News Analysis
Gen Z’s first revival? What really happened at Asbury University
An estimated 50,000 people descended on the tiny town of Wilmore, Kentucky as spontanteous 24-7 prayer and worship broke out on a university campus. Tim Wyatt reports
Explainer: The anointing of King Charles III and why it matters
Holy oil for the anointing of King Charles III at his coronation on 6 May has recently been consecrated in Jerusalem. Catherine Pepinster explains the significance of anointing kings, why this oil is special and how its consecration was such an historic moment
This brutal shooting is a reminder of ongoing divisions in Northern Ireland
Below the surface of normality that has been a product of the Good Friday Agreement, the threat of sectarian violence has never totally gone away. Historian Martyn Whittock unpacks the context that led to Wednesday’s shooting of an off duty police inspector in Omagh
The new way churches are fighting food poverty
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, Tim Wyatt takes a closer look at the rise of social supermarkets
Explained: What is the Shroud of Turin and is it evidence of Jesus’ resurrection?
Controversy has swirled around this claimed burial cloth of Christ ever since its discovery. If the Shroud is genuine, its arguably the most significant relic in existence
Explained: What the Church of England has decided about gay relationships
Clergy in the Church of England will be able to host services of blessing and thanksgiving for couples on same-sex relationships, but not marry them. Here’s what that means
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
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?
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
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
2022’s biggest Christian news stories
As the year draws to a close, Tim Wyatt looks at the most significant stories for the UK Church and beyond
Is Christianity declining in England and Wales?
The traditional expression of Christianity that was once part of England’s cultural fabric is waning, the recent Census results suggest
Should church leaders be forced to break confidentiality and report abuse?
If the Government brings in mandatory reporting, church leaders would be legally bound to disclose any instances of abuse they hear about during Confession. Would the move bring necessary reform to protect society’s most vulnerable, or constitute unjust interference with religious freedom? Tim Wyatt speaks to those on both sides of the debate
Jair Bolsonaro: How the ‘Trump of the Tropics’ won the backing of evangelical voters
As Jair Bolsonaro concedes defeat in Brazil's presidential election, we look at the controversial politician’s rise to prominence, and the Catholic faith that drives him
Should the Church pay reparations to atone for slavery?
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?
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
‘Close your school or we kill the girls’ – Why fundamentalist Islam is running rampage in Afghanistan and Iran
Women are an easy target for Islamic fundamentalists.
Praying for patients – punishable or permitted?
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
Will King Charles III defend the faith?
The Queen was perhaps the most visible – and admired – Christian in British public life. But how will her son’s faith influence his rule?
Giorgia Meloni: Who is the new Italian prime minister invoking the name of God?
Giorgia Meloni is set to become Italy’s first female prime minister, but don’t be fooled by her talk of God, says Christopher Lamb
Dante Bowe has been dropped by Maverick City. Here’s what we know so far
The popular worship collective Maverick City has cut ties with singer Dante Bowe. In a statement the band said Dante’s behaviour had been “inconsistent” with their “values and beliefs”. As fans are left confused and speculation mounts online, Heather Tomlinson reports on what we know so far, and suggests what a truly Christian response should look like
The Queen’s funeral reminds us that even monarchs are under the dominion of Christ
As we say the final goodbye to our late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, Catherine Pepinster decodes the funeral service that Her Late Majesty personally planned
Is Shia LaBeouf’s conversion for real this time?
Ahead of the premiere of his new film, Padre Pio, Shia LeBeouf has claimed playing the saint rekindled his faith. Heather Tomlinson takes a closer look at what the actor told Bishop Robert Barron in the viral YouTube interview
Will gay marriage split the Anglican Communion?
Tim Wyatt explains what happened at the much anticipated Lambeth Conference, why it matters, and what the future might hold
700 responded to Franklin Graham’s ‘God loves you’ message in London. Can he win the critics over?
