Family & relationships
Want to see renewal? Parents will have a unique role to play
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
Elle Limebear: ‘I want to rebuke this idea of us being an anxious generation’
After a life-long battle with anxiety, worship leader Elle Limebear is showing fear the door. As she releases her boldest music to date, the daughter of Delirious? frontman Martin Smith opens up about prophetic words, how she accidentally rewrote her father’s classic worship song and what touring the world is really like
Unmaking Mary demolishes the myths of motherhood
Chine McDonald’s new book will free mothers from perfectionism as it challenges religious expectations that burden women. With a fresh perspective on the Virgin Mary, Unmaking Mary invites readers to embrace a more authentic, grace-filled approach, says our reviewer
Why your church needs to open a youth club…now!
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
Gareth Southgate’s lecture had echoes of a sermon. Here’s what Christians can learn from it
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
I lost my daughter to suicide. The Holy Spirit has been our comforter
Peter’s daughter, Becky, died by suicide. Here, he shares the moving story of how he and his family are navigating her loss with the help of their faith
Elizabeth Oldfield: The Christian apologist on why she’s not afraid to quote poetry to the philosophers
The podcaster and former director of Theos opens up about her unconventional faith journey, what living in Christian community has taught her about discipleship and why she’s writing about sex
The holy act of hand-holding
Gemma Hunt reflects on how a simple hand hold breaks down barriers of age, language and even disconnection. The power of such simple touch points to a deeper truth: we are always held in the gentle but secure grasp of God’s hand
Kristie Higgs was sacked for questioning sex education. Her legal victory is good news for all Christians
Christian school worker Kristie Higgs was sacked after criticising plans to teach about LGBT relationships in primary schools. Today, the Court of Appeal said Kristie should not have been dismissed for expressing her Christian views. Tim Dieppe from Christian Concern says the ruling demonstrates Christian beliefs must never be a barrier to employment
Gen Z Christians are the most generous generation in the Church
Young Christians give away the largest proportion of their income than any other age group. God is calling Gen Z to a lifestyle of radical holiness and obedience, says Josh Green. It’s good news for the future of the Church
Was Matthew autistic? The Chosen makes it plausible
The decision to portray of Matthew as being on the spectrum has been warmly welcomed by audiences. Sharon Longo uncovers the thought process behind the creative decision and the impact it’s now having
Who can you call at 2am? It's time for Christians to counter the loneliness epidemic
The world is experiencing a friendship recession. Sheridan Voysey explains how both culture and Church came to neglect friendship and how you can reclaim this forgotten love
Can men and women really just be friends?
If someone of the opposite sex asked you to pray with them during a church service, would you do it? Dani Treweek looks at why single Christian women are caricatured as threats to “good Christian marriages” while Christian men are stereotyped as incapable of relating to any woman without seeing her as a potential “stumbling block”
‘We only had sex three times in the first three years of our marriage’
As a Christian couple, Hannah and Ben Tarbuck thought they were doing everything right by saving sex for marriage. But it didn’t result in the passionate wedding night they were expecting
Young people with no connection to church are coming anyway. It’s called ‘contactless curiosity’
Across the UK, more and more young people are investigating Christianity - not through the invitation of a friend or a church outreach programme, but a contactless curiosity seemingly stirred by God alone. Dave Kemp shares his story and asks: is this the beginning of something?
Societal views on gender are shifting for the better. Christians are on the right side of history
Christians have often felt on the backfoot when it comes to debates around issues such as sexuality, abortion and transgender. But Peter Lynas believes significant shifts are taking place in Western culture and there are good reasons to be optimistic
10 inspiring stories from 2024
The news might not always be bright, but God is still on the move. From personal testimonies to real life stories, here are our favourite reads to inspire and encourage your Christian faith
3 ways to love those with dementia this Christmas
During the festive season, we celebrate Jesus coming to a world who did not recognise him. Ben Boland shares his top tips for loving those who may not recognise us either, whether at Christmas or all year round
Youth work is facing a crisis – just when young people need help the most
At a time when young people are facing unprecedented challenges, there are fewer and fewer people engaged in serving them. Ali Campbell asks: What can the Church do to stand in the gap?
‘You’ve been sold a lie. But the truth can still set you free’ - an open letter to Lily Phillips
Pornographic model Lily Phillips, 23 captured international headlines last week when she released a documentary detailing how she slept with 100 men in 24 hours. She has since revealed plans to sleep with 1,000 men next month. In this open letter, Lois McLatchie-Miller tells Phillips she is of infinite worth and value, and God has created her for a much greater purpose
We need to talk about grief
When her mother died suddenly, Mandy Gill was not as comforted by her Christian faith as she might have expected. Her fellow believers didn’t always respond well either. Here are the lessons she’s learned from a slow and painful journey with grief
How a Christmas knock at the door changed Rob Parsons' life forever
When a homeless man arrived on his doorstep one Christmas, Rob Parsons never dreamed that he would stay for more than 45 years. Or that Ronnie would impact their life so significantly
‘Christmas was often the worst time of the year, but with God’s help, I have managed to reclaim it’
Does the biblical instruction to honour your parents mean you have to spend the festive period with your emotionally abusive alcoholic father? That’s a question Alexandra Walker grappled with for many years
The new mum: ‘God has called me to this role’
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
Why Christians shouldn’t feel guilty for watching reality TV
After a rough year, Chine McDonald is looking forward to some escapism this Christmas
Is the gospel good news for gay people?
