Obituaries
Tony Campolo (1935-2024): The Red Letter Christian who provoked the Church to action
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
Kris Kristofferson (1936-2024): When it came to faith, his lyrics did the talking
The acclaimed Country singer who died on Saturday never seemed that comfortable with public speaking. But a glance at his most famous songs reveal a man of deep Christian faith, observes Derek Walker
Steve Legg (1967-2024): The comedian who covered one million miles for the gospel
Steve Legg was a comedian, magician, author, broadcaster, magazine editor and speaker. But above all else, he loved telling people about Jesus. Carl Beech pays tribute to a man who was the same on and off the stage, and who never stopped laughing or inspiring others
Don Double (1934-2024): A pioneering evangelist who took Jesus to the forgotten places
Don Double, the highly influential evangelist sometimes referred to as the UK’s Billy Graham, has died aged 90. Carl Beech, to whom Don passed on his ministry baton, pays tribute to a man who brought thousands to Christ
Jürgen Moltmann (1926-2024): One of the most influential theologians of our times
The renowned German professor Jürgen Moltmann, who was praised for being both innovative and traditional, has died at the age of 98. The Principal of Moorlands College, Andy du Feu, considers his legacy
Premier CEO Peter Kerridge (1961-2024): A radio pioneer, committed to Christ
Peter Kerridge transformed a small start-up radio station into one of the most significant Christian media networks in the world. He will be remembered as a visionary leader whose drive, commitment and innovation changed the landscape of Christian broadcasting
Frank Field (1942-2024): The Christian politician who put ethics above party politics
The former Labour minister Frank Field, has died aged 81. He was as passionately committed to social justice as he was the Book of Common Prayer, says the Bishop of Whitby
Mandisa (1976-2024): The inspirational singer who spread God’s joy
Mandisa was open about her lowest moments in life, even writing a book about depression and comfort eating. The vulnerability and faith of the American Idol finalist made a lasting impression on all who met her, says George Luke
Sandra Crouch (1942-2024): Gospel legend and church pioneer
Sandra Crouch was a legend of the American Gospel scene, performing with everyone from Janis Joplin to Michael Jackson. But church ministry always came first for the singer-songwriter and her twin brother, Andraé
Alan Wilson (1955-2024): A courageous and prophetic pastor
The Bishop of Buckingham and former Premier trustee, Rt Rev Dr Alan Wilson, has passed away at the age of 68. He was well known for his advocacy on behalf of church abuse survivors and for encouraging the Church to embrace the opportunities provided by digital media. The former Bishop of Oxford Rt Rev John Pritchard pays tribute to him
The Christian faith of Alexei Navalny
Alexei Navalny fearlessly fought against corruption in Russia and was poisoned, imprisoned and now, allegedly murdered by the state. Dr Krish Kandiah asks what we can learn from the life, death and faith of the activist was also an atheist-turned-Christian
Ichthus founder Roger Forster (1933-2024): Passionate preacher, evangelist and intellectual
The founder of Ichthus Fellowship, Roger Forster, has died at the age of 90. Roger was widely considered to be one of the most prominent figures in the UK evangelical church. The worship leader Graham Kendrick, and current Ichthus leader Henry George pay tribute to him
Dr Mike Townsend (1947-2023): Pioneer of blind Christian ministry
Dr Mike Townsend was never limited by his sight loss, and instead lived his life to the full, completely committed to the proclamation of the gospel and the inclusion of disabled people in the body of Christ, says Gordon Temple
David Pytches (1931-2023): Bishop, charismatic pioneer and father in the faith
Rt Rev David Pytches, founder of New Wine and former vicar of St Andrews, Chorleywood, has died aged 92. Greg Downes pays tribute to a pioneer of charismatic renewal within the Anglican church
Matthew Perry (1969-2023): The Friends star found God at his lowest moment
Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing in Friends, died at the weekend. Greg Downes pays tribute to a comic genius who had powerful encounters with God
Loren Cunningham (1935-2023): The YWAM founder took Christ to the nations
Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth With a Mission (YWAM) has died, aged 88. Lynn Green pays tribute to the man who “deregulated mission”, founding a global movement that is active in over 200 countries worldwide
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya (1956-2023): Visionary, mentor and father figure
Premier’s Director of Gospel and Music, Muyiwa Olarewaju, pays tribute to the founder of The Fountain of Life Church, a leader whose investment in the next generation went far beyond the walls of the Church
David Heron (1941-2023): Premier pioneer
Premier’s former chairman has died at the age of 81. Premier’s CEO Peter Kerridge pays tribute to a kind, generous and entrepreneurial man, who helped build Premier into Europe’s largest Christian media organisation
Rev Carmel Jones (1937-2023): The visionary founder of the Pentecostal Credit Union
As the Christian community mourns the passing of a Windrush pioneer, Marcia Dixon pays tribute to a trailblazer who bought financial services to a community excluded from mainstream banking
Sinead O’Conner (1966-2023): A wanderer, priest and prophet
Dr Margaret Kennedy pays tribute to the Irish singer-songwriter who was campaigning for sexual abuse in the Church to be exposed long before it became mainstream
Pat Robertson (1930-2023): The controversial broadcaster who brought Christian TV to the mainstream
The 93 year-old founder of CBN and the 700 Club has died at his home in Virgina Beach. Gordon Pettie says he'll be remembered as a fearless Christian leader who tackled the topics many would rather avoid
Tim Keller (1950-2023): The evangelical statesman was a pastor first
Tim Keller had a soft spot for the UK, notes Krish Kandiah. The pastor, theologian and best-selling author exerted a worldwide influence while maintaining a humble spirit and modelling generosity towards those he disagreed with
Christian Atsu (1992-2023): ‘A devoted follower of Jesus’
Ex-premiership footballer, Christian Atsu, played for Chelsea and Newcastle before signing for Turkish club, Hatayspor, last year. He was tragically killed in the recent earthquake in Turkey. Hillsong Newcastle pastor, Jonny Ferguson plays tribute to the family man who always put God, and others, first
Pelé (1940-2022): ‘God gave me the gift of knowing how to play football’
Earlier this week, thousands of Brazilians lined the streets for the funeral of footballing legend, Pelé. His traditional Catholic send-off reflected a life of faith in God, if not a life lived perfectly, says Emma Fowle
‘Father, into your hands we commend Pope Benedict’s spirit’ - Read Pope Francis’s funeral homily
Pope Francis paid tribute to the life and service of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Read the text in full here
Bill Latham (1938-2022): The gifted communicator who brought Cliff Richard to faith
Best known as Cliff Richard’s right hand man, Bill Latham was a phenomenal Christian communicator who brought many into God’s kingdom says Gill Snow
Pope Benedict XVI (1927-2022): ‘God’s Rottweiler’ was an outstanding theologian
Catherine Pepinster reports on the varied life and ministry of the late pope, who died this morning
Editor’s picks: 15 best features from 2022
Premier Christianity has been at the forefront of unpacking all the big stories of 2022 from a distinctly Christian perspective. Here’s a round-up of our favourite long-reads the year
Barry Kissell (1938-2022): Joy-filled maverick, prophetic trailblazer and leader of leaders
New Zealand born Barry Kissell played a key role in the UK’s charismatic movement for over 40 years, bringing prophetic challenge and encouraging a new generation of leaders. Greg Downes remembers him
Mike Rimmer (1961-2022): The pioneering Christian music broadcaster asked the hard questions
Mike Rimmer was a distinguished reporter and interviewer, especially during Christian music’s golden years. On top of interviewing the biggest artists, Rimmer was a passionate advocate for up and coming artists. His equally prolific Cross Rhythms colleague Tony Cummings remembers him
Justin Welby: All who follow the Queen’s example can say, with her: ‘We will meet again’
Initial reactions from Christian leaders online suggest the Most Rev Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, struck just the right chord with his short but sweet tribute to a Queen who served God and strove to point others to him. Here’s his sermon in full
Rob Parsons OBE: My meetings with the Queen
The founder of Care for the Family recalls his meetings with the late monarch
Service: Why the Queen embodied the most scandalous notion in human history
