As Ukraine faces mounting international pressure to negotiate peace with Russia, some are urging the new pontiff to break with Vatican caution and confront Putin’s aggression head-on. Andreja Bogdanovski explains why he’s hoping Pope Leo XIV will avoid the quiet diplomacy of his predecessor
A megachurch Baptist preacher in the US has caused controversy after stating sex outside of marriage is morally permissible. In his sermon, Dr Delman Coates said there was “no biblical basis” for abstinence until marriage. In this response, Dr Ian Paul argues that while cohabitation is not specifically mentioned in scripture, it is included within prohibitions against "sexual immorality"
Disability rights campaigners say the assisted dying Bill, which returns to the Commons this week, violates their human rights. As they get ready to take their case to the UN, Christian Institute lawyers agree the Bill is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights
Only five per cent of births occur on their predicted date. After watching his wife struggle with the unreliability of due dates, Jack Chisnall wonders if it’s time to ditch them. Acknowledging our lack of abililty to control timings is biblical, he says
After a two-year struggle with anxiety, Dave Kemp gave up all electronic entertainment for Lent – TV, social media and phone-based games. This mental health week, he says it not only helped his mind, it also improved his relationship with God and his family
200 million people have died in wars since 1900. There is a better way, says Alan Storkey. He believes the disarming of the world is possible, and it all starts with Christians grasping the counter-cultural implications of the gospel
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is predicting a future where AI personas will become your “friends”. But innovation strategist James Poulter says AI friendship is a false promise. The model of friendship Jesus gives us is far more meaningful
In the five years since Covid-19, the Church has changed significantly. But it was not killed off as many predicted. Instead, it adapted and in many places is growing, says a new report from the Evangelical Alliance. Danny Webster explores
Pope Leo XIV has been elected as the new head of the Catholic Church. Could the curious coincidence of a new Archbishop of Canterbury at the same time present a fresh opportunity for Anglicans and Catholics to work together? George Pitcher makes the case for reunification
Amid reports of a quiet revival, Abby Guinness shares a similar story from this year’s Spring Harvest — only theirs was one of vibrant, youthful worship, renewed passion for Jesus, and growing intergenerational faith that was anything but quiet
In the aftermath of the second world war, the Western world had an opportunity to lay down their weapons. Instead, they chose a path of militarism over peace, argues Alan Storkey. On the 80th anniversary of VE day he says it is time to consider what was lost
Encouraging headlines about a quiet revival of faith in the UK are new territory for many pastors. Here’s Robin Ham’s ten lessons for church leaders
US President Donald Trump has set up a task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias in government. But what exactly does that mean and is it even needed? Billy Hallowell explains
An independent report has said the prominent Christian apologist Dr Michael Brown engaged in “sexually abusive misconduct” yet those who commissioned the report have cleared him to return to ministry. We must not confuse forgiveness with re-admittance to leadership - it’s re-traumatising for victims and unsafe for the Church, argues Gavin Drake
Mike Peters, lead singer of The Alarm, has died of cancer aged 66. Derek Walker reflects on the life of the Welsh punk rocker who was a contemporary of U2’s Bono, an avid campaigner and a creative force to the end
From mass baptisms to churches being so full they had to turn people away, the number of good news stories from the Easter weekend have exceeded many people’s expectations. We round up the most encouraging stories following what appears to be an unprecedented weekend for many churches. Add your own stories in the comments section below
He built a 30,000-strong church, advised presidents, produced and starred in films, and led record labels — all on his way to becoming a household name in the Christian world. Now, after 50 years in ministry, T.D Jakes is stepping down — but he isn’t stepping away, says George Luke
On the day his club lifted the Premier League trophy, Cody Gakpo revealed a shirt reading “I belong to Jesus.” For professional footballer John Bostock, it was a powerful reminder: your faith is to be shared — whatever your platform, whatever the cost
News of a growing number of young people - and in particular young men - turning back to Christian faith has grabbed the attention of even the secular media in recent months. It’s great news, says Jean Kabasomi. But behind the headlines of this quiet revival, there are lessons the Church needs to learn
s the French Catholic Church reports record numbers of baptisms over the Easter weekend, Tony Wilson wonders whether the ‘quiet revival’ is also happening outside of the UK
The position of Archbishop of Canterbury has been vacant since January 2025. Who will be the person to guide the Church of England through what has been a volatile era of polarisation, safeguarding scandals, yet spiritual awakening amongst the youth and renewal in the UK. Here are seven prospective candidates
Christians in Nicaragua are being subjected to a disturbingly routine suppression by their government – yet, as Ellis Heasley reports, the Church remains committed to voicing its faith
As the Catholic Church prepares for its next pope, Jay Valero outlines three priorities that the Church — and the world beyond it — will need him to focus on
John Stott, once named among of the 100 most influential people in the world, possessed a borderless influence that shaped the global evangelical movement. Ahead of Stott’s birthday (27 April) Dr Donald Sweeting honours his dear friend’s life
Rushmoor Council’s efforts to stop Christian street preachers represents a significant and deeply troubling attack on freedom of speech and religious expression, says Christian Concern’s Andrea Williams
After much cultural debate, the UK Supreme Court has ruled that a woman is a biological female. The truth has finally won, says Lois McLatchie-Miller
Few leaders spoke with the warmth, wisdom and weight of Pope Francis. No matter the subject of his address his words cut through and challenged us to see each other, the world and our faith differently. Here are ten of his most profound statements
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. He was the Bishop of Rome from 2013 to 2025 in a papacy characterised by a dedication to the marginalised and a deep care for God’s creation. Though his time in office was not free from criticism and controversy, it was one that will leave a lasting impact on Catholics around the world, says Catherine Pepinster
Today marks 50 years since the beginning of the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror, during which 1.3 million people were killed and buried in the Cambodian Killing Fields. In looking at the history, Julia Cameron unearths a shocking story of God’s lavish grace
With the most significant day in the Christian calendar approaching, Andy Witherall unveils five undeniable facts supporting Jesus’ resurrection
As English Heritage release a children’s booklet claiming “the goddess Eostre gave Easter its name!”, George Lapshynov debunks the increasingly common claim that Easter originated as a pagan festival
The last operating hospital in the Gaza Strip was hit by an Israeli airstrike yesterday. Israel says a Hamas command and control centre was being operated from inside the medical facility. The head of Bethlehem Bible College Rev Jack Sara condemns the attack and says he fears for the remaining 600 Christians in Gaza
Christians should be grateful whenever abusive practices within the Church are brought into the light. But too often a lack of religious literacy within our national newspapers leads to inaccurate reporting, says Tim Wyatt
During a recent interview with the rapper Lecrae, Hollywood A-lister Will Smith opened up about his spiritual beliefs. But should Christians welcome Smith’s comments, or approach them with caution?
