The new draft government guidance on relationships, sex and health education (RHSE) in schools has now been published. Julie Maxwell explains how it came about and what it contains - as well as how Christians can continue to hold schools to account
As a Black British Pentecostal Christian, Joe Aldred has never been in doubt about the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. It’s what allows us to be more than conquerors, he says
The Christian call to welcome does not nullify the need for justice, says George Pitcher. Whether it’s MPs, entertainers or asylum seekers, the Church’s job is not to judge. That is a matter for the judiciary
The Bible doesn’t forbid Christians from grieving. Neither does it teach that you should never feel anxious, argues Rachel Newham. This mental health awareness week, she takes a fresh look at the scriptures we most often misunderstand
The CofE hierarchy care too much about what plays well in the liberal media - and its damaging our gospel witness, says Andy Bannister
‘Doomsday Blue’ was another example of a liberal backlash against the institutional church. That’s fair enough, says Tony Wilson. But the demonic imagery was a dangerous step too far, he says
As Mental Health Awareness Week begins, Sharon Hastings says churches should consider how physical fitness can help boost our mental and spiritual wellbeing
Angela Kinsey challenged the writer of The Office over a line that she felt mocked her Christian beliefs. Writer/comedian Paul Kerensa remembers a similar sit(com)uation writing for a UK TV show
Complaints of antisemitic abuse among doctors have surged since October 7, with reports of some medics “celebrating Hamas attacks” according to The Times. Following Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day which took place earlier this week, Rev Tim Guttman says Christians must learn from history, and redouble their efforts to stand in solidarity with Jewish people
Lord Williams of Oystermouth says many of the hymns sung at weddings and funerals, including ‘All things bright and beautiful’, are comparable to “baby food”. But hymn scholar Dr Daniel Johnson says churches should be sharing the treasures of the hymn tradition with as much joy as possible
Children in England are more likely to have drunk alcohol than those in any other country. Emma Heath says the news should be a wake up call to churches who are contributing to an unhealthy culture around alcohol
The key to seeing our churches full again is Christians being gripped by the good news about the good news, says the Archbishop of Canterbury’s advisor on evangelism, Chris Russell
New Catholic schools in England will no longer have to offer 50 per cent of their places to children of other faiths, according to a recent government announcement. James Somerville-Meikle says the news marks "a huge moment of excitement” for Catholics, and everyone who values parent choice
Esther Rantzen’s petition to legalise assisted dying received more than 200,000 signatories, triggering a parliamentary debate. Christian Concern’s Andrea Williams is calling on politicians to protect the sanctity of life
Evangelicals in the USA didn’t get their environmental scepticism from the Bible. It’s come from elsewhere, explains Neall Pogue
The evangelical preacher has told a conference that recognised medical conditions such as PTSD and OCD don’t exist. It’s a depressing example of pastors speaking with absolute authority on things they know little about, says Sophie Killingley
If the poor are blessed by God, it makes sense that his mission is to be among them. Yet Church policy is just not geared that way, says Rt Rev Rob Wickham. If we want to serve our estates and low income communities well, it is going to take a radical change
Some believe the UK is on the verge of a Christian revival, but don’t be fooled, says William Wade, a move of God will be found in the most unlikely of places
The controversial comedian’s baptism does not change his past or exempt him from facing the consequences of his previous actions, but God only knows the sincerity of his conversion. It is not for Christians to judge, says Krish Kandiah
Legislators are questioning the right of faith schools in Australia to recruit staff that hold orthodox Christian views. Stephen McAlpine explains why he believes this is an attack on religious freedom
The former Labour minister Frank Field, has died aged 81. He was as passionately committed to social justice as he was the Book of Common Prayer, says the Bishop of Whitby
When you work in Westminster, you get used to the high drama of parliamentary debate. But this should never be confused with petty name-calling and rudeness, says Sharmila Meadows. It may be culturally acceptable, but it isn’t to God
As a recent The Telegraph articles announces that “Britain has a boy problem”, and statistics show men and boys lagging behind, James Mildred says one answer is for the Church to be bolder in speaking God’s truth about marriage, family and equality
Mandisa was open about her lowest moments in life, even writing a book about depression and comfort eating. The vulnerability and faith of the American Idol finalist made a lasting impression on all who met her, says George Luke
Too many Christians are misunderstanding what’s taking place between Israel and Hamas, says Chip Kendall
