July
The average age of Christians in the UK is going up. We must pass on the faith to younger people
According to the latest census results, Christians are getting older, with the average age now being 51. Where has it all gone wrong, asks Graham Nicholls, and what can we do about it?
Tyre Nichols’ death is a reminder that the fight against racism is not over
Reflecting on the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Black police officers, Natalie Zuze exhorts Christians everywhere to keep challenging the internalised anti-Blackness that allows such tragedies to occur
The forecast ahead of Synod is stormy. I pray we keep our eyes on Jesus
Writing ahead of General Synod next week, where bishops’ proposals on blessing same-sex couples will be debated, Bishop Jill Duff says she’s praying for courage in the midst of a threatening storm
The Fabelmans contains some awkward faith moments, but some great life lessons
Steven Spielberg’s latest film is a fictionalised account of his early life. Giles Gough takes a look at the childhood that shaped a Hollywood legend, and the faith themes contained in the movie
Yes I’m a Christian. But I’m grieving the suicide attack on a Pakistani mosque
The New Testament commands us to “mourn with those who mourn”, says religious freedom advocate Rev Johnnie Moore.
From Madonna to Sam Smith – Why do pop stars suddenly think blasphemy is acceptable?
The cross provokes big emotions of every kind, so we shouldn’t be surprised when celebrities despise and desecrate it. But free speech is a two-way street, says Tony Wilson
Julian of Norwich: Everything you need to know about the medieval mystic
In writing down her remarkable visions of God, Julian of Norwich became the first English female writer. As this year marks 650 years since Julian's classic work The Revelations of Divine Love was written, Karen Murdarasi looks at her life and legacy
200 children are missing in Britain. Where is the Christian outrage?
As the scandal of child asylum seekers disappearing from UK hotels continues to unfold, Tim Farron says Jesus doesn’t care where the missing children are from. He’s more bothered that we don’t seem to care
Tax is good and it's galling Zahawi didn’t pay it
Nadhim Zahawi’s “careless” failure to pay what he owes is yet another example of the double standards employed by those in power, says Sarah Edwards.
Everyone Else Burns: This apocalyptic comedy might offend, but it raises important questions for Christians
The new Channel 4 comedy series Everyone Else Burns portrays fundamentalist religion at its worst, but could it help Christians understand how outsiders view the Church?
8 reasons why the CofE’s same-sex proposals won’t work
Sean Doherty is a same-sex attracted Christian who has been part of the Living in Love and Faith process since the beginning. He believes the CofE needs to take more time for proper discernment over the Church’s position on gay marriage
Can Chat GPT lead someone to Christ? We put the machine through its spiritual paces…
It’s the AI software everyone is talking about. It can write essays, impersonate famous people and even give you personalised poetry. But can Chat GPT offer any of its millions of users spiritual wisdom? Our editor put the machine to the test
The royal fratricide: only the gospel can save them now
As the brotherly brawl between William and Harry dominates headlines, Carrie Lloyd considers what a Christian response should look like
Workers deserve a fair wage. Let's be praying for a just resolution to strike action
Whatever our views on the ongoing strikes that continue to disrupt our public services, Christians should be committed to praying for peace, justice and God’s wisdom, says Tim Farron
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
Why the rise of Christian Nationalism around the world is deeply concerning
The rise of the religious far right poses a serious threat to democracy around the world, says Martyn Whittock. Will conservative Christians take heed?
Seeing God in the sweet ordinary - Becky Strahle
This is a sweet set of love letter-style devotionals from Nashville-based author Becky Strahle. The small, hardback book is visually appealing, and the size makes it is easy to carry with you.
Dining with Jesus - Kate Jackson
Kate Jackson’s brilliant book is marketed as “a seven course Bible study” – seven chapters, seven meals with Jesus. It will be well received by small group leaders everywhere. There are excellent individual and group questions, quotes from biblical scholars, useful cultural insights and thoughtful reflections from the author.
Loving disagreement - Christopher Landau
Have you ever disagreed with another Christian? Do you have questions about the bounds of Church unity, or wonder at what point you should leave a church or recognise a state of disunity? Writing from an Anglican perspective, Christopher Landau’s new book aims to tackle these questions.
