Can you be arrested for praying in your head?
The Christian faith of billionaire media mogul Sir Paul Marshall
Did Kim Clement prophesy Donald Trump’s second term?
Explained: Who is Mike Bickle and what are the allegations against him?
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News Analysis
Mainstream media doesn’t cover Christianity well. What can the Church do about it?
Most newsrooms are overlooking the greatest story ever told. That’s the conclusion of a new Christianity in Media report. Anna Rees explores how Christians can ensure that positive stories of God at work get the attention they deserve
Was Michael Jackson a Christian?
Following recent reports that Michael Jackson accepted Christ just days before his death, AJ Gomez investigates the King of Pop’s faith journey
As 1,455 make decisions for Christ, Franklin Graham wants you to know that bold gospel preaching still works
Reporting from London’s ExCel where 17,000 people gathered to hear Franklin Graham preach the gospel, AJ Gomez witnessed 1,455 people making a commitment to Christ. It’s all part of a youth-driven model for evangelism which is bearing significant fruit
Explained: Who is Sean Feucht and what has he been accused of?
A former Bethel Church worship leader turned political activist Sean Feucht is facing allegations of spiritual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as financial impropriety. Tim Wyatt explains
Does Christian music have an accountability problem?
As the former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait admits to sexual sin and drug abuse, many are wondering how his behaviour could have gone undetected for so long
Premier at 30: The fight to legalise Christian broadcasting
Almost 2 million people hear the gospel message through Premier’s radio stations, magazines and more. But it wasn’t always this way
Explained: Why it’s taking so long to choose the next Archbishop of Canterbury
The election of Pope Leo XIV has focused attention on another Church in need of a new leader. Yet what took the Catholic Church just two weeks will take the CofE almost a year. Why does it take so long, and what has gone wrong already? Tim Wyatt offers his guide to the appointment of the next ABC
Explained: The Bangor Cathedral scandal
Two investigations and leaked correspondence have uncovered allegations related to bullying, promiscuity, excessive alcohol consumption, financial irregularity and safeguarding failures at Bangor Cathedral in recent years. The Archbishop of Wales is promising reforms, but there remains little clarity about what actually went wrong and who was at fault
The Catholic Church has its first US-born Pope. What do we know about Leo XIV?
Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV was an unexpected choice, so here’s what we know about the Augustinian priest who was formerly a missionary in Peru
Explained: What is the conclave and how does it work?
Scheduled for 7 May, the conclave to elect the next pope is fast approaching. As the Catholic Church prepares for its new leader, Thomas Chacko explains the origins of the conclave, how the confidential process works, and the spiritual weight behind it
3,500 churches have closed over the last decade. But is this a problem or a path forward?
As historic church buildings are repurposed into gyms, cafes and even mosques, many are fearing the decline of Christianity in Britain. But others say it could be an opportunity to refocus the Church’s mission
10,000 young people just worshipped Jesus at Wembley Arena
As thousands of teenagers gathered for the UK’s largest Catholic youth event, AJ Gomez was there to report on the hopeful message being given to the next generation
70 Christians have been beheaded in DRC. The world must act now
Christians are being targeted by Islamic Extremists in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the country descends further into war and chaos, Illia Djadi says that if the international community doesn’t intervene, this slaughter will be just one of many
A new report claims UK Christians are antisemitic. Is it accurate?
A Chosen People Ministries survey has claimed one third of British Christians endorse antisemitic tropes such as “The Jews talk too much about the Holocaust”. Sam Hailes looks at the research
Are churches being attacked by satanists?
Heather Tomlinson investigates disturbing reports from the New Forest
Who is Paula White-Cain?
Controversial televangelist Paula White-Cain is a long-standing friend of Donald Trump. But her appointment to the White House Faith Office has garnered criticism from across the political and religious spectrum. Stephanie Addenbrooke Bean takes a closer look
Explained: What you need to know about the chaos surrounding Barnabas Aid
After a tumultuous power struggle that led to the ousting of the charity’s founder, Patrick Sookhdeo, the Charity Commission launched an investigation and took control of how much Barnabas Aid can spend. Now, two individuals have been arrested in connection with a fraud inquiry. Tim Wyatt delves into the chaos engulfing one of the UK’s most prominent Christian charities
How long, O Lord? David Fletcher is the latest conservative evangelical to be exposed as an abuser
Rev David Fletcher, brother to Jonathan and named in the Makin report as being instrumental in the cover up of John Smythe’s abuse, has himself now been accused of abuse. Tim Wyatt explores what happened, and what needs to change in the conservative evangelical church world to ensure such horrors cannot occur again
Explained: Who is Mike Bickle and what are the allegations against him?