When Ashleigh Hull was a teenager, biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality seemed far from good to her. Here’s how she changed her mind
The life you long for is hidden in the life you have
Our new columnist the poet Joshua Luke Smith encourages you to return to your life
Want your kids to follow Jesus? You’ve got to walk the walk
If you want to pass on faith, it needs to be actions, not just words, says Chine McDonald
Labour’s schools tax will stop children from receiving a Christian education
The government is breaking the law by discriminating against private Christians schools. That’s according to The King’s School in Hampshire who are challenging Labour’s decision to introduce VAT on private school fees. Christian Concern’s Steve Beegoo explains why he’s supportive of the legal action
Letting children identify as animals is wrong
Some Scottish schools are officially recognising species dysphoria and allowing students to identify as ‘furries’. Lizzie Harewood, CEO of the Association of Christian Teachers, says a compassionate ‘no’ to this contested ideology is the right response
Dear Labour, older people must be protected, not used to plug your financial black hole
The chief executive of Christian charity, Pilgrims’ Friend Society, is warning Labour’s policies will make the adult social care crisis worse. Instead, we should apply biblical principles to the funding gap, he says
In defence of ‘childless cat ladies’
JD Vance is wrong to pick on childless women, says Chine McDonald. Without their commitment and service, the Church would not exist
Sport vs Sabbath: What should you do when football clashes with church?
With most youth sport now taking place on a Sunday, Christian parents must grapple with whether to prioritise their children’s sports clubs, or church attendance. Jonny Reid gives his pointers on how to think through the issues biblically
Polyamory is becoming normal. Here’s how Christians can respond
Writing during the Week of Visibility for Non-Monogamy, which aims to “normalise” relationships of three or more people, Andrew Bunt suggests three ways Christians can prepare to face new questions on sexual ethics
If my loved one doesn’t know Jesus, will they still go to heaven when they die?
The death of a someone close to you is a deeply painful time. When they don’t have a Christian faith, or we don’t know what they believe, it can be even more difficult. Will Dobbie recounts his own experience and offers some hope
'Scrapping the cap' on faith schools is good news for everyone, not just Catholics
New Catholic schools in England will no longer have to offer 50 per cent of their places to children of other faiths, according to a recent government announcement. James Somerville-Meikle says the news marks "a huge moment of excitement” for Catholics, and everyone who values parent choice
Christians can help solve Britain’s ‘boy problem’. But we need to speak the truth
As a recent The Telegraph articles announces that “Britain has a boy problem”, and statistics show men and boys lagging behind, James Mildred says one answer is for the Church to be bolder in speaking God’s truth about marriage, family and equality
Baptist Ministers still can’t enter same-sex marriages – I wish they could
As the Baptist Union votes to uphold its historic teaching and not permit ministers to enter into a same-sex marriage, two Baptist ministers discuss their differing views. Here, Ashley Hardingham explains why he holds a liberal position
Baptist Ministers still can’t enter same-sex marriages – I agree with the decision
As the Baptist Union votes to uphold its historic teaching and not permit ministers to enter into a same-sex marriage, two Baptist ministers discuss their differing views. Here, Chris Goswami explains why he believes marriage is between one man and one woman.
Is the law on abortion about to change?
It may soon be possible for women to have an abortion up to term for any reason via pills by post. Pro-life groups have reacted with horror to the proposals.
Debra & Josh Green: Faith, family and spiritual warfare
Debra Green OBE was planting churches, preaching and pioneering social action work when few female leaders were moving in those spaces. Ahead of Mother’s Day, she’s joined by son, Josh Green, who leads youth ministry for 24-7 Prayer, to discuss prodigal sons, working in ministry and what happened when the police arrived on their doorstep
Why I’m raising a glass to older women
Ahead of International Women’s Day, Chine McDonald pays tribute to the wisdom of older women
Is the Church of England still institutionally racist?
It’s three years since the Church of England pledged a sweeping programme of reform to overturn racist culture in the Church. Following Racial Justice Sunday, Tim Wyatt asks what progress has been made
8 top tips for wise Christian dating
Just because you’re on a Christian dating site doesn’t mean that everyone you meet there will share your views on love, sex and marriage, says Abigail Thomas. In fact, her research showed just the opposite
How Valentine’s Day and Lent both point to God’s perfect love
Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday fall on the same date this year. But what do a commercialised day celebrating romance and a period of religious fasting have in common? A surprising amount, suggests Andrew Bunt
Should Christians attend a same-sex wedding?
