From politics to Putin, Queens to cost-of-living crises, Premier Christianity has been at the forefront of unpacking all the big stories of 2022 – from a distinctly Christian perspective. In case you missed some of our brilliant coverage, here’s a round-up of our favourite long-reads.
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1. BURNOUT: HAS THE PANDEMIC PUSHED PASTORS TO THE POINT OF NO RETURN?
We began the year by analysing the impact of the pandemic on church pastors, after data revealed more leaders than ever were quitting ministry. This long-read explored the effects of lockdown on the spiritual health of the Church – and the steps required for convalescence.
2. THE RELIGIOUS MOTIVATIONS BEHIND PUTIN’S UNHOLY WAR
When the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, journalists and commentators grappled with Vladimir Putin’s reasons for risking it all. What many ignored in their analysis was the religious dimension to the war, something Premier Unbelievable’s Justin Brierley expertly unpacked in this round-table discussion with Ukrainian Orthodox scholar Father Cyril Hovorun and Catholic journalist Clifford Longley
3. THE PRAYER MEETING THAT BROUGHT DOWN A GOVERNMENT
Elsewhere, on British soil, tumult of another kind was brewing as the Partygate scandal raged on, eventually leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Andy Flannagan, who had a front row seat at the event that brought down the government, wrote exclusively for Premier Christianity about how God moved powerfully in the Palace of Westminster that day.
4. THE QUEEN’S DEATH IS REVEALING LATENT SPIRITUALITY
In September, as the world celebrated the life of Queen Elizabeth II, Bishop Graham Tomlin reflected on the impact of our much-loved monarch’s deep and enduring Christian faith. (See here for full coverage of the Christian faith of the Queen)
5. WOMB’S FOR RENT: CAN CHRISTIANS REALLY SUPPORT SURROGACY?
Surrogacy hit the headlines again this year as more celebrities revealed they’d asked surrogates to carry and give birth to their children. In this insightful article, Tim Wyatt considered the ethical implications of this increasingly popular reproductive method.
6. IS COMPLEMENTARIAN THEOLOGY ABUSIVE?
Five years on from the #MeToo movement, we wanted to know whether it was time for the Church to re-evaluate its teaching on women’s roles and restrictions, so Megan Cornwell investigated the arguments for and against complementarian theology.
7. INSIDE THE FASTEST GROWING RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT ON EARTH
As the growth of Pentecostalism continued apace, Premier Christianity commissioned journalist Elle Hardy to write about the reasons for its meteoric rise. Her findings are pretty eye-opening.
This unique insight into what Christian faith looks and feels like for autistic people proved a popular read.
9. AS A VICAR WHOSE SON TOOK HIS LIFE, I’M STILL LEARNING TO LIVE WITH UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
Another personal piece that made an impact this year was this beautifully written long-read by Rev Sharon Grenham-Thompson. She described in heart-breaking detail the day of her beloved son Leo’s suicide – and its long-lasting effects on her faith and family.
10. WHY I LEFT EVANGELICALISM BEHIND TO BECOME A ROMAN CATHOLIC
Number ten’s entry might seem a trifle left-field, given that we are a magazine read mainly by evangelical Christians, but Tony Wilson’s considered and compassionate account of becoming a Catholic is a must-read.
11. DEMONISING DELIVERANCE: IS THERE STILL A PLACE FOR EXORCISM IN THE CHURCH?
In this excellent article by Emma Fowle, the changing place of deliverance ministry in the Church over the decades is explored with skill and sensitivity.
12. ANTHONY RAY HINTON: I SPENT 30 YEARS ON DEATH ROW FOR A CRIME I DIDN’T COMMIT
When it comes to inspiring Christians in the public eye, Anthony Ray Hinton is up there with the best of them. In this thoughtful interview, he reflects on the pivotal role his faith played through 30 years on death row.
13. ALPHA’S NICKY GUMBEL ON RETIRING FROM HTB AND EVANGELISING THE WORLD
When one the Church’s most respected pastors and preachers announced he would no longer be leading Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), we wanted to know more about his plans for retirement. As you might have guessed, they didn’t feature many sofas or slippers…
14. ARCHIE COATES: SUCCEEEDING NICKY GUMBEL AND TACKLING LGBT ISSUES
In this refreshingly candid interview, the new vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton shared his thoughts on diversity, sexuality and evangelising the millions of city dwellers in need of a saviour.
15. BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE TV SHOW AIMING TO REACH ONE BILLION FOR CHRIST
The Chosen TV show depicting Christ’s life has won plaudits from Christians and non-Christians alike. Ahead of the launch of Season 3, our editor travelled to Texas to get a sneek-peek behind production lines. This is what he discovered.