The founder of the International House of Prayer Mike Bickle sexually abused 17 people, while his ministry engaged in a cover-up. That’s according to a new independent investigation whose report was released this week
What Christians need to know about Trump’s first week in office
Tim Wyatt looks back at all the key events of the past seven days, and offers some analysis of where faith has taken centre stage
Explained: Who is Michael Brown and what are the allegations against him?
One of the most prominent apologists in the Messianic Jewish movement has been urged to step back from all public ministry while an investigation takes place into allegations he kissed and inappropriately touched a young woman
Explained: What an Israel-Hamas ceasefire might mean for the Middle East
A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has been announced. Gavin Drake explores whether, after 15 long months of fighting, peace could restored to the Holy Land
Evangelical activist or failed reformer? The triumphs and trials of Justin Welby
He brought down predatory payday lenders, turbocharged evangelism and even welcomed refugees to live with him at Lambeth Palace. But unresolved issues of sexuality and safeguarding dogged Welby throughout his tenure. Tim Wyatt looks at the highs and lows of Justin Welby’s time as Archbishop of Canterbury
The biggest Christian news stories of 2024
As a new year dawns, we round up the good, the bad and the memorable from the past twelve months
Why is the leader of a once-thriving London church being deported?
Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the now defunct SPAC Nation church, faces deportation after losing his appeal to the Immigration Tribunal to stay in the UK. George Luke explains what has taken place
Churches are burning across Europe. But why?
Deliberate arson attacks on churches are part of a wider increase in hate crimes against Christians. But who is to blame? Heather Tomlinson investigates
Can you be arrested for praying in your head?
The national roll out of buffer zones around abortion clinics is leading to more pro-life activists being arrested
The scandal that brought down the Archbishop of Canterbury
After facing mounting pressure, Most Rev Justin Welby has become the first Archbishop of Canterbury ever to resign. Tim Wyatt has the full story
Justin Welby has resigned. What happened?
The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned after a week of mounting pressure following a report into a prolific child abuser that accused the Church of England of a cover-up. Tim Wyatt takes us through the events that led to Justin Welby’s decision to step down
Is Patriarch Kirill in favour of the death penalty?
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, has said that Jesus Christ did not oppose the death penalty. Andreja Bogdanovski explains the context behind this surprising statement
Did Kim Clement prophesy Donald Trump’s second term?
Did the late charismatic leader Kim Clement accurately predict major political events? That’s what some Christians have claimed on social media. Heather Tomlinson investigates
Explained: Why Christians voted for Donald Trump
We may disagree with their decision, but our American brothers and sisters had good reasons for backing Trump, says Heather Tomlinson. We should seek to understand them
Is Kenya about to lock up evangelical pastors?
Church leaders worry that a new bill designed to crack down on rogue clerics in Kenya could be used against mainstream churches. Daniel Sitole reports
Explained: Why did this Christian baker refuse to make a gender transition cake?
The US-based baker Jack Phillips has been heavily criticised for refusing to make cakes which promote LGBT messages. After a lengthy legal battle, the Colorado Supreme Court has thrown the case out. Heather Tomlinson reports
What should we do about Russell Brand?
Russell Brand reportedly asked the evangelist J. John for help in examining his newfound Christian faith. But when a photo emerged of Brand standing alongside Christian leaders, it prompted a huge online backlash from those who feared that serious allegations regarding Brand’s treatment of women were being minimised. Can a Christian desire to welcome all, unintentionally give abusers a free pass?
‘Hiding in plain sight’ As the Mike Pilavachi report alleges abuse, here are the lessons to learn
Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi manipulated, controlled, and mistreated young people under his spiritual care, a new independent report has stated. Fiona Scolding’s report confirms the findings of previous investigations. It also contains many potential lessons for the wider Church, reports Heather Tomlinson
Millions have flocked to Medjugorje. What should we make of claimed visions of the Virgin Mary?
Last week the Vatican welcomed what it calls “abundant spiritual fruits” in the Bosnian town of Medjugorje, but has stopped short of validating the claimed Marian apparitions that have reportedly taken place there in recent years. Heather Tomlinson explains the full story
African Methodists fear aid will be withdrawn as Western church liberalises on sexuality
At its most recent conference in the USA, the United Methodist Church removed the prohibition on considering openly LGBT candidates for ordained ministry. There’s a growing divide between Africa and the West on sexuality, reports Winile Ximba
March for Life: Why is Gen Z taking up the pro-life cause?
With a record 250,000 abortions now taking place in England and Wales per year, the pro-life cause appears to be losing ground. But could the next generation of pro life activists succeed where elder generations have failed?
Are half of UK Bible colleges about to close?
