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
Regular Columnists‘Farewell, Rob Bell’
We’re twelve years on from ‘Bellgate’ - the furore over the release of Rob Bell’s controversial book on heaven and hell. But Chine McDonald says the questions raised by that episode are more pertinent than ever
- Regular Columnists
My new year's resolution: Stop trying to make church sound attractive
I have spent much of my career trying to improve the Church’s PR. As part of this, I wanted to write an article on why I still go to church and why you should, too. It was going to be one of those numbered lists: for the music, for community, ...
- Opinion
Speaking up about racism is hard, the least we can do for Harry, Meghan and Ngozi Fulani is believe them
After watching the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix documentary and reading newspaper reports of Ngozi Fulani’s experience at Buckingham Palace, Chine McDonald challenges Christians not to turn away in discomfort from the racism that still exists in our society
- Regular Columnists
Church should be inter-generational. Just like our family's Christmas dinner
Around the Christmas dinner table, millions of families will be gathered across generations. It’s one of the things that makes this time of year so special. The great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers, the matriarchs and patriarchs who have seen many festive seasons come and go, tucking into Christmas dinner alongside newborn babies.
- Regular Columnists
Why Christians need to talk about the dark side of motherhood
A few days ago, I was sat in a coffee shop with my four-month-old son. The coffee was getting colder and colder as I bounced my baby up and down on my knee, patted his back and tried to feed him or just distract him from crying.
- Regular Columnists
The 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.