Though she lived an intensely public life, the Queen had a deeply private faith. And through it, she modelled the classic Christian virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. We would do well to follow her example, says George Pitcher
Bishop Michael Curry: ‘Thank God that one named Elizabeth walked among us’
We spoke to The Most Rev Michael Curry following the news of Her Majesty’s death. He talked about the Queen’s quiet, steady faith, our need to pray for our new king and how we can all look to Jesus to help us live a life of faithfulness too
Devout, relaxed and friendly: Tom Wright recalls his 36 hours with The Queen
The former Bishop of Durham recalls being invited to spend a weekend with Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh in Sandringham
As our nation mourned, God sent a rainbow to remind us of his faithfulness
A double rainbow appeared over Buckingham Palace shortly before the announcement that Queen Elizabeth II had died. Pete Greig wonders if this sign in the sky was more than sheer co-incidence
The Queen and my father Billy Graham: Their unlikely friendship was built on Christ
After hearing his Good Friday broadcast for the BBC, the Queen invited Billy Graham to preach at Windsor. His son, Franklin, recounts the friendship between a farm boy and a monarch, based on a shared love of Jesus
I wasn’t well behaved at Trooping the Colour, but now I’m so grateful for the Queen’s steadfast example
Jeff Lucas shares a story from his childhood, when he attempted to interrupt the Queen’s official birthday celebrations
The uncomplicated way the Queen spoke of her faith was an inspiration to preachers like me
Lord Leslie Griffiths says preachers were inspired by the “effortless” way the Queen spoke the name of Jesus
Queen Elizabeth II served Christ
Our Queen’s faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life, says Mark Woods. We should be deeply grateful to God for her life-long service to Christ reflected in her life-long service to her people
Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022): Remembering the Christian faith of the UK’s longest-serving monarch
Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96. In paying tribute to Her Majesty, Rt Rev John Pritchard says the prayer of our national anthem was answered
10 brilliant things the Queen has said about God
Queen Elizabeth II was always open about her strong Christian faith. As the world mourns the loss of the UK's longest reigning Monarch, Mark Greene presents ten significant quotes from Her Majesty's famous speeches
Bill Turnbull (1956-2022): The Songs of Praise presenter was unashamed of his Christian faith
The series editor of Songs of Praise remembers the life and faith of veteran broadcaster Bill Turnbull
Kallistos Ware (1934-2022): The evangelical ‘convert’ to Orthodoxy was a father in the faith to many
Metropolitan Kallistos Ware was a distinguished pastor, scholar and theologian in the Orthodox Church who treasured his evangelical roots. Greg Downes remembers him
Stuart Briscoe (1930-2022): Friend, mentor and inspiration
The renowned English pastor, author and preacher Stuart Briscoe has died at his home in Wisconsin, USA. Briscoe, who led the Telling the Truth ministry with his wife Jill, was 91. His sermons are broadcast all around the world, including on Premier Christian Radio in the UK. Keith Danby pays tribute to him
Bethel’s Beni Johnson (1954-2022): The happy intercessor
The co-senior leader of Bethel Church, Beni Johnson, passed away on Wednesday following a prolonged battle with cancer. Carrie Lloyd pays tribute to her
Fr Dermott Donnelly (1967-2022): A humble, hilarious, prayerful priest who loved everyone
The Catholic Priest, who was the brother of television personality Dec, will especially be remembered for communicating the ministry of Jesus to lost and confused teenagers, says Ronan Johnston
Christine Noble (1938-2022): The Christian freedom-fighter
Christine Noble was a gifted and passionate Christian leader who fought for other women to be free in their callings, says Sue Rinaldi
Provocateur. Prophet. Pioneer. 5 lessons from the life of Gerald Coates
Gerald Coates’ biographer picks out five life lessons from the Pioneer founder who went to glory at the weekend
Gerald Coates (1944-2022): A true pioneer
The founder of the Pioneer network of churches and March for Jesus, Gerald Coates, has died at the age of 78. Billy Kennedy, who succeeded him in heading up Pioneer pays tribute to the prophetic leader
Sister Catherine Wybourne OSB (1954-2022): A pioneer of digital theology
@DigitalNun was a hands-on digital prophet and one of the best people on the internet, says Dr Pete Phillips.