I wrote a worship song which said ‘let the darkness fear’. But now I’m embracing it
Darkness isn’t all bad, says Rend Collective’s Chris Llewellyn
The power of the Christian camp
Lee Musson found God on a Christian holiday as a child. Little did he know that one day he’d work for Rock UK, the organisation that owned the campsite where he first said yes to Jesus
Tim Keller: ‘I never want to go back to the prayer life I had before cancer’
The pastor and bestselling author reveals what God has been teaching him through terminal cancer
The civil servant: 'I'm deeply motivated by a God who is commited to putting the world to rights'
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet ‘ordinary’ tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
‘Farewell, Rob Bell’
We’re twelve years on from ‘Bellgate’ - the furore over the release of Rob Bell’s controversial book on heaven and hell. But Chine McDonald says the questions raised by that episode are more pertinent than ever
A Christian guide to this year’s Oscar nominations
Films play a big part in shaping our culture, says Nathanael Smith. So it’s good for Christians to know what’s going on and engage with the issues they raise. Here’s his guide to the big hitters
I escaped from North Korea. Here's why it's still the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian
Three decades after charity Open Doors began monitoring Christian persecution around the world, North Korea is more dangerous than ever for followers of Jesus. Timothy Cho, who escaped the regime, explains why that is, and why we should still be hopeful for change
The shocking truth about Christianity and the Holocaust
On Holocaust Memorial Day, Simon Ponsonby exposes the ‘Christian’ roots of the worst massacre in modern history
Ravi Zacharias’ sins of sexual abuse went undetected for years. Here are the lessons the Church needs to learn
As an explosive new report into Ravi Zacharias International Ministries reveals the toxic culture that enabled an abuser to go undetected for years, Megan Cornwell looks at the lessons for the Church
I used to be Ravi Zacharias’ spokesperson. Here’s what I’ve learned about complicity and corruption
Ruth Malhotra was working as Ravi Zacharias’ spokesperson when abuse allegations were first made against the apologist. The revelations began a journey that would take her from spokesperson to whistleblower to advocate
Should we continue to consume RZIM content?
Ruth Jackson, producer of Premier’s apologetics podcast, ‘Unbelievable?’, shares her opinion
Bishops are departing from orthodox teaching. Evangelicals must stand firm and pray for the Church of England
In an open letter to fellow evangelicals, Gavin Calver issues a call to pray for the Church of England. Its leaders must reaffirm their commitment to traditional teaching on marriage, he says
Is it ok to pray to Jesus? Or should we only pray to God the Father?
The Bible scholar gives his answer
‘Dear Justin…’ RT Kendall’s open letter to Archbishop of Canterbury on sexuality
Bible teacher RT Kendall explains why he believes the Church of England must urgently change course on last week’s decision to allow same-sex blessings
Rev Richard Coles admits he broke church rules on sex. Why won't the CofE uphold its own doctrine?
Rev Richard Coles has revealed he broke CofE rules in order to have his same-sex relationship blessed in a church. John Stevens says Coles’ actions were in direct defiance of the vows he took as a priest
Paul does condemn all same-sex activity
Responding to David Instone-Brewer’s claims that God only condemned certain types of homosexual relationships, Ian Paul argues that there is no such basis in scripture
Did Paul condemn all homosexuality?
David Instone-Brewer wrestles with the key biblical texts that appear to condemn gay sex
What losing my keys taught me about God
Jeff Lucas says God is a searcher too
Why a ban on conversion practices poses a threat to Christian freedoms
Last week, the government announced that forthcoming proposals on banning conversion therapy would now include gender identity as well as sexual orientation. Danny Webster unpicks the twists and turns along the journey so far, and explains his concerns for the Church
‘I was 8 years old when God gave me a prophetic vision. People tried to silence me, but God was faithful’
Although she grew up in a Christian home, it took a tragedy to drive Rita Vincent back into the arms of God. Through her early life in Ghana, via Nigeria to London, she’s learned that God has always been there, and his timing is perfect
‘Only Jesus’: The Christian faith of Mykhaylo Mudryk
Mykhaylo Mudryk’s tattoos tell one very clear story. Chelsea’s latest signing is (literally) wearing his faith on his sleeve
Why should parishioners receive communion from female clergy when their bishop won’t?
