12:49:00+01:00By

Supporting our less fortunate brothers and sisters overseas is widely understood to be the Christian thing to do. But when some aid is used to impose contested Western agendas on developing countries, Lois McLatchie Miller argues that the issue is not so simple

pexels-silverkblack-36763578

In praise of the urgent

2026-07-24T09:12:00+01:00By

Christians often speak of the need for stillness and rest. But what happens when there’s calls to make, jobs to be done and everyday life to get through? Gemma Hunt says we don’t need to feel guilty. God is in it all 

pexels-malachi-cowie-153181609-10574671

I thought Bible memorisation was unnecessary. Then I needed it

2026-07-24T09:06:00+01:00By

When a member of Derek Hughes’ small group shared the burdens weighing on his life, Derek found himself with nothing left to say but a couple of random Bible verses he had memorised for himself. They seemed irrelevant at first, until the man told him they were exactly what he needed

Subscribe and Save! £31.20 one year print and digital subscription

Grab this Deal!

The July issue of Premier Christianity features Pete Hughes on the beginning of revival in the western church, Alpha as a social experiment, Emmanuel Hammond on how God releases our giftings and Katie Ivings on how she met God in a vision, this month's issue is a compelling read. Don't miss out on your own copy of the UK's biggest Christian magazine at only £31.20 for a year's subscription. That's 35% off the regular subscrption rate and just £0.60 per week.

Subscribe Today

*Offer applies in UK only, but check here for our overseas offers

July 26 FB 02
Close

CR96KF

The Church must hear the voices of Palestinian Christians like me

2026-07-24T08:58:00+01:00By

The Church of England has voted to ‘hear’ a controversial document on Palestinian Christians. Jack Nassar says he’s glad the church engaged with Kairos Palestine II. Whether you agree with it or not, the lived experience of Palestinian Christians deserves the dignity of being heard and believed, he says

church-door-with-pride-flag

When clergy break the rules on same-sex marriage, they should face consequences

2026-07-24T06:22:00+01:00By

The Church of England’s teaching on marriage and sexuality has not changed. But Susie Leaf notes that when it’s own priests break the rules, some bishops bring congratulations cards and champagne rather than correction and discipline. She says the inconsistency must stop before it becomes an incoherent mess

2026-07-22T064346Z_1307853796_RC2OHMAYOK41_RTRMADP_3_BRITAIN-ECONOMY-INFLATION

Andy Burnham has the chance to do the Christian thing and prioritise international aid

2026-07-22T11:30:00+01:00By

As Andy Burnham enters Downing Street, Tommy Sharpe urges the new prime minister to restore the UK’s overseas aid budget. It is the Christian thing to do, he says

Dwayne_Johnson-1809

‘I had to hold onto faith’ The Christian faith of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

2026-07-22T10:13:00+01:00By

The wrestler-turned-actor recently surprised schoolchildren in Essex by hiring a cinema for a private screening of his new film, Moana. It’s just one of many acts of kindness that Dwayne Johnson is known for, says Tim Bechervaise

fripmabyork08-20260710153922792_web

The CofE reparation fund is one step towards repenting for the sins of slavery

2026-07-17T09:49:00+01:00By

Rev George Pitcher used to think it was silly to say sorry for historical actions over which you had no control. Here’s what changed his mind

596c901fd308a-18a8f7cd40488acc8f3c079501088407

Does a song need to be ‘Christian’ for God to use it?

