Features

Justice

Christians can support striking workers in good conscience
2023-01-18T15:25:00+00:00By Tony Wilson
With new legislation on it’s way that would limit the rights of some workers to strike, Tony Wilson says Christians should oppose the government’s plans to crack down on industrial action
The CofE’s £100m fund is a step in the right direction in making reparations for slavery
2023-01-13T13:35:00+00:00By Mike Royal, General Secretary, Churches Together in England
The Church of England has announced a £100m fund to compensate communities for the Church’s historical benefit from the transatlantic slave trade. It’s progress, says Mike Royal
Faithful disobedience - Wang Yi and others
2023-01-04T12:37:00+00:00By Daisy Edwards
Faithful Disobedience is a series of written accounts from leaders inside the Chinese House Church Movement. It includes testimonies from six prominent Chinese voices, most notably the pastor of Early Rain Covenant Church, Wang Yi, who was sentenced to nine years in prison, charged with “inciting to subvert state power”.
Most Christians don’t feel comfortable wearing a cross at work. That needs to change
2023-01-04T09:40:00+00:00By Andrea Williams, Christian Concern
Despite Christianity being the largest religion in the UK, a recent study shows that many Christians still face discrimination in the workplace. It’s time for the Church to stand up, says Andrea Williams
‘God told me to build a business worth millions’
2023-01-04T09:36:00+00:00By Sam Hailes
Megan Landreth-Smith explains how a vision from God prompted her to start a soft drinks company that is helping to end sexual slavery
Editor’s picks: 15 best features from 2022
2022-12-19T12:04:00+00:00By Megan Cornwell, Deputy Editor, Premier Christianity
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
3 reasons why I’m still watching Qatar’s controversial World Cup
2022-11-28T12:19:00+00:00By Tim Bechervaise
We live in a world of imperfection and moral murkiness, says Tim Bechervaise. But Christians can watch and enjoy the World Cup while acknowledging the dark shadow that hangs over the tournament. Here’s three reasons why he’s not joining the boycott
I offered free domestic violence training to the churches in my town - but not one man came
2022-11-25T12:41:00+00:00By Sally Hope
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Sally Hope asks: How can we end violence against women if men won’t engage?
Awaab Ishak’s death is inexcusable. Christians should be outraged
2022-11-23T10:53:00+00:00By Tim Farron MP
We are all made in God’s image, says Tim Farron. Taking good care of the most vulnerable in our society is a fundamental part of what it means to follow Jesus
Anthony Ray Hinton: ‘I spent 30 years on death row for a crime I didn’t commit. But God had a plan’
2022-11-01T20:46:00+00:00By Sam Hailes
Sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit, Anthony Ray Hinton spent 30 years inside an Alabamian prison waiting to be executed
Police have apologised for arresting this brave evangelist. Now they need to start protecting street preachers
2022-10-21T10:40:00+01:00By Tim Dieppe, Christian Concern
The Christian apologist and outspoken critic of Islam, Hatun Tash, has received £10,000 in compensation and an apology from the Metropolitan Police after she was wrongfully arrested on two occasions at Speakers’ Corner. Tim Dieppe says the story proves that more needs to be done to protect street preachers from wrongful arrest
This MP wants to disestablish the CofE over its teaching on gay marriage. But he’s misunderstood what’s at stake
2022-10-19T12:58:00+01:00By Dr Ian Paul
Ben Bradshaw MP has called for the Church of England to change its treatment of gay people or face disestablishment. But his comments belie a misunderstanding of the Church’s current position, says Dr Ian Paul
Should the Church pay reparations to atone for slavery?
2022-10-14T15:03:00+01:00By Tim Wyatt
In looking at how the UK Church profited from slavery, calls to put right a wrong are growing this Black History Month. Should financial reparations be considered, and if so, how would funds be allocated? Tim Wyatt investigates
Why are church leaders opposing plans to move the British embassy to Jerusalem?
2022-10-14T09:54:00+01:00By Gavin Drake
A swathe of church leaders including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin are concerned about Liz Truss’ plans to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Here’s what’s going on
Abducted, married and forced to convert to Islam - this human rights atrocity must be stopped
2022-10-13T10:05:00+01:00By Tehmina Arora, ADF International
Despite child marriage being illegal in Pakistan, more than 1,000 girls are kidnapped, married to much older men and forced to become Muslims every year.