There are still many unanswered questions in the appointment of the CofE’s first diocesan bishop who does not ordain women, says Martine Oborne. What message does it send to female clergy? And how can they be expected to flourish in an environment where institutionalised discrimination still exists?
‘We can’t bless what God curses’ and 4 other reasons why I’m opposing the CofE’s heretical same-sex blessings
Blessing same-sex relationships is a change in Church doctrine, says Rev Dr Lee Gatiss, no matter how hard bishops try to argue otherwise.
Whatever your views on gender and sexuality, Christians must listen to one another
Taking sides without properly listening to the arguments that don’t match our own may be the undoing of us, says George Pitcher. Stop your ears at your peril
A famous atheist endorsed my book about Jesus
Michael Coren has been trying to break down barriers between atheists and Christians. He explains how his approach is resulting in small victories
7 things climbing Mount Kilimanjaro taught me about faith and justice
When Esther Swaffield-Bray set out to climb Africa’s highest peak, she had no idea of the lessons she would learn along the way
What now for the Church of England and gay marriage?
After years of debate, the Church of England could be weeks away from changing its position on same-sex marriage. But will the outcome satisfy either side? Tim Wyatt looks ahead to what may happen
Christians can support striking workers in good conscience
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
Why Bishop North’s appointment is good news
The appointment of Rt Rev Philip North as Bishop of Blackburn was not universally welcomed last week, with some expressing concern that Bishop North doesn’t ordain female priests. But Rt Rev Jill Duff, who oversaw the consultation on his appointment, explains why, as a woman, she’s excited to work with him
The new Bishop of Blackburn opposes female ordination. Is CofE unity at risk?
The appointment of Rt Rev Philip North as Bishop of Blackburn has reignited the debate within the CofE over views on female ordination – and may have implications for upcoming debates on same-sex marriage. Can the Church find a way forward?
The CofE’s £100m fund is a step in the right direction in making reparations for slavery
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
Why the biblical story of Jacob and Esau offers hope for William and Harry
If we’re looking for hope of a royal reconciliation, it’s Jacob and Esau we must look to, not Cain and Abel, says George Pitcher
Demi Lovato’s album cover is offensive to Christians. I’m pleased the advert has been banned
The singer’s blasphemy is a simply a symptom of society’s disregard for God, and the saviour he sent to give his life for ours, says Graham Nicholls
Tyler Staton’s inspiring invitation to the wonder of prayer blew me away
Saints, sleepwalkers and sceptics will all benefit from this outstanding book on prayer, says Emma Fowle
4 tech trends that will impact your life and faith in 2023
Christians have nothing to fear and everything to gain from the latest tech, says Chris Goswami. He explores the four biggest trends and explains what they may mean for society and the Church in the year ahead
Prince Harry is hurting. Christians need to show compassion
Prince Harry has been vilified for his tell-all memoir, but Rev Canon Yvonne Richmond Tulloch says Christians should show compassion for a man processing unresolved grief
Christians rioting in Brazil are undermining democracy in the name of Jesus
The recent riots inside Brazil’s governmental buildings has uncomfortable echoes of the storming of Capitol Hill, and in both cases Christians played a central role, says Martyn Whittock
There are no spares in the Kingdom of God, just heirs
There is a special inheritance locked up in heaven that cannot fade, spoil or perish. It’s guaranteed for everyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ, and it's far better than anything the royal family has to offer, says James Mildred
Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe had mystical experiences of Christ. This novel explores their lives
Victoria MacKenzie’s debut novel imagines a meeting between two famous 15th century mystics, Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe. Jennie Pollock says the book brings colour and life to the women’s theology
The 4 biggest issues facing the Church in 2023
