John Stott, once named among of the 100 most influential people in the world, possessed a borderless influence that shaped the global evangelical movement. Ahead of Stott’s birthday (27 April) Dr Donald Sweeting honours his dear friend’s life
Rushmoor Council’s efforts to stop Christian street preachers represents a significant and deeply troubling attack on freedom of speech and religious expression, says Christian Concern’s Andrea Williams
After much cultural debate, the UK Supreme Court has ruled that a woman is a biological female. The truth has finally won, says Lois McLatchie-Miller
Few leaders spoke with the warmth, wisdom and weight of Pope Francis. No matter the subject of his address his words cut through and challenged us to see each other, the world and our faith differently. Here are ten of his most profound statements
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. He was the Bishop of Rome from 2013 to 2025 in a papacy characterised by a dedication to the marginalised and a deep care for God’s creation. Though his time in office was not free from criticism and controversy, it was one that will leave a lasting impact on Catholics around the world, says Catherine Pepinster
Today marks 50 years since the beginning of the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror, during which 1.3 million people were killed and buried in the Cambodian Killing Fields. In looking at the history, Julia Cameron unearths a shocking story of God’s lavish grace
With the most significant day in the Christian calendar approaching, Andy Witherall unveils five undeniable facts supporting Jesus’ resurrection
As English Heritage release a children’s booklet claiming “the goddess Eostre gave Easter its name!”, George Lapshynov debunks the increasingly common claim that Easter originated as a pagan festival
The last operating hospital in the Gaza Strip was hit by an Israeli airstrike yesterday. Israel says a Hamas command and control centre was being operated from inside the medical facility. The head of Bethlehem Bible College Rev Jack Sara condemns the attack and says he fears for the remaining 600 Christians in Gaza
Christians should be grateful whenever abusive practices within the Church are brought into the light. But too often a lack of religious literacy within our national newspapers leads to inaccurate reporting, says Tim Wyatt
During a recent interview with the rapper Lecrae, Hollywood A-lister Will Smith opened up about his spiritual beliefs. But should Christians welcome Smith’s comments, or approach them with caution?
80 years after Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis, the young German theologian’s writings continue to challenge Christians. From resisting toxic nationalism to staying faithful despite Church failings, his life and legacy remain urgently relevant in a world grappling with division, says Krish Kandiah
It might take superhuman strength to forgive people who are unrepentant, says RT Kendall. But with God’s help, it is possible
Perhaps the former Archbishop of Canterbury intended to convey remorse and accountability in his conversation with Laura Kuenssberg. But that’s not how it’s been received, observes George Pitcher
Newcastle Cathedral has cancelled a planned speaking appearance by the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, citing concerns over his handling of safeguarding. Rev Dr Christopher Landau argues that instead of resorting to worldly tactics of de-platforming, the Cathedral should heed the New Testament’s radical call for love and unity
The heavy-handed police raid on a Quaker meeting house should be a wakeup call to anyone who cares about freedom of religion or expression, says Symon Hill
By all means celebrate stories of a revival of spiritual interest among Gen Z. But if we don’t empower Christian parents to pass faith onto their children, we won’t move the needle on church growth, says Gareth Crispin
The once ‘hillbilly’ evangelical is now a powerful Catholic. Heather Tomlinson explores the changing faith of the Vice President of the United States
The Isle of Man’s newly passed Assisted Dying Bill is not a compassionate safeguard, but a dangerous enabler with ethical missteps that forces doctors into legal grey areas. The welfare of society’s most vulnerable is at stake, says Graham McAll
Students are one of the UK’s biggest and most influential people groups – and new research shows that, far from being hostile to Christianity, a third would read the Bible with a friend, and a quarter find scripture personally helpful. If Christians believe the gospel changes lives, it’s time to step up and help them access it
Free speech protects great minds discussing ideas, not small minds abusing people, says George Pitcher, as he looks at the recent cases of Laurence Fox and Kathleen Stock
When the US authorities tried to deport Rosa del Carmen, she found refuge inside a church building - living there for two years. Isaac Villegas’ decision to provide sanctuary for an undocumented immigrant may have been politically controversial, but he believes it was line with historic Christian beliefs
Bad Bunny’s latest album speaks of his proud Puerto Rican heritage. For pastor Johnny Rivera, it was a reminder that his allegiance is to Christ, and he will always be proud to live under God’s banner
A basic language course on Hebrew or Greek can transform your understanding of scripture and ultimately the world, says Dr Jonathan Rowlands
The welfare state was designed for a different time, but reforming it requires compassion and understanding. As chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her spring statement, Christians should pray for the politicians leading this charge - and all those affected by it, says Tim Farron MP
Shahida Bibi was abducted, forced to convert from Christianity to Islam and sexually exploited. Tragically, she is only one of many girls who endure this fate. Her restored freedom is a sign of hope, but the fight against forced conversion and child marriage is far from over, says Tehmina Arora
Bible sales have surged in the UK, amid a broader cultural change pointing to an awakening in society. With church attendance seemingly stagnating, Sam Richardson says many are turning straight to scripture to answer life’s deepest questions