One principal is predicting 50 per cent of all UK Bible colleges will close within the next two years. Is he right?
Explained: Who is Father Marko Rupnik and why are there calls to remove his art?
The disgraced Jesuit has already been excommunicated by the Catholic Church, following sexual infidelity. Now, as the Church awaits the findings of a new abuse investigation, survivors are calling for his once-popular mosaics to be taken down
Explained: How Christians are responding to the escalating Israeli-Palestinian crisis
Christian Aid are calling on the government to “immediately ban…all goods from illegal Israeli settlements.” It’s just one of many differing Christian responses to the conflict. Gavin Drake has the latest
Did this pastor correctly prophesy the assassination attempt on Trump?
The internet is ablaze with a Pastor’s apparently bullseye-accurate prophesy about the attempted murder of former US president Donald Trump. Is Brandon Biggs’ prediction accurate?
Explained: CofE approves gay blessings for a three-year trial
General Synod has agreed to trial standalone services of blessing for gay couples, as well as concessions for parishes who do not wish to use them. Meanwhile, discussions continue around marriage for gay vicars. The margins are tiny, says Tim Wyatt, but both sides seem as far apart as ever. Is it only a matter of time before schism occurs?
Explained: Archbishop Viganò has accused the Pope of heresy. What happens now?
In the first trial of its kind in over 35 years, Archbishop Viganò could be excommunicated for criticising the Pope and questioning the legitimacy of the Vatican council. Ian O’Reilly explains the case
As a Christian, who should I vote for in this year’s election?
What do Christians want from the next government? Tim Wyatt takes a look at the policies, issues and concerns that are highest on your agenda
‘It’s just Gerald being Gerald’ – safeguarding inquiry into Pioneer founder concludes
Gerald Coates, the founder of a network of charismatic churches, has been found to have engaged in behaviour with under 18s that was inappropriate, according to a recent safeguarding review. Here’s what we know so far
Survey: Evangelicals probably won’t vote Conservative at the next election
Evangelical Alliance polling suggests believers are matching shifts in the general population and tacking towards the Labour Party
Should Brian Houston return to ministry?
The Hillsong founder is one of many Christian leaders who appear to have brushed off past scandals, and made a quick return to the pulpit.
Explained: Why is everyone up in arms about “Christ is King”?
A row has exploded on X (formerly Twitter) over the phrase “Christ is King”. Surely this is something all Christians believe. So why has it become contentious? Heather Tomlinson explains
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.
The Christian faith of billionaire media mogul Sir Paul Marshall
The owner of GB News and father of the former Mumford & Sons banjo player has come under fire for recent activity on social media
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
The biggest stories of 2023
The most significant stories for Christians from the past twelve months
Is rediscovering Christian values the key to fixing society?
A new coalition of influencers, including Jordan Peterson, Miriam Cates MP and Baroness Stroud, believe that in order to solve the West’s problems, we must return to our Judeo-Christian foundations. Heather Tomlinson reports from the inaugural ARC conference
The CofE and same-sex blessings: What’s happening now
The debate over same-sex marriage and prayers of blessing continue in the Church of England. Tim Wyatt explains what’s being proposed at the upcoming General Synod and what it might mean for Anglicans
Explained: Who is former Vineyard pastor Alan Scott and what has he been accused of?
The Scottish pastor Alan Scott is facing widespread allegations of spiritual abuse and narcissistic behaviour. Following an independent review, Causeway Coast Vineyard (CCV) in Northern Ireland initially said they “failed to spot some of the warning signs” relating to their former pastor, which included “repeated patterns of…manipulation.” However, it has since emerged CCV’s senior pastors, Neil and Janet Young, "no longer fully support” the investigation and have stepped down from leading the church. Tim Wyatt reports
Bringing home a national treasure
A crowdfunding campaign has raised over half a million pounds to bring a tapestry commissioned by Henry VIII and dubbed “the birth certificate of the Church of England”, back to the UK.
Should Christians take sides when praying for Israel and Gaza?
It’s easy to say ‘we should pray’. But in analysing prayers and statements from churches across the globe, Tim Wyatt uncovers some very different approaches to the conflict
What’s happening in Israel and Gaza, and how should Christians pray?
The murder and kidnappings of civilians by the terrorist group Hamas have been described as “Israel’s 9/11”. Journalist Gavin Drake is a frequent visitor to Israel and Gaza. He explains what has taken place, what might happen next, and how Christians should be praying
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
Are Christian pop stars refusing to play at LGBT events?
It’s not often you see a Christian singer’s faith headlined in the mainstream press. When you do, it’s often due to a controversy. At first glance, this seems to be the case with the row engulfing 90s pop group Eternal - but the story isn't quite as simple as it seems, explains Heather Tomlinson
Investigation finds Mike Pilavachi 'used spiritual authority to control people'. What happens now?