Contested cultural moments can provide great opportunities for a Church that bears a message of good news, says Peter Lynas
5 ways to manage your mental health in 2023
2022 was a tough year for many, says Sharon Hastings. As a Christian who lives with schizoaffective disorder, here’s her top tips for managing mental health well this new year
Don’t focus on self-improvement this new year, just resolve to love God more
Whether looking back at fond Christmas memories, or forward to new year’s resolutions, Annette Clowes reminds us that focussing on Jesus will always bring out the best in us
I’m a Christian working in the NHS. The system is broken. Here’s how you can pray for us
What you’ve seen in the news is not exaggerated, says Dr Giles Cattermole. Pray for solutions and for NHS staff, but also for the salvation of our nation, he says
Conflict within a family is hard for everyone – William and Harry are no exception
As the publication of Prince Harry’s tell-all memoir Spare continues to generate headlines, the Royal Family have thus far not spoken out. But behind the scenes, relationships must be strained. Emma Fowle offers some advice
The true meaning of Epiphany is Christ’s call to give him everything
As Christmastide draws to an end, George Pitcher reminds us of the latent hope celebrated in the Christian festival of Epiphany, and challenges us all to bring something to the party
Pelé (1940-2022): ‘God gave me the gift of knowing how to play football’
Earlier this week, thousands of Brazilians lined the streets for the funeral of footballing legend, Pelé. His traditional Catholic send-off reflected a life of faith in God, if not a life lived perfectly, says Emma Fowle
Andrew Tate’s behaviour is abhorrent. But when I prayed for him, God did something surprising
When Tony Wilson first read about Andrew Tate in the newspaper, he thought he was a monster. But when he prayed about the situation, God broke his heart in surprising ways and challenged him about his own lifestyle
Former teacher Sonya’s rewarding role in the care sector
At Pilgrims’ Friend Society, we invite people to discover a rewarding role in the care sector at any stage of life. Our Hummingbirds are dedicated to connecting with those living with dementia, supporting all aspects of their life, including spiritually.
‘Father, into your hands we commend Pope Benedict’s spirit’ - Read Pope Francis’s funeral homily
Pope Francis paid tribute to the life and service of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Read the text in full here
11 ways to develop a healthy Bible reading habit in 2023
Are you yearning to make your Bible a priority this year? Here’s how you can succeed
Bill Latham (1938-2022): The gifted communicator who brought Cliff Richard to faith
Best known as Cliff Richard’s right hand man, Bill Latham was a phenomenal Christian communicator who brought many into God’s kingdom says Gill Snow
You too can change and save lives!
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Jeff Lucas: ‘A night intruder tried to break into my house’
Night intruders are usually experts in stealth.
KXC's Tom Eccleshall: My top 8 songs
Tom has overseen worship at KXC, an Anglican church in King’s Cross, London, for the past twelve years. KXC have released a number of recordings and their songs are sung internationally
The sexual reformation - Aimee Byrd
The Song of Songs is a controversial book. Erotic poem or allegory of Jesus’ love for the Church? Aimee Byrd’s latest offering sets out to explore this often-misunderstood portion of scripture, using it as a lens through which to explore the issue of male-female relationships.
Faithful disobedience - Wang Yi and others
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”.
The Jehu Plan - Alvin Davies
Alvin Davies describes his eight-week daily reading plan as “Biblical wisdom for racers, speed-junkies, grease monkeys and pilgrims in a fast world”. The title of the book is taken from 2 Kings 9:20: “The driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi – he drives like a maniac.”
Subversive Mission - Craig Greenfield
Craig Greenfield’s Christian life has been a wild ride. After growing up in New Zealand, he lived in a Cambodian slum for seven years, where he and his wife raised two children. After that they moved their young family to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, running an open house among the drug ...
Why did God send angels to minister to Jesus?