From the hit Netflix series Adolescence to Gareth Southgate’s recent lecture, it’s clear from the headlines this week that young people in the UK need much better role models. Andy Mossop says it’s time for more churches to plug the gap left by funding cuts and invest in opening new youth clubs. It will bring you and your church numerous benefits, he says
Sir Gareth Southgate’s lecture on identity, redemption and the state of the youth had all the makings of a sermon – a sermon that Christians should be paying attention to, says Tim Bechervaise
Following the news that Hailey Bieber has attacked preachers for their use of alliteration, Jonty Langley asks whether this just another sign of our consumer church culture, or if the celebrity’s criticism is correct
Across the UK, church buildings are falling into disrepair, closing and being sold off, with some turned into pubs, nightclubs and even mosques. We must act now to preserve these vital community assets says Claire Walker, before they - and their congregations - disappear forever
St Patrick’s Day isn’t just about shamrocks and Guinness. His radical love in action turned traditional methods of evangelism upside down - and won most of Ireland to Christ. There’s much the Church can learn from his example today, says Geoff Peters
In his latest column for The Times, journalist Giles Coren announced that he was giving up atheism for Lent. Stephen McAlpine explores
Marcus Mumford has never wanted to be a poster boy for Christianity. But his new song ‘Malibu’ may, nonetheless, be capturing a cultural moment, says Robin Ham
Last month, a report claimed one third of British Christians had endorsed anti-semitic tropes. After looking at the available data, our editor suggested the problem may be confined to more nominal believers. In this response, researchers Motti Inabari and Kirill Bumin unveil more aspects of their work, which they say paints a more worrying picture
Symon Hill has been compensated £2,500 by police after he was arrested for voicing the opinion there is no king but Jesus. Free speech is under attack from both policy and culture, says Hill, and it’s time for Christians to push back
Five years on from the start of the Covid pandemic, Tim Farron MP celebrates how the Church stepped up to serve when it mattered the most. The hope of the gospel continues to light the darkness, he says
Western societies are drifting further from their Christian roots. It can no longer be ‘business as usual’ for the Church, says Dr David Landrum. He’s urging Christians to be braver, more counter-cultural, witnesses for Jesus
After winning his appeal this week, Rev Bernard Randall says his ongoing fight for freedom of speech and religious belief is not exclusive to him, but has major implications for all Christians
Reports have emerged that crossbow killer, Clifford Kyle, accessed misogynistic content from Andrew Tate before raping and murdering his ex-girlfriend, and killing her sister and mother. These heartbreaking stories, along with others from inside the Church, demonstrate the need to ensure women’s equality and safety are prioritised, says Emma Hide, writing on the eve of International Women’s Day
Social media isn’t just a hotbed of shopping inspo and comparison traps. Ahead of International Women’s Day, we say hurray for the women who are chasing after God in the digital space. Here are just five of many
Lauren Burnett is part of the team which hosted the London site of Gather25, a spectacular, global gathering of 7 million Christians. She reports from SAINT church on what God is doing among the next generation, how praying for unity changes things and why the future looks bright
Donald Trump and JD Vance tried to humiliate Volodymyr Zelenskyy on an international stage last week, says Tim Farron MP. The Christians who voted the US president into power must now hold him to account
Gratitude to God is often vague at big awards shows, but at this year’s BRITs, Stormzy and Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso clearly honoured Jesus Christ. Such powerful expressions of faith will inspire other Christian creatives to do the same, says Maxine Harrison
Grammy award-winning British actor, Cynthia Erivo, will become the first woman to play Jesus in a major production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Emma Gyasi says those criticising the decision shouldn’t judge what they haven’t seen
Grammy award-winning British actor, Cynthia Erivo, will become the first woman to play Jesus in a major production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Kate Orson says the decision is blasphemous, but Christians should take care in expressing themselves
A conversation on the dancefloor of a gay bar in Chicago challenged much of Christopher Landau’s beliefs about LGBT people and Christianity. But perhaps not in the way you might expect
Faced with an endless cycle of negativity in the headlines, many people are choosing to abandon the news in order to protect their mental wellbeing. But Rev Peter Crumpler believes Christians should resist this trend. He explains why
As debates over sexuality intensify, most people in the CofE are nevertheless desperate to avoid a break-up, says Bishop Martyn Snow. He’s suggesting two new approaches which might help the Church better imagine its future
Judeo-Christian values are good – but they are not an umbrella term to be used to support your own politics, says Pat Finlow. The gospel stands alone, and crosses all political boundaries
In light of President Trump’s proposed peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced cuts to foreign aid in order to boost defence spending. But ignoring the plight of the poor is a zero-sum game, says George Pitcher. Just look at the biblical story of the rich man and Lazarus
Fr Alex Frost left school at 15 and enjoyed a successful career in retail. But when he wanted to retrain as a CofE priest, his lack of academic qualifications was a huge problem. Now, he campaigning to get that changed
Sam Fender’s third album, People Watching, sees the “Geordie Bruce Springsteen” asking big questions of himself, society and God. But when it comes to the loss of loved ones, Max Avard says he’s praying Fender also finds the hope in Jesus that held him fast through grief
Does God care who wins in sports? Jonny Reid believes the answer is yes, though maybe not for the reasons you’d expect