Christians, climate change is not an environmental campaign – it’s a racial justice issue
2022-10-11T10:32:00+01:00By Holly-Anna Petersen, Christian Climate Action
Instead of taking responsibility for clearing up our climate mess, Britons are pushing that burden onto Black and Brown people in the poorest communities around the world, says Holly-Anna Petersen
From Windrush to Brexit, the British Church has struggled to address racism
2022-10-06T08:18:00+01:00By Richard Reddie
As Black History Month gets underway, Richard Reddie takes a look at the events that have shaped the Church’s racial justice journey. We may not be where we want to be, he says, but there’s still time to finish the race well
Don’t remove your children from school if they encounter trans pupils. It’s an opportunity to talk about difference
2022-09-30T14:08:00+01:00By Savitri Hensman
Equalities specialist Savitri Hensman says this Christian couple missed an opportunity to prepare their children to live in a sometimes confusing world
Praying for patients – punishable or permitted?
2022-09-29T14:04:00+01:00By Mark Pickering, Christian Medical Fellowship
A Christian doctor who offered to pray for patients has agreed to attend a course on “boundaries” after settling his case with the NHS. The Christian Legal Centre said Dr Richard Scott has been “vindicated” as NHS England lawyers agreed that the doctor is free to pray with patients if he does so within General Medical Council guidance. Mark Pickering from Christian Medical Fellowship takes a closer look at the case
As the world mourns the Queen, Christians must remember there’s another family who needs our prayers
2022-09-14T08:47:00+01:00By Megan Cornwell
The death of Chris Kaba has been overshadowed by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, but black lives matter – all the time, says Megan Cornwell
As Edinburgh amends street signs, Christians must own their links to slavery
2022-09-08T10:46:00+01:00By George Pitcher
George Pitcher makes an impassioned plea for all Christians to own the sins of our collective past
Some think Greenbelt festival isn’t Christian enough – I disagree
2022-09-01T16:14:00+01:00By Rev Nathan Jones
Prominent atheist Richard Dawkins was platformed along with a distinctly un-Christian comedy and music line-up
Want to reverse church decline? Feminism can help
2022-09-01T13:51:00+01:00By Dr Niamh M. Middleton
It is ironic that feminism is contributing to the decline of Christianity when the movement can greatly enrich our understanding of Jesus’ divinity and deepen our relationship with God, argues theologian Dr Niamh M. Middleton
How our church is studying the Bible with Christians in Burundi
2022-09-01T08:33:00+01:00By Rev Dr Fiona Haworth
A church in Norwich is learning from the experiences of Christians 6,000 miles away, as two congregations come together to study the scriptures over Zoom
The Government has a moral duty to act on energy bills. Here's how Christians are playing their part
2022-08-30T14:29:00+01:00By James Mildred
From October, typical household energy bills could reach £3,549. Here’s our explainer of what the price cap means, how Christians should respond and where to go for help if you need it
The CLC’s involvement in the Archie Battersbee case gave Christians a bad name
2022-08-11T11:20:00+01:00By George Pitcher
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
Why The Christian Legal Centre fought so hard for Archie Battersbee’s right to life
2022-08-09T08:26:00+01:00By Andrea Williams, Christian Legal Centre
The courts argued it could be in Archie’s “best interests” to die. Andrea Williams from the Christian Legal Centre believes this "dangerous argument" comes from throwing off the ‘shackles’ of Christianity and the truth of God’s word
The meaning of ‘woke’ is changing. Here’s why Christians should avoid using it
2022-07-25T15:59:00+01:00By Jessamin Birdsall
Jessamin Birdsall looks at the evolution of ‘woke’
Why I am quitting my ivory tower to work with the homeless
2022-07-22T10:36:00+01:00By Lee Marsden
After 26 years of working in academia, it took a worldwide pandemic to cause Lee Marsden to reassess his priorities. Now he’s calling on Christians to invest in ending homelessness
The BBC may be trying to silence us but we’re proud to be pro-life
2022-07-20T14:40:00+01:00By Alithea Williams, SPUC
Why did the BBC recently remove references to the oldest pro-life campaign group in the world, asks Alithea Williams.
US Christians campaigned for the end of abortion. Will the British Church follow in their footsteps?
2022-07-16T12:25:00+01:00By Tim Wyatt
As Roe v Wade is overturned, Tim Wyatt looks at the implications for the Christian pro-life movement in the UK
Listening to trafficking survivors like Sir Mo Farah isn’t enough – we need to take action
2022-07-14T08:49:00+01:00By Esther Swaffield-Bray, IJM
In The Real Mo Farah, the Olympic champion bravely shares his experience of child trafficking. His story should inspire us to do more to support survivors and stop others being exploited, says Esther Swaffield-Bray
Christians can be fired for not using someone’s preferred pronouns. Here’s what you need to know
2022-07-04T15:24:00+01:00By Paul Lusk
Dr David Mackereth’s appeal ruled gender critical beliefs have some protection under law, but so do the rights of transgender people. Here’s how Christians can approach this tricky subject
‘I helped capture Saddam Hussein’
2022-07-04T08:59:00+01:00By Emma Fowle, Megan Cornwell
Eric Maddox’s pioneering interrogation techniques led to the capture of one of the world’s most wanted men. But if it wasn’t for hearing the voice of God, Eric never would have joined the military
Jendella Benson: ‘When I was charged with money laundering I thought God would deliver me’
2022-07-03T08:39:00+01:00By Sam Hailes
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
Mpho Tutu van Furth: Apartheid, my famous father and gay marriage
2022-07-02T15:10:00+01:00By Megan Cornwell
The daughter of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu explains how her gay marriage led to a break with South Africa’s Anglican Church
Lord have mercy on the Texas migrants
2022-06-30T16:03:00+01:00By George Pitcher
53 migrants travelling in the back of a lorry have lost their lives in what has been described as the deadliest human trafficking incident in US history.
