Refusing a donation from the Archbishop of Canterbury makes sense in our ’cancel culture’ society, says Miriam Cates. And until the CofE starts putting people above process, the problems will remain
If the story of Christ’s birth is true, it changes everything, says Tim Farron. Don’t be afraid to explore the miracle of Christmas this year
Chris Goswami looks back at the news stories from 2024 that caught his attention, explores his highlights and takes a look at the year ahead
It may well be the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas can also be notoriously boozy, and sometimes lonely and stressful. Emma Heath shares her top tips for anyone struggling with addiction over the festive season
The squalor of a borrowed stable is a far cry from the sanitised nativity scenes most of us are familiar with. But the real beauty of the Christmas story is that our creator God was willing to fully enter into our world - with all its brokenness, dirt and need
Let’s stop moaning about what Christmas is not, and start living out what it is, says Jonty Langley. If Christians show people the difference Jesus makes to our lives all year round, maybe they’ll see past the presents and parties to the real reason for the season
We can do better than binary, divisive discussions, says Bishop Joseph D’Souza. Christians in the majority world have long understood that the gospel is good news for mind, body and soul. It’s time Christians in the West woke up to that
Keith Danby pays tribute to Eddie Stobart, the founder of one of Britain’s most recognisable haulage companies
Christians have often felt on the backfoot when it comes to debates around issues such as sexuality, abortion and transgender. But Peter Lynas believes significant shifts are taking place in Western culture and there are good reasons to be optimistic
Journalists, editors and producers from across Premier’s radio, magazine and podcast brands share the most significant, interesting and uplifting stories from the past twelve months
During the festive season, we celebrate Jesus coming to a world who did not recognise him. Ben Boland shares his top tips for loving those who may not recognise us either, whether at Christmas or all year round
Having looked back at 900 pages of magazine articles in 2024, our editor Sam Hailes shares his favourite articles from the past twelve months
At a time when young people are facing unprecedented challenges, there are fewer and fewer people engaged in serving them. Ali Campbell asks: What can the Church do to stand in the gap?
Here are the most-read stories on premierchristianity.com over the past twelve months
Pornographic model Lily Phillips, 23 captured international headlines last week when she released a documentary detailing how she slept with 100 men in 24 hours. She has since revealed plans to sleep with 1,000 men next month. In this open letter, Lois McLatchie-Miller tells Phillips she is of infinite worth and value, and God has created her for a much greater purpose
For most Christians around the world, Christmas is a time to gather and celebrate with friends and family. But for Christians in North Korea, the most dangerous country in the world for followers of Jesus, it is a time of great danger
Whether historically accurate or not, the BBC’s Wolf Hall gives us an insight into the events that surrounded the greatest schism in Church history. It is a timely reminder of the importance of Christian unity, says Tony Wilson
Last week the Pope repeated his plea to preachers: ”Please, do not go longer than ten minutes, ever! This is very important.” Sam Hailes considers the pros and cons of long sermons
The US author Hal Lindsey promoted a dispensationalist view of the end times which continues to hold influence among some evangelicals. But Lindsey’s predictions in his widely read 1970 book The Late Great Planet Earth, haven’t aged well, says Rev Ian Paul
Divorce is being presented as a “kind” option on adverts spotted on the London tube, but Glen Scrivener says trampling across the sanctity of marriage in the service of mere convenience is far from kind
While Justin Welby was in the House of Lords exhibiting precisely how not to conduct yourself in the face of safeguarding failures, Rev Richard Coles was in the jungle of the I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here embodying all the qualities we would hope for in leader of the Church of England, says Rev Alex Frost
As new figures reveal attendance at Church of England Christmas services has leapt by 20 per cent in recent years, Rachel Jordan-Wolf says many churches will be looking forward to packed services in the coming days
Some have objected to the casting of Israeli actors in Netflix’s new film Mary. It’s a demoralising example of misguided attempts to erase Christ’s Jewish identity, says Michael Coren
Could Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s takeover see a jihadist-inspired coup peacefully transition to a free, democratic Syria? If it does, it would be a first for the region, says David Charlwood. If it doesn’t, their long history of violence spells disaster for all non-Muslim minority groups
As sales of Bibles in the US surge, Dr John Farquhar Plake says there’s a new hunger for spirituality among young people
YouVersion’s most popular verse may be thousands of years old, but it speaks perfectly to the times we’re living in, observes Bible Society’s Rev Mark Woods
The belief that you can achieve your goals through positive thinking has gone mainstream. But Kate Orson’s attempts to “manifest” wealth led instead to debt. She believes the practice can be dangerous - and it’s not worth the price
By adding ‘Jesus ❤️ U’ to his rainbow armband, Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guéhi, has sparked a vital conversation about football’s commitment to equality and diversity - whether that’s religious beliefs or sexuality and gender. Christians in Sport’s Graham Daniels says he deserves our respect
As ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ turns 40 years old this month, Ed Sheeran has added his voice to those critiquing the song’s ‘damaging stereotypes’. Maddy Fry used to share that view. She explains what changed her mind
Christians shouldn’t be surprised if assisted dying is legalised in the UK, says Tim Farron MP. But we must continue to challenge it, even if our motivations are questioned. The sanctity of life is at stake
Christians should not feel intimidated by those who say our faith is not a legitimate basis from which to express an opinion. Everyone’s worldview is shaped by something, says Jamie Gillies, including humanists, atheists or secularists. Ours is no less valid
When God came into the world, it was traumatic, argues George Pitcher. But Advent reminds us that now, more than ever, the Church needs the healing balm of Jesus - even if it is painful at first touch
A hologram of Jesus claims to be able to impart wisdom to visitors at St Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland. Christians should be cautious about our creeping dependence on AI, says Chris Goswami
Boris Johnson has blamed the UK’s obesity crisis on the CofE. Jonty Langley thinks he can smell a whiff of hypocrisy
Changing the law will make those at risk of abuse much more vulnerable, says Tim Farron, as well as putting pressure on the elderly and infirm to ‘do the decent thing’ and choose death
As Gladiator II hits our screens, Tim Bechervaise takes a look at the role that faith has played in the life of Hollywood actor, Denzel Washington
Danny Webster challenges the idolisation of autonomy, highlighting how assisting suicide undermines the value of choice and freedom
It’s 45 years since Monty Python’s The Life of Brian caused outrage among some Christians, who took offence at its mockery of Christ. But the Bible is full of people mocking Jesus – and God uses it all for his glory, says Samuel Tarr
Mike Wallbridge offers a glimpse into Jesus’ personal times of prayer, revealing a form of communion with God you may not expect. Could Jesus’ moments of prayer provide a model for your own quiet time today?
Proposals by Iraq’s ultra conservative government to make the law reflect strict Islamic Shia principles would have devastating affects on women’s rights - and lower the age of consent to just nine years old. They must not be allowed to do so, says one Iraqi woman
The Church of England needs a clean slate and a fresh pair of eyes, says Michelle Guinness. Is it time for a female Archbishop of Canterbury?
Popstar Ed Sheeran says he did not want to feature on the 40th anniversary re-release of Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ Andrea Kazindra wonders why it takes a rock star to get us talking about aid to Africa
As the conversation surrounding assisted suicide intensifies, Mark Woods considers the message of three stories from the Old Testament
Peace Ashenafi left Lausanne’s Global Congress in South Korea with renewed vision for how the Church can better reach its communities.
Tony Campolo relentlessly challenged the Church to take the words of Jesus seriously and to serve “the least of these”. Peter Meadows says he will be remembered as a preacher who was used by God to make Christians feel uncomfortable
The recent mixture of worship songs with anti-immigrant rhetoric at a pro-Tommy Robinson rally suggests a worrying alliance is developing between far-right politics and some faith leaders. Christians must be careful not to lend legitimacy to divisive and dangerous ideologies, says Evan L John
You may have been given wrong information when it comes to church decline, says Gareth Russell
When Rev Augustine Tanner-Ihm moved to rural Dorset, he found the church to be welcoming and kind. But that isn’t the experience of all Black priests, and there were racist attitudes in the wider community, he says
It will take more than Justin Welby’s resignation to prevent abuse in the Church, says Susie Leafe. We all need to play our part
The Archbishop of Canterbury had to step down. But it’s what happens next that will decide the fate of the Church of England, says abuse survivor Samantha Smith
The full text of the End of Life Bill tabled by Kim Leadbeater MP, has been published. With less than three weeks before politicians vote on it, James Mildred explains why it is imprecise, dangerous and should not be passed into law
Faithful Christians voted in opposite directions during this election, says Amanda Held Opelt. But we can all agree that neither Trump nor Harris can save America. Christians have an opportunity to be a non-anxious presence in the face of political division
Andrew Graystone battled for decades to reveal the truth about serial abuser John Smyth. Now as a report confirms Smyth’s abuse was “prolific, brutal and horrific,” Andrew says church leaders must repent of their wilful blindness
Donald Trump might offend our British sensibilities, but Christians in the UK should be careful when criticising their brothers and sisters across the pond, says former MP, Miriam Cates. He may not be the man you want leading your church, but the new President-elect has much to offer the USA