In her debut column, Dr Lucy Peppiatt wonders why Jesus needed something more than the Holy Spirit to comfort him in the desert
‘I was dabbling in paganism and taking cocaine. But then God called my name and I’ve never been the same’
A series of miraculous interventions while at university saw Jo Hargreaves turn her back on paganism and drug taking. At the same time, hundreds of miles away, God was working in her family
Deny yourself: How to bring your appetites and desires to order in 2023
By rekindling our rich tradition of self-denial, Christians in the West will reap an abundant spiritual harvest and learn to cope better with life’s painful losses, says Tony Wilson
Megachurch leader Jack Graham: ‘Being a pastor is the world’s worst profession…but the greatest calling’
Sam Hailes meets the pastor of one of America’s largest churches to talk Trump, trauma and how he guards himself from temptation
Wired for love: How your upbringing affects your relationship with God
What happens in your early years can have profound consequences on the way you connect with God, says Christian therapist Krispin Mayfield. But regardless of whether your childhood was happy or horrendous, we can all experience more of the love of a good Father
God’s Undertakers: ‘We constantly pray that families encounter God’s peace in their grief’
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
My new year's resolution: Stop trying to make church sound attractive
I have spent much of my career trying to improve the Church’s PR. As part of this, I wanted to write an article on why I still go to church and why you should, too. It was going to be one of those numbered lists: for the music, for community, ...
Ram Gidoomal: How the Hindu turned Christian entrepreneur raised £5m for charity
The former mayor of London candidate speaks to Abi Thomas about arriving in England as a refugee, encountering Jesus in a pub and what motivated him to raise millions to help those in poverty
Most Christians don’t feel comfortable wearing a cross at work. That needs to change
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’
Megan Landreth-Smith explains how a vision from God prompted her to start a soft drinks company that is helping to end sexual slavery
What King Charles’s first Christmas message revealed about his Christian faith
King Charles III’s record-breaking Christmas Day broadcast highlighted the fine balancing act that a believing monarch in a secular society must tread, says Catherine Pepinster
As a single, working-class woman with a history of depression I tried to disqualify myself from leadership
In her her debut ‘Lessons in leadership’ column, Natalie Williams says God calls the unlikely
The robot revolution is coming…But are Christians ready?
Advances in technology mean intelligent machines are likely to play an increasingly important role in our future. But this raises serious ethical, philosophical and spiritual questions, says Dr John Wyatt
Why you should stop saying ‘God told me’ in 2023
RT Kendall explains why your New Year’s resolution should be to drop this common phrase
Pope Benedict XVI (1927-2022): ‘God’s Rottweiler’ was an outstanding theologian
Catherine Pepinster reports on the varied life and ministry of the late pope, who died this morning
More than a scholar, Pope Benedict XVI was a kind man who shaped my life
Pope Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95. The leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, pays tribute to him
‘Amazing grace’ is 250 years old. Here’s the story behind the song
As ‘Amazing grace’ marks its 250th anniversary on Sunday January 1st 2023, we look at the story behind one of the world’s most famous hymns and its author, John Newton
What can Christians expect from King Charles’ first Christmas broadcast?
Queen Elizabeth II clearly communicated her faith in her annual Christmas speech. But will King Charles? And will it give us any further insight into how he sees his role as Defender of the Faith?
Joseph's silent submission to Mary's God-given calling is real biblical manhood
Not a word in scripture is attributed to Jesus’ adoptive father. Yet in quietly caring for Mary despite the scandal that surrounded her pregnancy, he sets an example for men everywhere, says Michael Frost
Want more joy this Christmas? Follow Jesus example of service
At Christmas, we remember our Servant King, who gave up the status and privilege of heaven to take on human form. But Jesus also commands us to follow his example and serve others rather than ourselves, says Billy Hill
'It was God who made me play like this' - the Christian faith of Lionel Messi
In the days since Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy, much has been made of the spirit of Maradona guiding Messi to victory. But what of the Spirit of God, and his own personal faith? asks Tim Bechervaise
Simeon’s joy can be yours too this Christmas
When Simeon looked at the baby Jesus, he realised how significant his birth – and death – would be. It brought deep joy and peace to his heart, and it can to ours, too, says Bob Lepine
No pain, no gain: Rend Collective’s ‘Coach Chris’ has a new year’s message for you…
Chris Llewellyn has noticed a fascinating similarity between the message of the cross and the science of resistance training
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