The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team has said Mike Pilavachi used his spiritual authority to “control” people, and this led to inappropriate relationships, including “massaging of young male interns”. But questions remain, and more investigations are set to take place. Megan Cornwell reports on what’s likely to happen next
Is it possible to end poverty?
After decades of progress in the fight against extreme poverty, experts are now warning the United Nations will miss its goal of ending poverty by 2030. Tim Wyatt speaks to practitioners and theologians to find out what’s going wrong, and what Jesus meant when he said, “the poor you will always have with you.”
Update: CofE substantiates allegations in Mike Pilavachi investigation
The Church of England's National Safeguarding Team has released its initial findings into allegations against Mike Pilavachi
Explained: Why was Brian Houston taken to court and why did he quit Hillsong?
Brian Houston has been cleared over charges arising from his decision not to report his paedophile father to police. But the former Hillsong leader is no longer part of the global church network he built. Tim Wyatt has the full story
AI can write a great sermon. But should you use it?
As a church in Germany engineers an entire service run by AI, Tim Wyatt speaks to experts in technology and ethics to find out whether Christians should be using tools such as ChatGPT within their ministry
Why has a drag queen topped the Christian music chart?
Flamy Grant’s debut album, Bible Belt Baby has reached the number one spot on the iTunes Christian music chart. Derek Walker explains the backstory
Explained: Why are Christians endorsing conspiracy theories about the World Economic Forum?
Some Christians believe the World Economic Forum (WEF) is nudging events forward in a way which could fulfil end time prophecy. But is it mindless fake news? Heather Tomlinson investigates
WATCH: Thousands come forward for Jesus Revolution baptism
Over 4,000 people have been baptised at the same ocean cove that became a focal point for the Jesus Movement in the 1960s and 70s. Interest in Pirates Cove has risen as a result of the popular Jesus Revolution film, which tells the true story of how thousands of hippies came to Christ. Pastor Greg Laurie called the event a “baptism of biblical proportions”. Here are some of the best photos and videos from the event, which took place on Saturday, and was attended by a reported 20,000 people
Why are banks closing the accounts of these Christians?
Financial institutions are guilty of discriminating against Christians. That’s the claim of Richard Fothergill and Mike Davidson, both of whom are prominent Christians who have recently had their bank accounts closed. Are banks trying to force those with unpopular views out of public life? Tim Wyatt investigates
HTB’s Nicky Gumbel and Archie Coates break silence on same-sex prayers
Eleven prominent Christian leaders, including HTB’s Archie Coates and Nicky Gumbel, have written to CofE bishops to say that introducing prayers for same-sex couples would be “unlawful, unconstitutional, and illegitimate” without a full debate and vote at next week’s General Synod. Here’s the letter in full and what it could mean for HTB’s stance on sexuality
Explained: Why has Stephen Furtick’s Elevation Church quit its denomination?
US megachurch Elevation has formally left America’s largest denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). The announcement follows the SBC’s decision to limit women in church leadership, and the expulsion of five other churches, including Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church. Kathleen Durham explores
Explained: Is church attendance falling in Europe?
More than half a million baptised Catholics left the church in Germany last year, according to recently released figures. But what’s the general state of faith across mainland Europe? Declan McSweeney reports
Explainer: What is spiritual abuse?
In light of recent allegations of spiritual abuse at Soul Survivor Watford and the church formerly known as Anaheim Vineyard, Dr Selina Stone explains what spiritual abuse is and how to identify it in our communities
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
The Windrush scandal
Christian leaders say the government’s decision to pursue a ‘hostile environment’ policy against immigrants has led to ‘triple trauma’ for the Windrush Generation
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
Why is the King known as Defender of the Faith?
Here’s our explainer on why King Charles III will take on the Defender of the Faith role
Was the Bloom review worth waiting for? The jury’s out
Nearly four years in the making, the Bloom Review attempts to answer the question: “Does government ‘do’ God?” The answer is yes, but not always as well as it could, says Danny Webster. If they want to improve, they need to action the findings - and quickly
GAFCON has called on the CofE to repent over same-sex marriage – here’s what it means for the Church
Many Anglicans around the world say CofE proposals to bless gay relationships are at odds with the views of the global majority. As the rift in the Anglican Communion deepens, Gerald Bray explains what it’s all about
10 years of Pope Francis: What ‘the people’s pope’ is getting right, and where he’s going wrong
The head of the 1.3 billion-strong Catholic Church recently celebrated ten years of leadership, but what difference has a new approach from the ’Bishop of Rome’ really made? Tim Wyatt reports
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
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