2026-07-15T10:44:00+01:00By

Can God only move through worship music? Or is the euphoria we feel at a pop concert, club night or classical recital also God’s common grace? Theologian Michael Tang gives his view  

465656903_10234230571736441_2282874173103776852_n

Andy Peck (1962-2026): A faithful encourager who quietly shaped the faith of many

2026-07-14T15:50:00+01:00By

Andy Peck spent over three decades encouraging and equipping Christian leaders through his broadcasting, coaching and widely read Premier Christianity articles. John Buckeridge pays tribute to a trusted colleague, faithful friend and authentic follower of Christ who kept the faith to the very end

sun_eve_abc02

Why the Church of England has got Israel wrong

2026-07-14T14:07:00+01:00By

The UK’s Jewish community needs to know that the Archbishop of Canterbury’s views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict do not speak for all British Christians. That’s according to Dr James Patrick of the Love Never Fails alliance, who says both yesterday’s General Synod vote endorsing Kairos Palestine II and Sarah Mullally’s pastoral letter following her visit to the Holy Land, risk deepening divisions and presenting a one-sided account of the conflict

3F1ATW4

​What the World Cup can teach church leaders about measuring success

2026-07-14T09:09:00+01:00By

When your identity is wrapped up in performance, it’s easy to lose the joy in what you do and become crippled by anxiety. That applies to Christians in ministry as much as footballers playing in the world’s biggest tournament, says Rev Sarah Guinness, chaplain to Brentford FC

Ann Widdecombe

Ann Widdecombe (1947-2026): A Christian politician full of courage and conviction

2026-07-13T09:34:00+01:00By

Former MP, Ann Widdecombe, has died aged 78.  Gavin Ashenden pays tribute to a woman who never knowingly compromised on her convictions - even if it brought her criticism or cost her career advancement

3CJ7C1H

Culture told us that marriage is outdated. Taylor Swift’s wedding says otherwise

2026-07-13T08:55:00+01:00By

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding has been celebrated by women across the West as if it were the news of a close friend. Lois McLatchie Miller argues that the fascination reveals a longing for love that our culture has often taught women to minimise – and one that the Church can breathe life back into

Screenshot 2026-07-09 172426

JiDion says streaming brings out the worst in him. Christian content creators should pay attention

2026-07-10T11:29:00+01:00By

After his arrest during a livestream, Christian content creator JiDion announced he was quitting livestreaming. AJ Gomez reflects on the danger of an online world that rewards escalation and spectacle for a Christian trying to put those impulses to death

3CM16YX

Pharell Williams has made a gospel album. But does his life reflect Christ?

2026-07-10T10:55:00+01:00By

There’s a rising tide of artists referencing Christian faith in their music, says Hope Bonarcher. Is the music industry undergoing some sort of revival, or are media-savvy musicians just jumping on the latest bandwagon?

55348379283_de3b7e9c7c_c

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s misguided meetings with Palestinians makes peace harder

2026-07-09T18:02:00+01:00By

By choosing to be pictured with Palestinians who are allegedly linked to terrorist organisations, the Archbishop of Canterbury is hindering the peace process, argues Rev Dr Ian Paul 

pexels-tony-om-547914366-38429743

The Church says all work matters to God. I’m not sure we believe it

2026-07-09T14:23:00+01:00By

When Derek Hughes cut his ministry hours and began building a business, he felt the quiet drop in status that comes when Christian work is no longer the focus. Reflecting on vocation, grief and Genesis 1, he asks whether the Church truly believes that Monday belongs to God

3CRBXAC

The Christian faith of Morgan Wallen

2026-07-09T14:05:00+01:00By

Morgan Wallen is one of the world’s most successful country singers, and one of its most controversial. After he appeared onstage with a Bible verse written on his plaster cast, Derek Walker explores the messy public faith of the Southern Baptist preacher’s son

Marc Guehi

15 amazing God moments from the 2026 World Cup

2026-07-08T13:04:00+01:00By

When England beat Mexico in a dramatic 3-2 win to make their way through to the quarter finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defender Marc Guehi dropped to his knees and pointed to the skies in prayer and praise. It’s just one of many moments where Jesus has been glorified during the competition. Here’s our guide to the best stories you won’t want to miss 

2026-06-10T225002Z_1932103347_RC29RLARNLS4_RTRMADP_3_POPE-SPAIN

Why I’m admiring Barcelona’s Sagrada Família as a Holy Spirit inspired icon

2026-07-08T12:54:00+01:00By

As the tallest church in the world, Sagrada Família, finally reaches its full height after 144 years of construction, Noël Tredinnick reflects on the sacred beauty of Christian art