It is an incredibly complex issue, says John Stevens, but not one we should divide over
The complicated case of Russell Brand’s (sort-of) conversion
How do we cheer on someone’s walk towards Christ without minimising the pain of their past actions? As Russell Brand speaks of needing a personal relationship with Jesus months after being accused of sexual offences, Emma Fowle explores
Why Christian parents of LGBT kids are afraid to talk
Parents who are wrestling with issues of sexuality and gender in their family are too scared to admit they hold traditional Christian views, warns Sarah Sedgwick
From Northern Ireland to Syria: 5 modern day peacemakers
As the conflict in Israel-Gaza continues to escalate and the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears its third year, Abi Thomas speaks to five people who are striving to bring God’s peace in a divided and hurting world
‘The end of my husband’s life was the beginning of mine’
After the death of her husband from an asthma attack, Alisa Latty-Alleyne made a decision to follow Jesus. But leaving a lucrative career for Christian ministry was never part of the plan
Taking my nan to church on Christmas Day was the start of my own journey to Jesus
A staunch atheist, Jake Scott was not interested in God. But when he attended a Christmas mass with his nan, it unlocked something in his heart
Why sex outside marriage is a salvation issue
Christians can’t agree to disagree on sexual ethics, says John Stevens. There’s too much at stake
‘My HIV diagnosis brought me closer to God’
When Tanya* was first diagnosed with HIV, she was too ashamed to tell her family and terrified about what might happen. On World Aids Day, she shares her story of how God gave her the strength to carry on
Charlie’s Bar: How this viral advert encourages and challenges the Church
People are dying of loneliness. While pubs might provide a temporary respite, the Church has so much more to offer, says Alex Drew. Let’s introduce people to the eternal friendship of Jesus this Christmas
God, grief and a month on the farm
When Miranda Adderley was told that her unborn grandson was unlikely to survive outside the womb, she organised a countryside retreat for her family. Together, they processed their grief in the beauty of nature, and slowly learned to see the goodness of God again
‘Falling pregnant at university made me feel like a failure. But God had a plan’
Being a single parent in the Church can be a challenging experience, says Emily Beater, as she recalls her own journey towards Jesus
‘I became a Christian after going to a light party’
Jesus wasn’t on Jodi Jackson’s radar until she was invited to a Christian alternative to Halloween. Two years later, she can’t stop praying
Francis Spufford: ‘Christianity is for adults like me, who mess up and see no way out’
The critically acclaimed author talks about swearing, messing up his marriage and why Christian art is sometimes a little bit rubbish
I could see myself in ‘White Nanny, Black Child’. I thank God his love is not limited by race
Like the children in White Nanny, Black Child. Antony Aris-Osula was a Black Nigerian placed into white foster care. He reflects on his own spiritual journey and how he found his identity in Christ
All life is sacred. The NHS is wrong to withdraw life support against the wishes of parents
Withdrawing medical treatment against the wishes of patients and families, is a sign that society does not value all lives equally, says Tim Dieppe. Human life is sacred and Christians must fight to protect it
Is the Pope in favour of blessing same-sex unions?
LGBT Catholics have welcomed a new statement from Pope Francis, which has been interpreted as opening the door to blessing same-sex relationships
Abuse and violence against women is rife. Why does it keep happening?
From Lawrence Fox’s misogynistic comments to allegations against Russell Brand and the murder of Elianne Andam, there is one common thread. Men who see women as objects. It isn’t how God created us, says Bekah Legg
Good news! The online safety bill will help protect children from porn
Age verification for pornography websites is finally being passed into law. It’s a moment of celebration for the Christian organisations, including Premier, who have long been campaigning for better protection for children.
What makes a church ‘safe’ for LGBT people?
As a gay man, Andrew Bunt says that defining a church’s ‘safety’ based on their willingness to affirm a particular sexual ethic is unhelpful and unfair. Jesus modelled a better way, and we should too
Why more Christians are homeschooling their children
Despite the Church’s best efforts, Christian belief continues to decline among younger generations. Could home education form part of the answer?
Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?
Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? is an outstanding book, says our reviewer
‘God healed me of my adoption trauma’
Being adopted left Fiona Myles with pain that led her down a dark path, but God rescued her, brought a precious daughter into her life and now she helps others find healing
‘Not having children makes me a misfit at church’
As part of world childless week, Catherine Disher reflects on her own journey, and what she wishes other Christians knew about not having children
When it comes to ideology, gender neutral school uniforms are not neutral at all
Giving students more choice over what they wear to school may be good news practically, but are the changes coming from the right place, asks Caroline Farrow? Using uniform to make a highly-contested political statement should have no place in our education system
As a Christian carer I help those with dementia remember God's love
Christian carer Tim Byron shares heartwarming stories of how God is at work among those with dementia, and says churches have a vital role to play in showing love towards its senior members
Sad, but not sorry: 5 lessons to learn from the Brian Houston trial
Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston has been acquitted of concealing the sexual abuse his father committed against a young male in the 1970s. While Houston was found ‘not guilty’ of the charge, he nevertheless has made mistakes which today’s church leaders should learn from, says Justin Humphreys
The evidence is clear - unborn children feel pain during late abortions
Pain relief is not consistently administered to unborn children during late abortions, says James Evans. It’s a subject which has gripped the Christian science teacher, and taken him on an unexpected campaigning journey
‘My grandmother’s prayers saved me’
The divorce of her parents caused a deep pain in Imogen Hill. But the faithful prayers of her grandmother started her on a path to healing – and the miraculous salvation of many of her family members
‘My wife’s death was tragic, but God is still good’
When Brad Franklin’s wife died suddenly, aged 37, she was pregnant with the couple’s seventh child. Four years on, Brad reflects on returning to ministry, widowhood, remarriage and glorifying God in our suffering
Same-sex spaces aren’t a matter of faith, but safety
The alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl in a gender neutral secondary school toilet isn’t surprising, says Caroline Farrow. But it should remind our government why new schools guidance is urgently needed
Was the sexual revolution a mistake?