Protests over his past comments on Islam and homosexuality led to the postponement of Franklin Graham’s last UK tour. But two years later, the US evangelist is back, preaching to a near-capacity crowd at London’s Excel centre. Marcus Jones was there, and witnessed hundreds responding to the Gospel
US Christians campaigned for the end of abortion. Will the British Church follow in their footsteps?
As Roe v Wade is overturned, Tim Wyatt looks at the implications for the Christian pro-life movement in the UK
Is the era of the Christian bookshop over?
It’s harder than ever to sustain a business selling Christian books. But that doesn’t mean the vision of having a Christian presence on the high street is over. Tim Wyatt reports
How to fix a problem like Hillsong
The global megachurch has been engulfed by multiple scandals in recent months. As allegations of cover-ups, affairs and inappropriate behaviour do further damage to Hillsong’s reputation, Tim Wyatt asks whether this pre-eminent Christian brand can weather the storm
Why some Christians are worried Disney is no longer ‘family-friendly’
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
91% of Christians say mental illness is stigmatised in the Church. But the solution may be simpler than you think
How mental health friendly is your church? Tim Wyatt investigates
Miracles in Ukraine
Astonishing stories of God at work are being shared on social media. Tim Wyatt explains why Christians are being urged to respond with both praise and caution
Bruxy Cavey confessed to an affair. But Christian leaders say his sin is worse
Bruxy Cavey has admitted infidelity and resigned from leading his Canadian megachurch. But other Christian leaders say his 'confession' does not go far enough. Heather Tomlinson looks at how attitudes are changing when it comes to what constitutes abuse in church settings.
Will Covid empty the pews?
Only a third of younger Christians intend to return to church regularly after the pandemic
Politics in the Church: Row breaks out over evangelical ‘elites’
Leaders are being accused of selling out their Christian beliefs in order to curry favour with the secular liberal majority
Franklin Graham is back. But does the UK want him?
Those who believe the nation needs to hear a strong gospel message about repentance and faith in Jesus are excited to welcome the evangelist. But others aren’t so sure…
Losing faith in the BBC: Why the corporation’s religious coverage is coming under fire
A third of millennials have never even heard of Songs of Praise. And with the BBC still yet to appoint a new religion editor, many are wondering if the corporation has grown stale when it comes to Christianity…
What the Taliban takeover means for Afghanistan’s Christians
Many in the West feel powerless to help. But as Emma Fowle discovers, Christians in the UK are making a difference
Explained: Why tensions are running high in the CofE’s church planting row
One group wants to turn the established Church upside down in an effort to halt its decline. But the other faction feel just as strongly that doing so could obliterate what is most important about the Church of England
As Plymouth grieves its mass shooting, the reassuring presence of local churches is making a difference
The ability of local churches to respond immediately and be there for the long term has been vital in helping communities in Plymouth deal with grief. Emma Fowle reports
Explained: Why Hillsong’s Brian Houston has been charged with covering up sex abuse
22 years ago, Brian Houston dismissed his father from church leadership, after Frank Houston admitted sexually abusing a boy. But Australian police allege Brian failed to report the abuse, and have charged him with knowingly concealing information relating to child sexual offences. Marcus Jones explains more
It’s one year since church leaders promised to re-examine their attitudes towards racism. So, what’s changed?
12 months on from the tragic death of George Floyd, have church leaders kept their promises?
The fall of Ravi Zacharias
The woman who first made accusations against Ravi Zacharias was slandered and sued by his ministry for years. Now, upon the release of an independent investigation that confirmed the apologist groomed multiple victims with impunity, she has been vindicated
Can evangelicalism survive in the age of Trump?
White evangelicals in the USA are continuing to back Donald Trump in spite of the President's inflammatory remarks. Sam Hailes reports
Spotlight: Has the Catholic Church learned the lessons from the abuse scandal?
Pete Saunders and Peter D. Williams talk to Sam Hailes about whether the Catholic Church has changed
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2023 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud