Conservative Christians are flocking on board the ARC. I went along to find out why
By 
Sam Hailes2025-02-20T10:57:00
Political firebrands and Christian apologists shared the stage at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) event in London. As 4,000 leaders including Jordan Peterson, Kemi Badenoch and Os Guinness discussed the future of Western civilisation, Sam Hailes went along to find out whether the faith is being co-opted by conservative politics, or a genuine revival is taking place in the public sphere
“Welcome aboard the ARC!”
With those words the Conservative Peer Baroness Philippa Stroud opened a conference unlike any other I have ever attended.
At times the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) three day event at London’s ExCeL felt like a Conservative Party, or perhaps Reform Party, conference. At other moments, I could almost have been attending a Christian apologetics seminar at Spring Harvest.
4,000 delegates gathered from all over the English speaking world to hear speeches, debates and panels on issues ranging from economics to parenting and from happiness to how to prevent the fall of Western civilisation as we know it.
Related articles
-
OpinionThe ARC conference conflates religion and politics. And that’s a dangerous game
Judeo-Christian values are good – but they are not an umbrella term to be used to support your own politics, says Pat Finlow. The gospel stands alone, and crosses all political boundaries
-
OpinionTackling child abuse gangs calls for a return to Christian values
As Elon Musk wades into the row over Britian’s child rape gangs, a serious issue is in danger of becoming a political football. If we really want to reduce child abuse, we need to focus on the Bible’s blueprint for a safe society, says Miriam Cates. Liberalism has failed our children
-
News AnalysisExplained: Why Christians voted for Donald Trump
We may disagree with their decision, but our American brothers and sisters had good reasons for backing Trump, says Heather Tomlinson. We should seek to understand them
More from Culture
-
Magazine FeaturesAttention spans are shortening and ADHD awareness is increasing. Should we do church differently?
Our ability to concentrate has been universally diminished by technology, and that’s just one of a complex range of interweaving factors – including ADHD – that means many of us are struggling to maintain attention. Does the way we do church need a radical rethink, or is this merely a question of self-discipline?
-
Opinion5 women setting the internet on fire for Jesus
Social media isn’t just a hotbed of shopping inspo and comparison traps. Ahead of International Women’s Day, we say hurray for the women who are chasing after God in the digital space. Here are just five of many
-
TestimoniesThe changing faith of The Weeknd
Canadian chart topper The Weeknd appeared to abandon the Christian faith of his childhood. But could his plea for “mercy” on his most recent record mark a return to God?
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2025 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud