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?
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
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
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
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?
One principal is predicting 50 per cent of all UK Bible colleges will close within the next two years. Is he right?
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
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
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?
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?
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
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
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
Evangelical Alliance polling suggests believers are matching shifts in the general population and tacking towards the Labour Party
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.
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
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 owner of GB News and father of the former Mumford & Sons banjo player has come under fire for recent activity on social media
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 International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) movement has cut all ties with its founder, Mike Bickle, after concluding accusations of sexual misconduct were true. Tim Wyatt explains what has been happening
The most significant stories for Christians from the past twelve months
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 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
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
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.
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
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
LGBT Catholics have welcomed a new statement from Pope Francis, which has been interpreted as opening the door to blessing same-sex relationships
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
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
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.”
The Church of England's National Safeguarding Team has released its initial findings into allegations against Mike Pilavachi
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Christian leaders say the government’s decision to pursue a ‘hostile environment’ policy against immigrants has led to ‘triple trauma’ for the Windrush Generation
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
Here’s our explainer on why King Charles III will take on the Defender of the Faith role
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
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
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
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
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
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
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, Tim Wyatt takes a closer look at the rise of social supermarkets
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
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
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 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 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
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 the year draws to a close, Tim Wyatt looks at the most significant stories for the UK Church and beyond
The traditional expression of Christianity that was once part of England’s cultural fabric is waning, the recent Census results suggest
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
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
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
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
Women are an easy target for Islamic fundamentalists.
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
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 is set to become Italy’s first female prime minister, but don’t be fooled by her talk of God, says Christopher Lamb
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
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
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
Tim Wyatt explains what happened at the much anticipated Lambeth Conference, why it matters, and what the future might hold
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
As Roe v Wade is overturned, Tim Wyatt looks at the implications for the Christian pro-life movement in the UK
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
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
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
How mental health friendly is your church? Tim Wyatt investigates
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 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.
Only a third of younger Christians intend to return to church regularly after the pandemic