Britain’s asylum resettlement plan is more colonial than reformative
2022-06-30T10:03:00+01:00By Joseph D'Souza
Britain cannot ignore its Christian roots. It must handle the complex problem of illegal immigration in a more humane way, argues Bishop Joseph D’Souza
As the future head of the Church of England, Prince Charles was right to speak out on Rwanda
2022-06-17T15:56:00+01:00By George Pitcher
Far from being contrary to his position, speaking out about Rwanda is the future king’s moral and religious imperative, says George Pitcher. And it would be a dereliction of his Christian duty not to do so
Sending refugees to Rwanda is a cynical, callous idea. The bishops are right to oppose it
2022-06-15T13:38:00+01:00By Caroline Gregory
The UK’s first asylum flight to Rwanda was cancelled after intervention by the European Court of Human Rights. With every Church of England bishop, Christian charities and even the Prince of Wales decrying the policy, it’s time the government listened, says Caroline Gregory
Two Daughters: Faith and forgiveness in the face of unimaginable horror
2022-06-13T14:19:00+01:00By Chris Goswami
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 Iraq’s Christians are rebuilding their ancient churches
2022-06-01T14:00:00+01:00By Stella Martany, Meethak Al-Khatib
When Islamic State (IS) marched into the Nineveh region of northern Iraq in 2014 and declared it a caliphate under sharia law, it destroyed one of the oldest communities of Christians in the world. Jihadists desecrated ancient churches and 50,000 Christians fled. After its capital Mosul was liberated in 2017, Al-Bishara Church was the first to reopen. Five years on, local journalists Stella Martany and Meethak Al-khatib visited on Easter Sunday to speak to the Christians tentatively reassembling their lives.
Wombs for rent: Can Christians really support surrogacy?
2022-06-01T09:30:00+01:00By Tim Wyatt
Tim Wyatt explores the ethical implications of surrogacy for Christians seeking to fulfil their God-given desire to have children
Heidi Crowter: ‘We are amazing just the way we are. Please accept us.’
2022-05-31T15:40:00+01:00By Emma Fowle
The Christian disability rights campaigner is heading back to court, continuing her fight for an equal right to life for all
Homophobia is not the problem in the gay author case. Anti-Catholic bigotry is
2022-05-31T15:20:00+01:00By Sebastian Delfs
The Archdiocese of Southwark’s decision to cancel a talk by gay author Simon James Green at John Fisher School in Purley, and its subsequent fallout has been one of the more unedifying news stories of recent weeks. The Archdiocese shouldn’t have cancelled the visit, says Sebastian Delfs, but neither are they guilty of homophobia
'My body is not a prayer request' This hilarious and heartbreaking book contains an urgent message
2022-05-31T09:46:00+01:00By Tanya Marlow
Amy Kenny's new book is a tour de force, says our reviewer
Using the Bible to sell guns is never OK
2022-05-30T16:20:00+01:00By Emma Fowle
When the gun company who made the weapon used to kill 21 people in a Texas school uses scripture to advertise their weapons, it’s time for Christians to speak up, says Emma Fowle
Why peacemakers in the Holy Land are called to disturb the peace
2022-05-23T19:37:00+01:00By Anita Delhass, CEO, International Community of the Holy Sepulchre (ICoHS)
A distruption of the status quo may be required in order to allow real peace to prevail, says Anita Delhass
Our politicians are failing us on obesity. The Bible shows us another way
2022-05-20T09:02:00+01:00By George Pitcher
Food policy and Christian ministry are indistinguishable, says Rev George Pitcher. That’s why addressing the fat of the land should exercise those who follow Christ’s teaching
Why some Christians are worried Disney is no longer ‘family-friendly’
2022-05-13T13:54:00+01:00By Heather Tomlinson
A row about Disney and LGBT issues is breaking out among Christians in America. As the debate crosses the Atlantic, Heather Tomlinson looks at why this beloved institution is generating so much controversy
What just happened in the Northern Ireland elections and what does it mean for peace?
2022-05-12T14:45:00+01:00By David Smyth, Evangelical Alliance, Head of Northern Ireland
Last week, Sinn Féin become the first Republican party to emerge top at Stormont. But what exactly does that mean?
Why Christians should repent of past antisemitism
2022-05-12T13:36:00+01:00By Dr James Patrick
The Church of England has held a special service to apologise for passing anti-Jewish laws 800 years ago that resulted in the expulsion of Jews from England. But can Christians repent of historic acts they were not personally responsible for? Dr James Patrick gives his view
Nicola Sturgeon is right: abortion clinic buffer zones would breach human rights – and reduce choice
2022-05-06T15:20:00+01:00By Lois McLatchie, ADF
If something is being hindered by human rights laws, it’s usually an indicator that it’s wrong, says Lois McLatchie
Peter Hitchens: 'When I was an atheist I was even more selfish than I am now'
2022-05-05T14:30:00+01:00By Tim Farron MP
The controversial commentator speaks to Tim Farron about his journey from atheism to Christianity, and why Christian politicians should expect to be reviled by their colleagues
Roe v Wade: We need a grown-up conversation about abortion law
2022-05-05T09:04:00+01:00By George Pitcher
Christians may prefer not to engage in complex and divisive debates about abortion, but there are too many lives at stake not to take a position, says Rev George Pitcher
US Christians like me will rejoice if abortion is made illegal. And we will also care for vulnerable mothers
2022-05-05T08:45:00+01:00By Chelsea Sobolik, ERLC
We must work toward a day when abortion is not only illegal but also unthinkable, says Chelsea Sobolik
If porn is OK, what’s wrong with watching it in the House of Commons?
2022-04-29T15:07:00+01:00By Peter Lynas, Evangelical Alliance
Christians agree that porn is a dangerous subversion of God’s gift of healthy sexuality. But in a secular world where it’s widely accepted, why is everyone getting so excited about an MP caught watching it? Except, of course, if it’s not so OK after all
Cryptomania explained: What Christians need to consider before investing in Bitcoin
2022-04-26T15:50:00+01:00By Chris Goswami
Bitcoin is here to stay – but what exactly is it? How does it work? And should Christians invest?
Thank God the ‘Family Sex Show’ has been cancelled
2022-04-21T16:29:00+01:00By Caroline Farrow
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
In defence of Justin Welby
2022-04-21T08:33:00+01:00By George Pitcher
The Archbishop of Canterbury has been attacked for using his Easter Sunday sermon to lash out at the Government immigration plans. But George Pitcher believes the critics have misunderstood Welby’s message
This 76 year-old grandmother was arrested while praying. She’s still waiting for justice
2022-04-13T09:42:00+01:00By Lois McLatchie, ADF
Rosa, a 76-year-old grandmother, was arrested while walking and praying during lockdown. Due to court backlogs she is still awaiting trial.
Why our church hired an outreach worker to the transgender community
2022-04-13T08:38:00+01:00By Revd Helen Garton, URC Minister
A United Reformed Church in Oxford has become the first congregation in the UK to appoint an outreach worker to transgender people. The church’s minister explains how the decision came about
Christian nurses are facing discrimination from an intolerant NHS
2022-04-12T13:18:00+01:00By Dr Kalpana Dein
Dr Kalpana Dein believes there’s an institutional problem at the NHS when it comes to the treatment of Christian medical professionals
The week that changed the world?
2022-04-08T16:28:00+01:00By Peter Lynas, Evangelical Alliance
After gay conversion therapy U-turns from the government, high profile debates over transgender athletes and a contentious letter signed by Lord Rowan Williams and other church leaders, Peter Lynas wonders if this was a world changing week
‘Meeting the practical needs of Ukrainians is far easier than healing their emotional scars’
2022-04-08T12:37:00+01:00By Jenny Shaffer, Operation Mobilisation
Over two million Ukranians have now crossed into neighbouring Poland. Christians there are meeting the practical needs of refugees and holding out hope to those fleeing war
Pills by post makes abortion trivial. God is grieved by our actions
2022-04-01T11:27:00+01:00By Andrea Williams, Christian Concern
It is a tragedy that the biggest change in abortion law in decades has gone through with little fanfare or protest, says Andrea Williams
Child Q: A mother’s worst nightmare
2022-04-01T08:19:00+01:00By Arlene Small
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
Explained: The religious motivations behind Putin’s unholy war
2022-03-29T15:33:00+01:00By Justin Brierley
As war rages, Justin Brierley asks Ukrainian Orthodox scholar Father Cyril Hovorun and Catholic journalist Clifford Longley about the religious beliefs motivating Vladimir Putin
Invisible Divides: Class, culture and barriers to belonging in the Church
2022-03-29T14:48:00+01:00By Debbie Duncan
Natalie Williams and Paul Brown write that churches are “not reaching huge sections” of their local communities and that the unreached “are starting to notice”.
'Kingdom Race Theology' is a missed opportunity
2022-03-29T14:37:00+01:00By Jack Key
Written by the US-based pastor and author Tony Evans, Kingdom Race Theology attempts to biblically examine our ethnic identities alongside our Christ-centred identity. However, this is as deep as his theology goes. There is little consideration of the roles that experience, tradition and reason could contribute. The inclusion of “God’s ...
Interested in faith and equality? Try this podcast
2022-03-29T12:44:00+01:00By Emma Fowle
Launched in 2019 following the birth of her third child (who was given the moniker ‘Equality’ as a middle name), Becs Dhillon’s ‘Conversations on Faith and Equality’ podcast does what it says on the tin. Teaming up with her dad, Rev Nicky Gumbel, leader of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), the ...
‘I walked from Cardiff to London to encourage ethnic minority young people into leadership’
2022-03-29T10:59:00+01:00By Emma Fowle
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
As a Christian pacifist I can’t encourage Ukrainians to take up arms. But neither will I condemn them
2022-03-25T11:24:00+00:00By Symon Hill
Christians are called to follow a saviour who exemplified nonviolent defiance, says Symon Hill
Why Christians are defending Maya Forstater’s right to hold ‘normal’ views on gender
2022-03-14T19:33:00+00:00By Lois McLatchie, ADF
Ten years ago, no one would have batted an eyelid at Maya Forstater’s view that “men cannot change into women” says Lois McLatchie. Nowadays, expressing such a view can result in you losing your job, she observes.
How to repair the damage caused by 400 years of slavery to Black Christians
2022-03-11T16:19:00+00:00By Richard Reddie, Director of Justice for Churches Together
The effects of slavery are still keenly felt by Black Christians today says Richard Reddie
Why the climate threat is bigger than Brexit, Covid and even war in Europe
2022-03-10T16:07:00+00:00By Tim Farron MP
Climate change still poses the biggest threat to humanity, says Tim Farron MP.
A new survey claims most Anglicans back gay marriage. But the truth is very different
2022-03-03T09:17:00+00:00By Peter Ould, Statistician and Church of England Priest
The survey claims 55 per cent of Anglicans believe that same-sex marriage is right. But the findings are being contested
‘My Christian son was abducted by a drug gang’
2022-03-02T12:34:00+00:00By Mary Deller
Michael’s mother was astonished to discover her polite, well-behaved teenage son, who attended church regularly, had been recruited by a drug gang
Cost of living crisis: 3 leading campaigners share how the Church can respond
2022-02-24T04:28:00+00:00By Emma Fowle
Faced with the aftermath of a pandemic, rising food bills and soaring energy costs, more people are finding themselves struggling to make ends meet. Premier Christianity brought together three leading activists for a roundtable discussion on how the Church can provide hope, practical help and campaign for change
Restrictions are ending, but vulnerable people like me can't 'live with Covid'. Will the Church show a better way?
2022-02-23T12:30:00+00:00By Kay Morgan-Gurr, Co-founder of Additional Needs Alliance
England is scrapping its Covid rules, including the need for infected people to isolate and other parts of the UK are in the process of relaxing many of their restrictions too. Kay Morgan-Gurr is concerned the decision risks the lives of society's most vulnerable. She's calling on the Church to ...
After George Floyd, I needed a new prayer. When thousands joined Black Liturgies I realised I wasn’t alone
2022-02-11T15:51:00+00:00By Cole Arthur Riley, Creator of Black Litugries
Ahead of Racial Justice Sunday, Cole Arthur Riley explains how racial injustice sparked her to create Black Liturgies
Technology can 'resurrect' your dead loved one. Would you talk to them?
2022-01-27T15:42:00+00:00By Chris Goswami
Artificial Intelligence is already being used to mimic the dead. If you could chat online to a loved one who had died, would you?
Rachel Gardner: The ‘God Sex Lady’ on why the Church needs to get better at bedroom talk
2022-01-27T10:39:00+00:00By Emma Fowle
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Rachel Gardner says discussing sex may make us squirm, but not talking about it is far worse
Our Christian campaign to regulate gambling is a ‘no-brainer’ and it’s gaining momentum
2022-01-24T12:06:00+00:00By James Mildred, CARE
There are vested interests at play, and the gambling industry’s reach into Parliament appears highly effective, says James Mildred. Nevertheless, he's confident that just as tobacco companies were finally forced to change, so betting firms will soon face much tighter restrictions
Wrestling with biblical teaching on gender inspired my award-winning photograph
2022-01-19T09:27:00+00:00By Marksteen Adamson, Artist
‘Wonder Boy’ has just been nominated for the prestigious Portrait of Britain award.
The Christian case for giving up alcohol this Dry January
2021-12-16T20:48:00+00:00By Emma Fowle
The numbers of people participating in the post-Christmas detox has grown exponentially. Emma Fowle finds out what it’s all about and looks at whether Christians should get involved
Jeffrey Donaldson: NI’s longest-serving MP on the faith that sustains him
2021-12-16T20:27:00+00:00By Marcus Jones
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s Christian faith has sustained him throughout his political career. But with an impending appointment to the nation’s highest political office, Northern Ireland’s longest-serving MP may still have his biggest challenge ahead
Why Christians should oppose a ‘gay conversion therapy’ ban
2021-11-29T10:45:00+00:00By Andrea Williams, Christian Concern
Pastoral ministry is a private consensual conversation, but activists are seeking to criminalise it, says the chief executive of Christian Concern
Exclusive preview: Inside the world’s largest civilian hospital ship
2021-11-26T12:22:00+00:00By Sam Hailes
The Global Mercy will offer lifesaving surgery to some of the world’s poorest communities and state of the art training for underprivileged doctors. And it’s doing it in the name of Jesus
Despite everything, Christmas endures. But don’t take this tradition for granted. Christians must live it out
2021-11-26T08:26:00+00:00By Tim Stanley
The Christmas message of hope is more relevant today than ever, and the Church should not be afraid of proclaiming it, says Tim Stanley
The petitions and prayer vigils worked. Julius Jones is saved from death row
2021-11-19T20:09:00+00:00By Ruth Clemence
After 20 years of campaigning, which included prayer vigils and singing worship songs outside the prison, the Christian family and friends of Julius Jones are celebrating a huge answer to prayer
‘My child is encountering transgender ideas at school. What are my rights as a Christian?’
2021-10-28T08:43:00+01:00By Rev Dr Helen Hall, Associate Professor, Nottingham Law School
What happens when there’s a clash of rights between transgender people and Christians?
Meet the Scottish church leader who wants to decriminalise drugs
2021-10-25T16:16:00+01:00
Scotland has the highest drug death rate in Europe. The new Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Rev Iain Greenshields, tells us that ending the criminalisation of drug possession could help solve the problem
Inside the Christian campaign to end homelessness
2021-10-25T10:53:00+01:00By Emma Fowle
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
A (non-judgmental) Christian response to Black Friday
2021-10-25T10:15:00+01:00By Jonty Langley
A relative newcomer to the UK, Black Friday is now the biggest retail event of the year. But is it a flagrant celebration at the altar of mammon or a legitimate way for businesses to drum up trade? And how, asks Jonty Langley, should Christians respond?
5 ethical alternatives to Black Friday
2021-10-25T10:14:00+01:00By Jonty Langley
If you need the deals because money is tight, then there’s no judgement from us. But if you sense that maybe your attitude to consuming isn’t what it should be, these ideas may be helpful.
Every Christian man needs to play their part in fighting misogyny
2021-10-25T10:01:00+01:00By Chine McDonald
Those of us who are raising boys have a responsibility to nurture men who will stand up for women, says Chine McDonald
Euthanasia: In search of a compassionate response
2021-09-28T11:38:00+01:00By Heather Tomlinson
As the campaign to legalise assisted dying ramps up, Heather Tomlinson explains why Christians need to reassess their assumptions about individualism and personal autonomy
Dear Boris, the cost of social care is not ‘catastrophic’. Every life matters to God
2021-09-08T09:54:00+01:00By Alexandra Davis, Pilgrims' Friend Society
Boris Johnson has raised national insurance in a pledge to end the “catastrophic” costs of social care. But Alexandra Davis takes issue with the word, and says every individual is of infinite worth to God
Faith can heal. But doctors are reluctant to have spiritual conversations
2021-08-24T16:11:00+01:00By Robin Crow, medical journalist
As evidence suggests that belief in God can have positive effects on your health, some are arguing for doctors to take a more active role in discussing faith with their patients
Baffled by non-binary? Here’s a biblical and pastoral response to trans issues
2021-08-24T15:55:00+01:00By Peter Lynas, Evangelical Alliance
Beware of strong opinions and easy answers, says the Evangelical Alliance’s Peter Lynas. Behind the rise of sometimes-confusing gender labels are real people whom Christians are called to love
The Christian entrepreneur behind the UK’s favourite jam
2021-08-24T11:49:00+01:00By Peter Lupson
It’s 150 years since William Hartley established a brand of jam that is still the market leader in the UK today
5 times the Bible was woke
2021-08-17T09:22:00+01:00By Chine McDonald
The label might be contentious, but Chine McDonald believes Christians have nothing to fear from wokeism
Does the Church still care about abortion?
2021-08-02T14:30:00+01:00By Heather Tomlinson
Activists say most churches are silent on pro-life issues. Heather Tomlinson asks if Christians are avoiding the subject and, if so, why?
‘I used to be quite literal about my faith. It’s much messier now’ - Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol
2021-07-29T14:13:00+01:00By Sam Hailes
The Mayor of Bristol tells Sam Hailes how the parable of the talents is inspiring him to fight poverty, and why he no longer views doubt as a dirty word
‘I rescue children from slavery’
2021-07-29T13:56:00+01:00By Emma Fowle
When Becky Murray visited Pakistan, her heart was broken by the thousands of children forced to work as slaves in the country’s brick kilns. So she set about buying their freedom, one child at a time
Does the Bible prohibit sex before marriage?
2021-07-07T12:02:00+01:00By Dr Ian Paul
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?
Direct Action: Is it ever OK for a Christian to break the law?
2021-06-30T19:51:00+01:00By Jonty Langley
Hundreds of Glaswegians surround an immigration enforcement van, defying the authorities, demanding that the people inside be allowed to return to their homes. The crowd chants: “These are our neighbours!”
‘He sets the lonely in families’ - the rise of Christian adoption
2021-06-30T11:21:00+01:00By Emma Fowle
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
Sexually assaulted on a mission trip: how my dream almost ended before it began
2021-06-09T12:06:00+01:00By Becky Murray
Becky Murray’s sexual assault led her to question God’s calling on her life, until she met a nine-year-old girl who made her reconsider
Arianna Walker: ‘Whatever the problem is, Jesus is the answer’
2021-05-25T13:59:00+01:00By Emma Fowle
The CEO of Mercy UK explains how miraculous financial provision has allowed them to run a residential home for vulnerable young women
Should churches remove slavery-tainted statues?
2021-05-25T13:51:00+01:00By Heather Tomlinson
In the midst of a polarised and emotive debate, the Church of England is encouraging ‘balanced, inclusive decision-making’
Investigation: Are Christians in the UK persecuted?
2021-05-25T10:35:00+01:00By Tim Wyatt
In recent years there have been a string of high-profile religious freedom cases in the news. But is it really true that Christians in the UK are experiencing persecution? Tim Wyatt speaks to those on both sides of the debate
Why abuse in church is worse than you thought
2021-05-25T09:15:00+01:00By Michele Guinness
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
What porn users need to know
2021-05-04T14:13:00+01:00By Karen Murdarasi
It isn’t just Christians who are campaigning against online porn. Shocking revelations about the industry are causing those outside of the Church to take action too
It’s one year since church leaders promised to re-examine their attitudes towards racism. So, what’s changed?
2021-04-29T19:34:00+01:00By Sam Hailes
12 months on from the tragic death of George Floyd, have church leaders kept their promises?
Reimagining Britain: God’s vision for a post-pandemic world
2021-04-28T14:16:00+01:00By Most Rev Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury says we have an unprecedented opportunity to build a global community that reflects God’s heart for the poor and respects our planet. But real change will require courage – from all of us
The emotional cost of lockdown
2021-03-25T11:57:00+00:00By Claire Musters
‘If we pull together everything will be OK.’ That was the message politicians gave us when the pandemic began. But, more than a year on, serious questions are being asked about the cost of lockdowns. Claire Musters takes a closer look at how months of isolation have affected us all
These horrific statistics prove Christian men must stand against sexism
2021-03-24T16:03:00+00:00By Bekah Legg, Bekah Legg
1 in 4 churchgoers have experienced abuse within an intimate relationship. And almost all of the women you know have been sexually harassed at some point in their lives, says Bekah Legg
The Shadow Pandemic: domestic violence and the Church during Covid-19
2020-10-26T00:00:00+00:00By Megan Cornwell
The coronavirus crisis has led to a substantial global rise in violence against women. While the Church hasn’t always been a safe place for survivors of domestic abuse, it now has an opportunity to be a light in these dark times. Megan Cornwell investigates
The problem with Body Positivity and Body Neutrality
2020-09-23T00:00:00+01:00By Caroline Pattenden
Caroline Pattenden has struggled with negative feelings about her body for as long as she can remember. She explains why the current trends of Body Positivity and Body Neutrality contain some truth, but fall short of the Bible’s life-changing message
A Christian charity pressured me to sign a non-disclosure agreement
2020-08-26T00:00:00+01:00
A writer who wishes to remain anonymous considers the ethical implications of the NDA
Conversations with the country’s most hated men
2020-03-20T00:00:00+00:00
Daniel Kerrigan is a Christian working inside UK prisons. In this extract from his diary, he lifts the lid on his time with Britain’s most infamous criminals
Heidi Crowter, Matt Dillahunty, Down syndrome... and the disturbing consequences of getting rid of God
2020-02-20T00:00:00+00:00By Glen Scrivener
Following his debate with a leading atheist, Glen Scrivener explains why rejecting Christianity can result in chilling moral consequences
Dying well: How to face death with faith and not fear
2019-10-21T00:00:00+01:00By John Wyatt
Retired intensive care doctor Professor John Wyatt shares his unique perspective on what it means to die well
Why time is running out for orphanages
2019-07-17T00:00:00+01:00By Krish Kandiah
Did you know that the overwhelming majority of children living in residential care are not orphans? Krish Kandiah uncovers the shocking truth
Why we need to talk about race
2019-06-25T00:00:00+01:00By Ben Lindsay
Ben Lindsay is a black pastor of a white majority church, who has written a new book exploring race. He explains why a push for diverse congregations isn’t enough.
The lost children of Lebanon
2018-12-10T00:00:00+00:00
ITV News at Ten presenter Julie Etchingham recently travelled to Lebanon to see CAFOD’s work supporting Syrian refugees. During the trip she kept a diary detailing her experiences
Why all your friends are going vegan
2018-09-20T00:00:00+01:00By Liz Dodd
Plant-based diets have skyrocketed in recent years, taking a fringe movement into the mainstream, but should Christians get their teeth into this new trend?
The Tipping Point: Why climate change is the biggest threat facing our generation
2018-08-23T00:00:00+01:00By Megan Cornwell
Megan Cornwell reports on the Christian case for urgent action on climate change
Faith in action: How Christians are plugging the gap left by austerity
2018-05-24T00:00:00+01:00By Megan Cornwell
As government austerity is blamed for a rise in UK poverty, Megan Cornwell reports on how churches are intervening to help those in need
Rise of the Robots: Could AI spell the end of humanity as we know it?
2017-12-13T00:00:00+00:00
The idea of a 'robot takeover' is no longer limited to sci-fi movies. As technology develops, Artificial Intelligence is becoming a reality in our world. Richard Woodall investigates
Christina Dean: The ethical fashion pioneer on a mission to change the way you shop
2017-10-26T00:00:00+01:00By Lucinda van der Hart
Searching through refuse tips for thrown away clothes may not sound very fashionable, but Christina Dean isn’t your average designer
Pro-life protestors face ban on eve of Abortion Act 50th anniversary
2017-10-25T00:00:00+01:00
Pro-life protesters could be banned from standing outside a west London abortion clinic following a “ground-breaking” and unanimous decision by Ealing Council.
God behind bars: faith stories in an immigration removal centre
2017-09-18T00:00:00+01:00By Roger Harper
The treatment of immigration detainees has made TV headlines recently. Chaplain Rev Roger Harper shares the stories of those he has prayed with behind the barbed wire fences of a removal centre
Diary of a mentally ill Christian
2017-09-18T00:00:00+01:00
Daniel Jarsdel who suffers from schizophrenia reveals what it’s like to seek help through the NHS
Why the Church needs to stop treating divorce like the elephant in the room
2017-07-24T00:00:00+01:00By Tamala Ceasar
Tamala Ceasar writes on 'The D Word'
Decriminalising abortion ‘defies common sense’ says Christian Medical Fellowship
2017-07-21T00:00:00+01:00
A vote by members of the British Medical Association (BMA) in favour of decriminalising abortion “defies common sense”, according to the Christian Medical Fellowship.
Beauty from Brokenness: These Christians are trying to restore dignity among sex workers
2017-06-23T00:00:00+01:00By Katie Stock
There are no simple answers when it comes to prostitution. Katie Stock reports
How can we stop Islamist terror attacks?
2017-06-22T00:00:00+01:00
Sam Hailes hears four different responses
God’s own country: Rethinking Christian patriotism
2017-05-25T00:00:00+01:00
Following the third national vote in just over two years, Jo Swinney looks at what nationalism might mean for citizens of the kingdom of heaven
Seeking Asylum, Finding Christ: Why Muslim refugees are converting
2017-02-21T00:00:00+00:00By Katie Stock
Increasing numbers of Muslim refugees are converting to Christianity. Katie Stock examines why it’s happening and what it means for churches in the UK
Why marriage is always better than cohabiting: my verdict as a family law court judge
2017-01-25T00:00:00+00:00
As a family court judge, Paul Coleridge saw thousands of relationships break down. He explains why it convinced him that the best way of ensuring a stable society in the UK is to strengthen marriage
Sally Phillips' Documentary Showed Us What A Godless Future Could Look Like
2016-10-20T00:00:00+01:00
“A World Without Down’s Syndrome?” made me weep says David Robertson
The social action revolution
2015-09-14T00:00:00+01:00By Sam Hailes
In the first of a three part series on Christian involvement in social action, Sam Hailes investigates the ways in which today’s Church is joining the fight against UK poverty.
Is it OK for a Christian to marry an unbeliever?
2013-08-20T00:00:00+01:00By Justin Brierley
Two women in Christian leadership on whether Christians can be ‘unequally yoked’.