Christians have long lamented the liberal attitudes brought about by the sexual revolution, but now secular thinkers are starting to agree. Feminist campaigner Louise Perry joins Christian commentator Rod Dreher to discuss whether ancient biblical wisdom holds the answers to modern maladies
'More money, vicar?' Why clergy are asking for a pay rise
Church of England clergy have asked for a pay rise for the first time in history. They're asking for a 9.5 per cent increase in their stipend. Lucie Walsh explains why its so needed
Christians who challenge transgender ideology are not 'aggressive'
A senior member of the Church of England has hit out at Christian Concern for allegedly "aggressive" behaviour when it comes to transgender issues. Andrea Williams says the comments were "blatantly unfair"
Sex education: Should you be worried?
With reports that school children are being given highly inappropriate lessons on sex, gender and relationships, the Prime Minister has ordered an urgent review. Tim Wyatt speaks to the Christian campaigners who are sounding the alarm
‘I have a terminal cancer diagnosis, but I’m excited about the future’
Paul Garratt is no stranger to suffering. It seems a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over has been poured into his lap. And yet, he is trusting that God will do something beautiful through his life
‘God helped me forgive my dad’
After years of toxic behaviour, the relationship between Catherine Disher and her dad was strained. But in the moments leading up to his death, she witnessed God working in his life. What happened next astonished her
For an alternative to Andrew Tate’s toxic masculinity, look to Jesus
Andrew Tate’s message of self-autonomy and high value is appealing to young men who see little hope elsewhere. But in Jesus’ instruction to the apostles, we see a different model of masculinity, says Mark Birkett
We urgently need to reach older adults with the gospel. I believe hymns can help
Pippa Cramer has always loved working with older people. But when she couldn’t find a way to share the gospel with them, she turned to their favourite hymns for help and inspiration
I was a Black child in care. Here’s why I’m passionate about fixing the system
Black children are more likely to end up in care, and less likely to be adopted. If we want to pursue God’s heart for justice, we need to address the racial inequalities that exist within our care system, says Simon Jay
Banned Christian teacher speaks out: ‘Students had a vendetta against me’
Joshua Sutcliffe has been found guilty of “unacceptable professional conduct” and banned from teaching by the regulator for mis-gendering a pupil and failing to safeguard their emotional well-being. In this interview with Sam Hailes, the 33-year-old hits back, accusing the students of telling lies, and the regulator of being prejudiced against Christian beliefs
Thousands of Christian teachers are at risk of losing their jobs for holding biblical views on trans
For every one teacher such as Joshua Sutcliffe, there will be thousands of other Christian teachers who hold to the same biblical beliefs about gender and sexuality. And though they may not communicate these beliefs in precisely the same way, each of them, sooner or later, may have to make costly decisions, whether the repercussions are minor or major. That’s the view of Lizzie Harewood from the Association of Christian Teachers. What do you think?
The Church of England's safeguarding crisis explained
Survivors are losing trust in the Church of England's ability to do justice in cases of abuse, while a leading bishop says his name has been unfairly “besmirched”. Rosie Dawson has the full story
Ofsted’s problems are theological: here’s how to fix them
Nick Megoran has interviewed dozens of teachers and church leaders in order to understand how we can better manage and motivate people in the workplace. As the suicide of head teacher, Ruth Perry, continues to cast a spotlight on Ofsted inspections, Nick argues that our theology of success needs to change
The Bible doesn’t gloss over grief, and neither should we
When Amanda Held Opelt suffered a season of loss - including three miscarriages and the death of her sister, Rachel Held Evans - she was confronted with sorrow she didn’t know to how face. Why do so many Christians insist on an immediate, redemptive story arc when they experience suffering?
I’ve been researching domestic abuse in Black majority churches. Here’s what survivors have told me
Dr Ava Kanyeredzi has co-authored a new study on attitudes toward domestic abuse in Black majority churches. Her research suggests some churches tend to protect the abuser rather than the victim
Should parents punish children?