The Prime Minister has vowed to tackle what he calls, “Britain’s sick note culture”. In responding, Tony Wilson says Christians are called to be compassionate to those who are sick, but argues the Bible also encourages us to work hard and be wise in not facilitating over-dependence
A war would have potentially devastating consequences for Christian minorities in the Middle East, warns Dr Martin Parsons
As efforts continue to decriminalise abortion, Dr Kalpana Dein warns new guidance won’t protect women, but their abusers
After his victory at the US Masters this weekend, the world’s number one golfer told journalists that golf was only the fourth most important thing in his life. The first, he said, was God. What a freeing way to live, says Jonny Reid
After armed gangs took control of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, last month, violence has led to more than 50,000 people fleeing the city. Lord Leslie Griffiths, who lived in Haiti for many years, makes an impassioned plea for help
Opening a Moscow youth centre, Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has compared himself to Jesus. It’s the latest in a long line of populist leaders using religious rhetoric for political gain, says Tony Wilson
In a recent conversation with Esther Rantzen, Sir Keir Starmer made it clear that he supported plans to legalise assisted dying in the UK. As a minister and the parent of a child with Autism, Sam Tomlin has serious concerns
Amid high profile scandals and the pressures facing the Church, Rev Archie Coates, vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton, talks influence, accountability and why it’s important to hang onto hope
Old Testament prophets would have condemned Israel for departing from the ways of peace, says George Pitcher. The death of seven aid workers in Gaza is another example of innocents caught in the crossfire. It has to stop
Photos of the Archbishop of Canterbury attending an Iftar meal have caused controversy among some Christians. What is the significance of the meal that marks the end of a Muslim’s daily Ramadan fast, and should a Jesus follower ever go to one?
Is a bite-sized church service a helpful introduction for those who are new to faith, or simply an easy way for too-busy Christians to tick ‘church’ off their to-do-lists?
The Harry Potter author was quick to test a new Scottish law which criminalises “stirring up hate”. Police say no action will be taken against her, but the legislation could still prohibit Christians from speaking up on marriage, sex and abortion, says Lois McLatchie
Many of our evangelistic approaches assume that people have questions about the Christian faith. But how do we engage people who appear not to be in the least bit bothered? Andy Bannister shares one idea
London City Mission’s Doug Cruz gives his top tips on how best to share the good news this spring
The world’s biggest pop star has dressed as a witch on stage and encouraged her fans to cast spells, says Kate Orson. Should Christians be concerned about her influence?
Prominent atheists are declaring themselves “cultural Christians”. But you can’t pick and mix the bits of faith you like, says John Heathershaw. It won’t work
Donald Trump is advertising a $60 Bible with ‘God bless the USA’ printed on the cover. The former President is wrong to use scripture as a weapon against his political enemies, says Mark Woods
Why do we eat chocolate eggs at Easter? What’s with school children making bonnets? And why is it called ‘Easter’ at all? Karen Murdarasi shares some little-known facts
Despite it being a crucial fixture in Portsmouth FC’s quest for promotion, Benjamin McFadyean explains why he won’t watch their match this Easter
The roots of the oddly-named Thursday before Easter come from Jesus’ command to love one another, as well as his foot-washing example, explains Karen Murdarasi
Dr Sharon Hastings was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder 14 years ago. This World Bipolar Day, she explains how we can all be more aware of our feelings
Sandra Crouch was a legend of the American Gospel scene, performing with everyone from Janis Joplin to Michael Jackson. But church ministry always came first for the singer-songwriter and her twin brother, Andraé
Don’t play into the hands of the outrage merchants, says Ben Cohen
A new report says life for Christians in Iran is harder than ever. Ben Cohen says their horrific treatment at the hands of the Morality Police reminds him of George Orwell’s famous dystopian novel
Recent scientific discoveries suggest that, contrary to earlier theories, every strand of our DNA is deeply significant. Writing on International Day of the Unborn Child, Catherine Disher says the news is further evidence that human beings have been perfectly created in the image of God.
The Bible did not fall to earth in flawless English and bound in leather. It has been translated by scholars who are tasked not only with finding the right words, but inserting punctuation too. These colons, commas and more can make a big difference to how we read the text, as Dr Jonathan Rowlands explains
The Church of England should not be adopting the language of Critical Race Theory or importing the US culture war on racism, says Dr Ian Paul
The Irish people have voted to keep marriage as the legal foundation for families and society. Christians should draw encouragement from this, says the Evangelical Alliance’s Nick Park
Democracy is a fragile thing, says Tim Farron MP. Christians must value it, engage with it and pray for change