Screenshot 2026-07-07 124525

Gareth Southgate is right about the crisis facing men. The Church is uniquely placed to help

2026-07-07T15:54:00+01:00By

Gareth Southgate’s new documentary has drawn national attention to the struggles facing young men across Britain. Jade Ross from TLG says that if we want to change their future, the Church must start helping boys with preventative measures

3EYBTJP

The World Cup is a gift but gambling risks corrupting the joy

2026-07-07T15:49:00+01:00By

As England prepare to face Norway in the World Cup quarter-final, James Gordon Reid reflects on the joy, spectacle and national devotion football inspires. But with betting companies embedded in the game, he asks whether Christians can celebrate sport while resisting the darkness of gambling

pexels-cottonbro-5801646

5 questions from Muslims that every Christian should know how to answer

2026-07-06T15:32:00+01:00By

Nearly all Christians have a Muslim friend, work colleague or neighbour. But how confident are you at explaining your faith to them, or answering their most common objections to Christianity? It’s not that tricky says Mason Everly, and we need not fear offence. Here’s how to have a good conversation

pexels-lisettkruusimae-12289210

​A gay conversion therapy ban would criminalise prayer

2026-07-06T14:59:00+01:00By

Requests for pastoral support, ministry or even a parent’s advice or opinion could be criminalised under the UK government’s new draft Conversion Practices Bill, warns Christian Institute’s Ciarán Kelly

pexels-caleboquendo-36425621

Marx claimed religion is the opium of the people. Science suggests he was right (sort of)

2026-07-01T14:12:00+01:00By

A new study has shown that collective worship releases naturally-occurring opioids in the brain, strengthening our sense of belonging and increasing our ability to endure pain. Tony Wilson explains more

2023-11-07T123411Z_650733304_RC2B84ARBOJE_RTRMADP_3_BRITAIN-POLITICS-KING-SPEECH

King Charles has broken his coronation oath to defend the Christian faith

2026-07-01T08:31:00+01:00By

In a little-noticed change to his official accounts, King Charles appears to have revised his pledge to “defend the faith”. Former Chaplain to the Queen Gavin Ashenden gives his view on what it means 

55346924700_18fe37a071_k

Why I’m proud the Archbishop of Canterbury is visiting Palestinians

2026-06-30T13:14:00+01:00By

Archbishop Sarah Mullally has faced fierce criticism following her pilgrimage to the holy land, with some accusing her of taking sides. But Michael Coren argues that her willingness to acknowledge both Israeli trauma and Palestinian suffering reflects the difficult way of Christ

pexels-thirdman-8468580

God sees beyond the labels the world has placed on you

2026-06-30T08:07:00+01:00By

Bullied as a child that dealt with ADHD, Daniel Curtis was made to wrestle with labels and limitations from people who had no right to define him. Here, he raises the question: who were you before the world told you who to be? 

AK & JL 1

Is this the best Christian book festival you’ve never heard of?

2026-06-30T08:04:00+01:00By

Interviewing Dr John Lennox at the St Andrews Literature Festival was an unforgettable moment for comedian and writer Andy Kind. But the impact of this event goes far beyond star speakers, he says. It’s bringing quality Christian writing to new audiences and building links between authors and readers

2026-06-13T113642Z_2143161983_RC2ZSLAKEV5U_RTRMADP_3_BRITAIN-POLITICS-BURNHAM

Andy Burnham might identify as Catholic, but will he uphold Christian ethics?