Bible scholar Tom Wright gives his answer
Augustine would be baffled by Joshua Butler’s sex article
Dr Beth Felker Jones believes a now removed article on The Gospel Coalition takes the biblical metaphor connecting God with marriage and turns it into a porn-inflected ode to intercourse
If we cancel Josh Butler, we may have to do the same for St Augustine
Pastor and author Joshua Ryan Butler may not have formulated his ideas about sex as carefully as he might have done, but he is certainly on to something profoundly Christian that has a long and rich heritage, says Tony Wilson
‘My daughter’s heart stopped as I watched on helplessly’
When 14-month-old Liberty Feesey visited her GP with a persistent cough, her father, Paul, had no idea that only 24 hours later she would be in intensive care fighting for her life
The pro-life cause we’re overlooking
My husband and I have just finished shared parental leave for the second time. This time, I returned to work six months after the birth of our second son as my husband started three months of staying at home to look after him. I’ve been fascinated by the range of ...
‘The closer I got to the doors, the greater the sense of God’s presence’
Tens of thousands of worshippers have flocked to the rolling revival meeting at Asbury University over the past 14 days. The national director of Vineyard in the UK and Ireland, Debby Wright joined the crowds and filed this report while on a plane back home
It’s been a bad week for men in the news. Jesus is the only answer
This week’s most-read news stories have involved men behaving abhorrently. Christian Vision for Men’s Jon Stockley says the only antidote to the relentless surge of toxic masculinity is for men to imitate Christ
Why I’m taking legal action against my son’s school for promoting Gay Pride
Children go to school to learn to read and write, says Izzy Montague, not to have a political agenda forced upon them that conflicts with their religious beliefs. It is time Christian parents said: ‘Enough is enough!’
A former sex coach investigates - What does the Bible really say about sex?
When Kate Orson became a Christian, her understanding of sex was turned upside down. As she grappled with past trauma and what the Bible says about our most intimate relationships, she found herself deeply challenged
Editor’s picks: 15 best features from 2022
Premier Christianity has been at the forefront of unpacking all the big stories of 2022 from a distinctly Christian perspective. Here’s a round-up of our favourite long-reads the year
From domestic abuse to new creation
Autumn Miles was trapped in an abusive relationship, until a powerful encounter with God during the depth of her despair set her on a path to freedom
Like Stormzy, my son was stabbed. Here’s 4 things the Church can do to tackle gun and knife crime
As Stormzy speaks about being stabbed and two men die in Brixton, Pastor Lorraine Jones Burrell shares her experience of losing her son to street violence, and encourages the Church to do more
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.
I used to feel like a girl trapped in a boy’s body. But now I know God created me male
Andrew Bunt wrestled with his identity for many years before reading the Bible helped him find peace. He welcomes new NHS guidelines, which acknowledge gender-questioning young people may be experiencing a transient phase
Sex is a good gift from God. But it isn’t easy when you have a chronic illness
Sex is often challenging to talk about. But as a Christian with a long term chronic illness, it can be even harder. Here are some of the lessons Fiona Smith has learned over the years
‘My wife had a psychotic episode, then I was diagnosed with incurable cancer. Here are 16 lessons we're learning in God's classroom'
Serious illness has brought my wife and I closer to one another, and closer to God, says Alan Palmer, as he lists 16 spiritual lessons he's learned in the midst of crippling treatment for blood cancer
Don’t remove your children from school if they encounter trans pupils. It’s an opportunity to talk about difference
Equalities specialist Savitri Hensman says this Christian couple missed an opportunity to prepare their children to live in a sometimes confusing world
Thank God for this Christian couple who forced the government to review its transgender policies
The result of Nigel and Sally Rowe’s five-year legal battle on transgender ideology in schools is a win for all children, says Caroline Farrow
'A simple invitation to a brilliant Christian camp changed my life'
A simple invitation radically altered the course of Tony Uddin’s life
TikTok is helping us reach millions with the gospel
Just months after posting their first video, John and Jade Reynolds Christian content is reaching millions. John explains how you can use this social media platform for the Kingdom
The CLC’s involvement in the Archie Battersbee case gave Christians a bad name
The way the Christian Legal Centre handled the tragic case of Archie Battersbee was an insult to palliative care and end-of-life professionals, argues George Pitcher
‘I was scarred by my abortions, but God healed me’
Rachel MacKenzie explains how she encountered God’s love and compassion
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
No one expects a priest to be a victim of domestic abuse, but it happened to me
Abuse can happen to anyone, even those in church leadership. When Esther* finally reached a point of crisis, she found a listening ear and practical help from Clergy Support Trust
Trans toddlers…have we lost all sense of reality?
Children as young as two can recognise their trans identity. That’s according to LGBT charity Stonewall. James Kennedy believes that abandoning traditional Christian values is leading us to a moral vacuum
Why is Generation Z leaving the Church?