80 years after Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis, the young German theologian’s writings continue to challenge Christians. From resisting toxic nationalism to staying faithful despite Church failings, his life and legacy remain urgently relevant in a world grappling with division, says Krish Kandiah
It might take superhuman strength to forgive people who are unrepentant, says RT Kendall. But with God’s help, it is possible
Perhaps the former Archbishop of Canterbury intended to convey remorse and accountability in his conversation with Laura Kuenssberg. But that’s not how it’s been received, observes George Pitcher
Newcastle Cathedral has cancelled a planned speaking appearance by the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, citing concerns over his handling of safeguarding. Rev Dr Christopher Landau argues that instead of resorting to worldly tactics of de-platforming, the Cathedral should heed the New Testament’s radical call for love and unity
The heavy-handed police raid on a Quaker meeting house should be a wakeup call to anyone who cares about freedom of religion or expression, says Symon Hill
By all means celebrate stories of a revival of spiritual interest among Gen Z. But if we don’t empower Christian parents to pass faith onto their children, we won’t move the needle on church growth, says Gareth Crispin
The once ‘hillbilly’ evangelical is now a powerful Catholic. Heather Tomlinson explores the changing faith of the Vice President of the United States
The Isle of Man’s newly passed Assisted Dying Bill is not a compassionate safeguard, but a dangerous enabler with ethical missteps that forces doctors into legal grey areas. The welfare of society’s most vulnerable is at stake, says Graham McAll
Students are one of the UK’s biggest and most influential people groups – and new research shows that, far from being hostile to Christianity, a third would read the Bible with a friend, and a quarter find scripture personally helpful. If Christians believe the gospel changes lives, it’s time to step up and help them access it
Free speech protects great minds discussing ideas, not small minds abusing people, says George Pitcher, as he looks at the recent cases of Laurence Fox and Kathleen Stock
When the US authorities tried to deport Rosa del Carmen, she found refuge inside a church building - living there for two years. Isaac Villegas’ decision to provide sanctuary for an undocumented immigrant may have been politically controversial, but he believes it was line with historic Christian beliefs
Bad Bunny’s latest album speaks of his proud Puerto Rican heritage. For pastor Johnny Rivera, it was a reminder that his allegiance is to Christ, and he will always be proud to live under God’s banner
A basic language course on Hebrew or Greek can transform your understanding of scripture and ultimately the world, says Dr Jonathan Rowlands
The welfare state was designed for a different time, but reforming it requires compassion and understanding. As chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her spring statement, Christians should pray for the politicians leading this charge - and all those affected by it, says Tim Farron MP
Shahida Bibi was abducted, forced to convert from Christianity to Islam and sexually exploited. Tragically, she is only one of many girls who endure this fate. Her restored freedom is a sign of hope, but the fight against forced conversion and child marriage is far from over, says Tehmina Arora
Bible sales have surged in the UK, amid a broader cultural change pointing to an awakening in society. With church attendance seemingly stagnating, Sam Richardson says many are turning straight to scripture to answer life’s deepest questions
From the hit Netflix series Adolescence to Gareth Southgate’s recent lecture, it’s clear from the headlines this week that young people in the UK need much better role models. Andy Mossop says it’s time for more churches to plug the gap left by funding cuts and invest in opening new youth clubs. It will bring you and your church numerous benefits, he says
Sir Gareth Southgate’s lecture on identity, redemption and the state of the youth had all the makings of a sermon – a sermon that Christians should be paying attention to, says Tim Bechervaise
Following the news that Hailey Bieber has attacked preachers for their use of alliteration, Jonty Langley asks whether this just another sign of our consumer church culture, or if the celebrity’s criticism is correct
Across the UK, church buildings are falling into disrepair, closing and being sold off, with some turned into pubs, nightclubs and even mosques. We must act now to preserve these vital community assets says Claire Walker, before they - and their congregations - disappear forever