2026-06-29T15:56:00+01:00By

The man who wants to be PM was brought up as a Catholic, but he has also championed puberty blockers for transgender teens, expressed sympathy for assisted dying and signalled support for a conversion therapy ban. Lois McLatchie-Miller takes a closer look at Andy Burnham’s views on ethical issues

ICEJ-News

Antisemitism is surging in the Church. I visited Jerusalem to discuss what can be done

2026-06-29T08:42:00+01:00By

Steve Maltz reports from an emergency summit which was convened by the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem 

pexels-rdne-8293712

I don’t agree with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. But they have a right to knock on my door

2026-06-26T15:59:00+01:00By

A polite knock on the door may be unwanted, but does that give the state the right to ban it? Following a landmark ruling regarding Jehovah’s Witnesses in Bulgaria, Lidia Rieder says it’s wrong to ban expressions of religious belief on the basis of mere “annoyance” 

0T3A8789

Want to see mass baptisms in your town? Unite, pray and love one another

2026-06-26T15:09:00+01:00By

More than 1,000 people from five churches have gathered on Bournemouth beach to celebrate 132 mass baptisms over two weekends. Rev Tim Matthews says there’s no special secret to the growth they’re seeing - just ten years of church leaders learning to love one another as Jesus commanded them to

2026-06-23T220612Z_150101851_UP1EM6N1PEBW5_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-WORLDCUP-ENG-GHA

Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka should be rivals. Instead, their brotherhood tells a Christian story

2026-06-26T14:07:00+01:00By

Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke are competing for the same England position, yet Saka describes their relationship not in terms of envy or rivalry, but respect and brotherhood. Andrew Dutton explores the Christian values shaping their bond

Screenshot 2026-06-26 141830

Good news! The Bible has just been translated into its 800th language

2026-06-26T13:25:00+01:00By

It took nearly 2,000 years to translate the Bible into 400 languages. The next 400 took just 28 years. As the Bible reaches its 800th language, Wycliffe Bible Translators’ Jeremy Weightman explores the remarkable acceleration in Bible translation - and the immense task that still lies ahead for the 1.5 billion people without scripture in their own language

6a0fc000-e29f-468f-b9a7-8acceecb517d

Why Christian footballer Jérémy Doku was right to step away from the World Cup

2026-06-26T12:55:00+01:00By

When Jérémy Doku temporarily left Belgium’s World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first child, he faced sharp criticism including one television presenter’s “outrage” at his decision. But Tim Bechervaise argues that Doku’s choice offered a powerful Christian witness

2026-06-19T143926Z_1833648608_RC22XLACAJWI_RTRMADP_3_NIRELAND-POLITICS-DONALDSON

Jeffrey Donaldson’s conviction exposes the danger of confusing charisma with Christian character

2026-06-26T12:39:00+01:00By

The former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of historical sex offences in a trial that has shaken Northern Ireland to its core. A professing Christian and prominent public figure, his crimes demand a serious response from the Church, says David Smyth

pexels-ciro-palomba-1275986148-36946958

The Church is full of entrepreneurs. But they’re struggling alone

2026-06-26T11:12:00+01:00By

Neary half of all Christians make money from business or a side hustle. They are trusting God and stepping out in faith every day - but the Church is failing to recognise or make space for them, says Derek Hughes

pexels-ellie-burgin-1661546-3283444

Does death make you feel uncomfortable? That’s because we’re not made for it

2026-06-24T15:56:00+01:00By

As Rev Jamie Sewell watched the body of his 95-year-old parishioner weaken, he saw her faith deepen. Humans find death so hard because we were made for eternity, he says. We only make peace with it when we find the hope of heaven

creation_fest_limited_cover

Creation Fest is 25 years old. It’s time for a change

2026-06-24T13:52:00+01:00By

It’s hard to let a vision die, says Niall Dunne. But until it does, nothing can grow up in its place. That’s why he’s trusting God’s still small voice as the festival he leads gathers together to celebrate their final event in its current form - and usher in a new season of mission in the south west of England

2XW0P96

​Bangladesh promised a “rainbow nation” of inclusivity. But Christians are still being attacked

2026-06-23T21:17:00+01:00By

When Bangladesh’s new government won a landslide victory earlier this year, they promised to create a tolerant and inclusive society for all faiths. But Christians say attacks against them are increasing. Open Doors’ Asha Lindsay* explains what’s happening