Gen Z is made up of people aged 10-25. The vast majority of 'Zoomers' say they have 'no religion'. Brian Mountford has been researching why they typically reject Christian faith. Here's what he's discovered
Northern Ireland says Christian-focused RE is unlawful. Even the Church agrees reform is needed
The requirement for schools in Northern Ireland to provide Christian religious education at the exclusion of other faiths breaches human rights legislation, the High Court has ruled. Dr Andrew Brown says the Church may welcome the decision
How to raise anti-racist children and grandchildren
It’s not good enough to be merely ‘not racist’, Christians must teach their children and grandchildren to be ‘anti-racist’, says Loretta Andrews. She unpacks the distinction and provides practical tips for acting justly when it comes to raising the next generation
Jendella Benson: ‘When I was charged with money laundering I thought God would deliver me’
In this exclusive interview, the British-Nigerian novelist opens up about the unexpected conviction for money laundering which radically changed her theology and how the love and support of her church family helped keep her faith alive while her husband was in prison
'Simultaneously joyous and exhausting' 5 Christians share their stories of adoption
This year in the UK, around 35,000 children and young people will enter the care system. That’s 95 children every single day. Claire Musters speaks to five different families who have opened their homes and hearts to foster or adopt some of them
Does allowing same-sex marriage result in church decline? Here's what the numbers show
There are no growing church denominations in the UK that don’t hold a traditional view on sexuality and marriage, according to a new report. But is it that simple? Dr Ian Paul investigates
‘Archie’s faith inspired mine, I won’t give up fighting for his life’
After a tragic accident left him in a coma, Hollie Dance is convinced her son just needs more time to heal and is adamant that she’ll fight to her last breath to give it to him. She reveals how his wish to be baptised was fulfilled in hospital and how their faith is sustaining them through this tragedy
The schools bill: This state power grab threatens home education and should be resisted by all Christians
The freedom of parents to choose how their children are educated is under threat, says Ruth Barber
Two Daughters: Faith and forgiveness in the face of unimaginable horror
New BBC documentary Two Daughters follows Mina Smallman, an Anglican Priest whose daughters were stabbed to death in a London park. How did she find the strength to forgive?
How (not) to speak the truth in love
There’s a sentence that sounds to my ears like the removal of a pin from a grenade, sending me scrambling for cover and bracing for a doctrinal explosion: “I just have to speak the truth in love.”
Thank God the ‘Family Sex Show’ has been cancelled
A theatre show which would have urged children as young as five to explore ‘sexual pleasure’ has been cancelled following a fierce backlash. Catholic campaigner Caroline Farrow welcomes the news
Like Ronaldo, I lost a son. At first I wanted to scream at God. But now my faith is stronger
When Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez announced the death of their baby, it brought back memories for Ian O’Reilly, whose own son, Tristan, died days after being born at Shrewsbury Hospital. 22 years later, his faith has been tested and refined by his grief, but is stronger for it
I was 17 and homeless when Covid shut schools. The government must make it up to kids like me
Samantha Smith was studying for her A-Levels when schools were closed due to Covid-19. Like many vulnerable young people, it turned her world upside down. The education secretary has now admitted it was a “mistake” to ban kids from the classroom, but she believes the government must do more to repair the damage done
No-fault divorce would have ended my parents’ marriage 30 years ago. Today, they’re serving Jesus together
With her dad addicted to drugs and in the middle of a breakdown, Emma Fowle is convinced that a no-fault divorce would have ended her parent’s marriage. As it was, time – and the prayers of her church family – both played their part in its miraculous restoration
There’s no place for transgender athletes in women’s sport, but Christians must show compassion
A world without God at the centre has led to the mess we are observing in sport, says Jonny Reid from Christians in Sport. In an attempt to balance inclusion with competition, the emergence of trans athletes is undermining the future of women’s sport
5 reasons why we love (to hate) Netflix’s ‘Love is Blind’
The social experiment where single men and women look for love and get engaged, all before meeting in person has gripped viewers. C Allan explains what Christians can take away from it
Why single Christian women are leaving the church
If leaders don’t respond to women’s concerns about sexism, misogyny and their role in church life soon, it will be too late to stem the tide, says Dr Katie Gaddini
Child Q: A mother’s worst nightmare
After a black pupil was strip searched by police at her east London school, protests erupted. A safeguarding report found the search of the 15-year-old girl, known as Child Q, was unjustified and racism was “likely” to have been a factor. Christian barrister, Arlene Small, who attended one of the recent protests, responds
'It’s 6 months since my son took his life. The tsunami of grief has been brutal, but I still believe in a God of love'
Sharon Grenham-Thompson, also known as 'Glam Vicar', lost her teenage son Leo to suicide last year. Having been forced to face the unthinkable, Sharon explains how the devastating news has affected her faith
CODA: Why Christians should pay attention to this Oscar-winning film
Now that the world has finished talking about Will Smith’s infamous slap, can we get back to the actual films? Nathanael Smith reviews CODA
Supporting Ukrainian refugees is a colossal task, but here’s how our church welcomed a family of 17
Associate pastor Brian Whittaker welcomed 17 Ukrainian refugees to his church on Sunday
‘I walked from Cardiff to London to encourage ethnic minority young people into leadership’
Daud Irfan was six years old when his family fled persecution in Pakistan for a new life in Wales. Since then, he and his father have followed in the footsteps of their Methodist heroes, the Wesley brothers, by walking 170 miles to encourage diversity within the Church
CBBC’s Rhys Stephenson: ‘God has always opened doors for me’
The children’s TV presenter and Strictly star says he’ll never be ashamed to talk about his Christian faith
'800 people became Christians at the last Spring Harvest. Now is the time for the Church to come together again'
With just weeks to go, Spring Harvest's CEO tells us how the biggest Easter celebration on the Church’s calendar is set up to bring physical and spiritual refreshment
As a Christian man I know my role is to protect my family, but Will Smith was wrong to resort to violence
Christian men should be protective of their families, but we must not imitate the world’s methods. Jesus shows us a much better way, argues Carl Beech
‘Cancer has caused my faith to soar’
When she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer, Fi Johnston wondered if her faith would stand the test
What a group of centenarians taught me about the origins of Mother's Day
The author and BBC broadcaster Tessa Dunlop unpacks the origins of Mother's Day and explains how both the Second World War and American influence helped popularise what was formerly a purely religious day
Why I avoid church on Mothers Day
Lizzie Lowrie explains why some people find going to church on Mothers Day so hard
‘My Christian son was abducted by a drug gang’
Michael’s mother was astonished to discover her polite, well-behaved teenage son, who attended church regularly, had been recruited by a drug gang
‘Everything mum told me was a lie’
Helen Naylor grew up thinking she was the daughter of two disabled parents, but a discovery in adulthood turned her world upside down
Genelle Aldred: ‘Jesus wouldn’t fit in most of our churches’
The journalist and activist was just 19 when an unplanned pregnancy ended in the stillbirth of her daughter. It was an experience that still drives her to tackle inequality wherever she sees it
Want to get the missing generations into your church? Look at the science
If the Church wants to reach the missing generations, it needs to learn from the science, says Darrell Hall. Truly intergenerational churches are not silos but families that are equally represented, and equally invested in
Will Covid empty the pews?
