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
ReviewsThe 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 ...
- Opinion
5 times the Bible was woke
The label might be contentious, but Chine McDonald believes Christians have nothing to fear from wokeism
- Regular Columnists
Whatever happened to The Donut Man? I miss him
Despite having a theology degree from the University of Cambridge, I am convinced that much of my enduring Bible knowledge was formed during long childhood car journeys listening to the Donut Man.
- Regular Columnists
What Christians need to know about the 'white saviour' complex
A few years ago, I went on a trip to Israel-Palestine with Christian Aid. I arrived at a mobile clinic where the other journalists and I were surrounded by young Palestinian children who excitedly practised their English on us and asked questions about SpongeBob SquarePants. After spending some time speaking ...
- Opinion
One year since George Floyd: 3 things the Church can do next
Today marks one year since George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis
- Opinion
Comic Relief is right to stop sending celebrities to Africa
Comic Relief’s brave decision to no longer send celebrities to African nations as part of its fundraising appeals is a welcome move, and will hopefully go some way towards dispelling the myths that exist around Africa, says Chine Mcdonald