Screenshot 2026-06-22 144447

Nicki Minaj says the music industry is demonic. But she's no conspiracy theorist

2026-06-23T21:08:00+01:00By

In a conversation with Bryce Crawford, rapper Nicki Minaj said she was unprepared for the spiritual warfare she would face as a music artist. Hope Bonarcher asks what Christians should make of her claims that the entertainment industry is full of secret societies

2026-06-22T153808Z_2052174039_RC22ZLARCTY3_RTRMADP_3_BRITAIN-POLITICS

Andy Burnham isn’t the Messiah. Like Starmer, he’s just a man who needs our prayers

2026-06-23T13:06:00+01:00By

Less than two years after a historic victory, Keir Starmer’s resignation leads to yet more turmoil in British politics. Christians shouldn’t be surprised, says Tim Farron MP. Politicians are only human and our government isn’t perfect. That’s why the Bible calls Christians to pray for those in power

889e42ac-88eb-409e-a090-050eaaa71305

Three men died in a fire near my vicarage. I was not a good Christian neighbour to them

2026-06-23T11:23:00+01:00By

Nine years after the Grenfell Tower disaster, another west London fire killed three men in Rev Jamie Sewell’s parish. The tragedy caused him to reflect on what Christian community and being a good Samaritan really looks like

3ETBEX4

Starmer says his family are his ‘most important job’. It’s a lesson Christian leaders need to hear

2026-06-23T09:29:00+01:00By

In his resignation speech, the labour party leader made an emotional admission. Those closest to us often pay the highest price for our ‘calling’. It’s a stark warning to those in church ministry, says Derek Hughes

2026-06-22T091633Z_987713981_RC2WYLA28F64_RTRMADP_3_BRITAIN-POLITICS

Keir Starmer’s resignation says more about us than him

2026-06-22T11:29:00+01:00By

Seven prime ministers in ten years is a problem, notes the leader of Christians in Politics. Andy Flannagan argues we need to ask how 24-hour news media and social media soundbites are making an already tough job even harder 

Screenshot 2026-06-19 150423

Bryce Crawford and Tristan Tate spoke aimlessly for two hours. Christians need better conversations than this

2026-06-19T15:59:00+01:00By

Bryce Crawford and Tristan Tate spent nearly two hours discussing their Christian faith. But after listening to an exchange devoid of curiosity, in which troubling claims went unchallenged, Tim Yearsley was left wondering whether it was a conversation worth having in the first place

9ddf6d82d2b6df348692861bba707766

Why we’re challenging Sir Paul Marshall over climate misinformation

2026-06-19T14:16:00+01:00By

Is a powerful Christian media mogul responsible for climate change misinformation? Clare Fussell explains why Christian climate group Operation Noah is so concerned about Sir Paul Marshall’s recent donations to churches 

2025-07-16T131225Z_1924561384_MT1CVMD54921581_RTRMADP_3_COVER-IMAGES

The Church of England has apologised for forced adoptions. Now, it must help repair the damage

2026-06-19T12:56:00+01:00By

Between 1949 and 1976, thousands of unmarried women were pressured into giving up their babies for adoption through a system partly overseen by churches. The Church of England has now apologised for its part, but Tarn Bright says repentance must be matched by action

isaac-watts-from-npg-4f0604-1024

Was Isaac Watts a Christian nationalist?

2026-06-19T09:34:00+01:00By

He may be one of Britain’s most celebrated hymnwriters, but Isaac Watts misread scripture when he confused the promises God made to the children of Israel with those made to modern day nation states. It’s a conversation that’s never been more relevant, says Daniel Johnson

pexels-eduraw-35982142

Is Armageddon coming?

2026-06-19T04:18:00+01:00By

Faced with the prospect of end times prophecies and predictions of Armageddon, George Pitcher says that a Christian response isn’t to await heavenly rescue but live in a way that brings heaven to earth now