Only a third of younger Christians intend to return to church regularly after the pandemic
Rachel Gardner: The ‘God Sex Lady’ on why the Church needs to get better at bedroom talk
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Rachel Gardner says discussing sex may make us squirm, but not talking about it is far worse
Wrestling with biblical teaching on gender inspired my award-winning photograph
‘Wonder Boy’ has just been nominated for the prestigious Portrait of Britain award.
What retracing Jesus’ desert trek taught me about the kindness of strangers
After Jesus’ birth came a dramatic journey through a hostile wilderness. As Dan Morrice follows in Christ’s footsteps he considers how the lessons Jesus learned in the Negev desert shaped the man he became
Inside the Christian campaign to end homelessness
During the first lockdown, thousands of rough sleepers were housed by a government scheme. But 20 months later, homelessness is back to pre-pandemic levels. We speak to the Christian charities who are working to end homelessness once and for all
I was a heroin addict but Jesus turned my life around. Now I'm helping others make a fresh start
Chaz was sexually abused as a child, addicted to heroin and has spent twelve years in prison. Yet thanks to a fresh start at a Christian housing project, he has turned his life around. Now, he’s doing the same for others
Why I invited a 17 year-old Afghan refugee to live with my Christian family
Jesus extended hospitality to all, and so should we, says Dan Morris
‘I’m transgender and I love Jesus’
Chrissie Chevasutt battled gender dysphoria for decades. They explain how a dramatic encounter with the Holy Spirit during a transgender dressing appointment changed everything
A national day of prayer for schools has been launched. Here’s how you can take part
As children go back to school today, we need churches that will commit to praying for our nation’s schools, says Pete Baker
A Mind Of Their Own - Katharine Hill
At a time when anxiety and low self-esteem are on the rise, Katharine Hill, UK director for Care for the Family, gives the reader helpful principles for raising children in a postpandemic world. The end goal? Encouragement that young people can still become confident, resilient and secure adults.
How to grow old faithfully
The Bible doesn’t talk about retiring, says Carl Knightly. Whatever age we are, we still have value, worth and a part to play in the family of God
Teenagers want to study religion, but hundreds of schools don’t offer RE
One-third of secondary schools do not provide RE for their 14-16-year-olds. The subject has been neglected for too long, and more investment is needed from the government, says RE teacher Ben Wood
The Courier: 3 lessons Christians can learn from Benedict Cumberbatch's new film
Benedict Cumberbatch’s new film The Courier is not just a Cold War thriller or an engaging personal story, says Krish Kandiah. It offers us a vision for friendship in the face of loneliness and provides a powerful metaphor of the Church’s role in our divided times
Black Widow: Superheroes are having an identity crisis
Black Widow represents a transition from one generation of heroes to the next, amid the the movie industry’s struggle to make sense of the superhero in the postmodern world, says our reviewer
Churches are desperate for youth workers. So why can’t they find any?
Low pay, short term contracts and heavy recruitment into church leadership is resulting in a critical shortage of youth and children’s workers says Paul Friend of South West Youth Ministries. But who is to blame and what can we do about it?
Does the Church still care about abortion?
Activists say most churches are silent on pro-life issues. Heather Tomlinson asks if Christians are avoiding the subject and, if so, why?
The Christian faith of Mumsnet co-founder Carrie Longton
The co-founder of Mumsnet shares her insights on faith, leadership and work-life balance
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.
