Chine McDonald
Chine McDonald is a writer, speaker and broadcaster. She is director of Theos, the religion and society thinktank, and previously headed up public engagement at Christian Aid. She is the former communications director for the Evangelical Alliance. Her latest book is God Is Not a White Man (Hodder & Stoughton). She studied theology and religious studies at the University of Cambridge and is a trustee of Greenbelt Festival and Christians in Media
OpinionThe Queen's passing is a reminder that death is inevitable. But as Christians, we know it's not the end
The vast majority of Brits are uncomfortable with talking about death. Chine McDonald wonders if the pandemic coupled with the death of our Monarch might change that
- Regular Columnists
When the news is full of darkness, I cling to this truth
For much of last year, the lightbox in my office displayed the words: “All shall be well.” The full quote from Julian of Norwich reads: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”; the repetition resonant of the constant and regular ...
- Regular Columnists
Why children’s ministry needs a creative revolution
Wonderfully told Bible stories laid the foundation for Chine McDonald’s decision to become a Christian. She says the Church needs to find innovative ways to engage the next generation in the richness of our faith
- Regular Columnists
Why a freshly cooked meal is one of the Church’s greatest evangelistic tools
There are few things that say church and community more than a meal train. If you’ve not heard of it, it’s the practice of providing a rota of meals for church members who are going through a major life occurrence.
- Regular Columnists
Why I’ve stopped using male pronouns for God
When you’ve spent your whole life referring to God as ‘he’, moving away from male pronouns for the divine takes a little getting used to.
- Reviews
The Struggle To Stay - Dr Katie Gaddini
This anthropological study from Dr Katie Gaddini delves into the lives of evangelical Christian women in the US and the UK who find themselves on the fringes of their church traditions, and includes Dr Gaddini’s own journey out of evangelicalism. The book explains how women end up leaving when patriarchy, ...
- Regular Columnists
Greenbelt Festival sits on the fringes of faith. That’s why I love it
Pussy Riot would never have performed at the Christian festivals I attended as a teenager, nor would they ever have been invited. But when it was announced that the Russian feminist punk rock band would be the artists in residence at Greenbelt 2018, it felt apt.
- Regular Columnists
I was taught that charismatic worship manipulates my emotions. But I can't 'explain away' those holy moments
Anyone who has studied theology understands how much of a challenge it can be to your faith. I arrived at university, many years ago, having grown up in conservative evangelicalism and having had little reason – or opportunity – to question its theological teachings. So when I began my study, ...
- Regular Columnists
Please make the effort to say my name
At this year’s Brits, rap artist Little Simz proudly walked on stage to collect her award for best new artist. “My name is Simbiatu Ajikawo. I’m from north London, Islington. I grew up on a council estate, I’m an independent artist and to be here tonight receiving this award is ...
- Reviews
Daughters of Eve: This documentary exposes misogyny in the Church
This film deserves an audience far wider than just those who are already critical of the Church’s patriarchal past, says Chine McDonald
- Reviews
This Here Flesh: A breathtaking piece of contemplative storytelling
This top-rated book deserves a place on your shelf, says Chine McDonald
- Regular Columnists
Don't cling to rigid black and white theology. There's so much of God we don't understand
A few years ago, I was having a particularly challenging time navigating my way through doubts around a decision that I had to make. As I sought guidance from friends and loved ones, some were adamant that I was to go in one particular direction, convinced that the Bible was ...
- Regular Columnists
Queen of the Sciences: Why Theology has never been more needed
So you want to be a vicar? No. A nun? No. An RE teacher? No. This was usually how conversations went when I was a student. It was as if people couldn’t quite fathom why anyone would choose to study theology instead of other subjects deemed more ‘useful’, like medicine, ...
- Opinion
Hoarding vaccines is not loving our neighbour. Christians must do more to ensure vaccine equity
Just seven per cent of the population of Africa have been vaccinated against Covid-19. The inaction of developed countries shows black lives do not matter, and will ultimately prevent us beating the virus, says Chine McDonald
- Regular Columnists
Cathedrals are where heaven and earth meet. We must protect them
When I walked into Liverpool Cathedral a few weeks ago, I audibly gasped. Stepping inside the magnificent building, I was taken aback by its awesomeness. Built between 1904 and 1978, it is the largest cathedral in Britain and the eighth largest church in the world.
- Opinion
8 black theologians you should know about
If we only read theology through the lens of white males, we only ever see God from one angle, says Chine McDonald. This Black History Month, here’s eight black theologians who have - or are - shaping our faith
- Regular Columnists
Every Christian man needs to play their part in fighting misogyny
Those of us who are raising boys have a responsibility to nurture men who will stand up for women, says Chine McDonald
- Regular Columnists
‘Code red for humanity’ - Why the Church needs to take climate action seriously
Chine McDonald explains why she changed her mind on climate change
- Opinion
Beyonce at 40: How the global superstar points us toward God
As Beyonce turns 40 years old this weekend, Chine McDonald explains why the singer is so inspirational
- Regular Columnists
The BBC's Hillsong documentary made me weep. But they aren't the only church to be exposed
There was a moment during the BBC Storyville documentary on Hillsong Church that I broke down and wept. It wasn’t a quiet type of crying – the type where you can easily wipe away a tear – but a cry that roared from somewhere from deep within me. A broken ...