'God told me to home educate my child' - why one Christian parent joined the growing ranks of home schoolers
The number of children being educated at home has risen by 75% this academic year, with "Covid anxiety" being listed among the reasons. Megan Wilkie, who recently took her daughter out of school, tells us about the highs and lows of being a Christian home educator
5 ways to help your kids love the Bible
If we want our children to understand why scripture is relevant to their lives, we need to stop dumbing it down, says Krish Kandiah
Does the Bible prohibit sex before marriage?
Last week the Methodist Church affirmed the status of cohabitation. Many Christians have assumed the Bible forbids sex outside of marriage. But what do the texts actually say?
‘He sets the lonely in families’ - the rise of Christian adoption
Christians are twice as likely to adopt than the general population, but thousands of children are still in need of a safe, stable home. Emma Fowle explains how every Christian can help create an environment where children can thrive
3 reasons why you need to watch Anthony Hopkins in The Father
Everyone should watch this film, says Krish Kandiah
The Church is losing an entire generation. Here’s what you can do about it
Even prior to Covid-19, the number of children and teenagers attending church services in the UK was in steep decline. But after a year like no other, is the answer going back to the way we’ve always done things, or is it time for a fresh approach?
Why abuse in church is worse than you thought
Michele Guinness shares her story of sexual abuse, and says every Christian must play their part in forging a new culture of respect between men and women
Friends: The lasting legacy of TV’s most popular sitcom
With just 10 days to go until the Friends reunion, Jamie Cutteridge considers how the show has connected with young and old alike, and what Christians can take away from it
What is a 'naked wedding' and why should Christians have one?
An estimated 127,000 weddings were cancelled last year, as couples chose to postpone their nuptials in the face of ever-tightening Covid-19 restrictions. But speaking ahead of National Marriage Week, Charlie and Emily explain how their Christian faith inspired them to go ahead with their special day
How God brought our marriage back from the brink
After a period of separation, Claire and Steve Musters were determined to make their marriage work. During a time of rebuilding, they were challenged by their marriage counsellors to think back to what drew them together in the first place. They realised many of their ideas about marriage had been fuelled by cultural rather than biblical ideals – and they don’t think they are the only ones…
Drawers, doors and the key to a healthy marriage
Dr Gary Chapman may have written bestselling books on marriage, but the early years of his own relationship were a mess. Here he reveals how God challenged him to change his attitude towards his wife – and what a difference that made
Gemma Hunt: How a prophetic word inspired the CBeebies presenter to work in TV
A prophetic word at Soul Survivor inspired the then-teenage Gemma Hunt to pursue a career in the media. She has gone on to front CBeebies’ Swashbuckle, BBC One’s Songs of Praise and even the Alpha film series
Rev Chris Lee: The viral vicar of Instagram
He has more followers than the Archbishop of Canterbury and tens of thousands watch his 60-second sermons. BBC News has dubbed him “an internet sensation”, but what message is Rev Chris Lee seeking to communicate?
Kim Phuc Phan Thi: How the bombs led me to Christ
Known as ‘Napalm Girl’, Kim Phuc is recognised globally as the nine-year-old running from a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. The image was recently voted the most iconic photo of all time. Kim explains why practising forgiveness can be transformational
‘I saw angels hovering over my daughter’s body’
Nadim Ednan-Laperouse describes the moment his daughter, Natasha, had a severe allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger sandwich and died by his side
Louie Giglio: The Passion founder says he's no longer relevant
The founder of the Passion student movement reflects on changed lives, purpose in suffering and why he’s no longer relevant
Rob Parsons: The master storyteller reflects on 30 years of Care for the Family
As his long-running Premier Christianity column draws to a close, Rob Parsons chats about his ministry with Care for the Family, the disruptive nature of technology and the power of vulnerability
‘I used to be a lesbian’
Jackie Hill Perry was in a relationship with a woman and had no interest in Christianity, until a revelation of both God’s judgement and love turned her life around
Rachel Gardner: Meet the sassy youth worker on a mission to put courage into the next generation
The popular speaker, youth worker and campaigner also known as the 'God Sex Lady' tells Sam Hailes why courage is more important than confidence
Preventing adultery
The Jews of Jesus’ day devised a clever way to encourage marital faithfulness. Should the Church implement something similar?
Building real relationships is a messy business
Authentic faith and effective evangelism require the courage and compassion to invest in deep relationships. I thought StoryHouse, our new missional coffee shop, was good at this, but now I realise we’re still amateurs.
The forgotten generation
The elderly are often overlooked by the Church. But running a memory café for people with dementia has led to a rebirth of Rev Steve Morris’ congregation. He explains how every church can help combat loneliness
Catch them doing something right
I still remember the advice given to my wife and I by a parenting expert many years ago: “Catch them doing something right.” He was particularly talking about the more testing child who is generally only used to negative comments: “Don’t hit your sister!”, “Don’t gobble your food!”, “Don’t speak ...
Finding the father I lost
Family breakdown and estrangement from her father led Amanda Pilz to question everything. She relates how the pain of her journey has led to wholeness
A litmus test for orthodoxy
The Evangelical Alliance’s decision to remove Steve Chalke’s organisation Oasis from membership raises the question of what defines an evangelical today. Justin Brierley reflects on why homosexuality has become the latest tipping point.
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