Most Rev Desmond Tutu (1931 - 2021): Iconic South African leader who strove for peace
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the South African leader who stood up to apartheid and played a leading role in bringing peace and reconciliation to a divided nation, has died, aged 90. His friend and co-worker, Rt Rev Michael Nuttall, pays tribute
Melvin Tinker (1955-2021): A consummate pastor-theologian who was valiant for gospel truth
The prolific author and church planter was well respected among conservative evangelicals, having overseen the growth of one of the largest Anglican churches in northern England. He later made an “orderly exit” from the Church of England, believing it had "gone adrift from its biblical moorings." His friends remember him as a gospel-centred man who wanted Jesus to be glorified
John Shelby Spong (1931-2021): The ‘heretical’ bishop who divided opinion
Spong didn’t believe in the resurrection, and rejected mainstream Church teaching on prayer, miracles and the nature of God
Pastor Yonggi Cho (1936-2021): Leader of the ‘world’s biggest church’
He built a record-breaking congregation, but ended his life in controversy, says Lauren Windle
Colin Urquhart (1940-2021): The Kingdom Faith revivalist whose passion for Jesus never faltered
Pastor Colin Urquhart, a Christian speaker and author who was especially influential within the UK charismatic movement, has died from cancer. Jarrod Cooper pays tribute to him
Greg Haslam (1953-2021): A compelling preacher burdened with a prophetic message
Greg Haslam was the senior minister of Westminster Chapel from 2002 to 2016. He was also a well known author who often spoke at major Christian conferences. His son Andrew, who is the leader of Grace Church London, says his life was marked by integrity and sincerity.
Richard Page (1947-2021): The man at the centre of the ‘gay adoption’ row was a modern hero of the faith
The Christian magistrate whose views on same-sex adoption made national headlines has passed away. Christian Concern’s Andrea Williams worked closely with Richard Page, and remembers him as a faithful and inspirational follower of Jesus
Rev Dr Joel Edwards CBE (1951-2021): Pastor, mentor and spiritual giant
Marcia Dixon pays tribute to the former general secretary of the Evangelical Alliance, who passed away yesterday aged 70
Prince Philip (1921-2021): An outstanding example of Christian service
The Queen’s faith is well known and well documented. But Prince Philip also exemplified a life of Christian service, says Catherine Butcher
Hans Küng (1928 - 2021): The controversial Catholic theologian who challenged the establishment
Catherine Pepinster pays tribute to the Catholic priest and academic who wrote one of the most gripping books on Christian apologetics of the past 100 years
John Polkinghorne (1930-2021): The pre-eminent voice on science and religion
Alister McGrath remembers the distinguished academic and Anglican priest who has died at the age of 90
Luis Palau (1934-2021): Energetic, enthusiastic and effective
After becoming a Christian at the age of twelve, Luis Palau began preaching on street corners. He went on to reach millions with the gospel. J.John pays tribute to the Argentinian evangelist
Luis Palau (1934-2021): A passionate, humble and clear communicator of the gospel
The remarkable evangelist Luis Palau became a Christian at the age of 12, started preaching on street corners and by 19 had started his own Christian radio programme. He served as an intern with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, before launching his own ministry in 1976. With the news of Luis Palau’s death Peter Wooding pays tribute to him, reflecting on the many times he spent with Luis as an interviewer
Larry Crabb (1944-2021): Pioneer of biblical counselling
Our widespread acceptance of the value of counselling in the local church today is thanks in part to Larry Crabb, a man who believed the Bible and psychology could be friends. Andy Peck reflects on his impact
Carman (1956-2021): The high-drama musical evangelist who led thousands to faith
The American Christian music star Carmelo Domenic Licciardello died last week. Tony Cummings remembers his colourful life and career
Mary Wilson (1944-2021): Motown legend, committed Christian
The co-founder of the Supremes, Mary Wilson, has passed away aged 76. Andy Scarcliffe looks back at her life and faith
Bobby Ball (1944-2020): Comedy legend, evangelist and friend
The much loved comedian Bobby Ball has passed away, after being diagnosed with Covid-19. Chris Gidney was his biographer, producer and friend. He pays tribute to a man whose life was dramatically changed by an encounter with Christ
J.I. Packer (1926-2020): One of the most influential evangelicals of his generation
Paul S Williams, chief executive of Bible Society, pays personal tribute to the veteran evangelical who passed away yesterday
OM's Peter Maiden (1948-2020): A pioneer of modern missions
The former director of Operation Mobilisation (OM) passed away today aged 72. David Vardy remembers him
Morris Cerullo (1931-2020): World-renowned evangelist
Madeleine Kerzner remembers the influential minister who has passed away aged 88
David Pawson (1930-2020): One of the greatest Bible teachers of his generation
The British Bible teacher David Pawson has died aged 90 after a battle with bone cancer and a mild form of Parkinson's disease. Sam Hailes remembers him
The unwavering Christian faith of Lord Mawhinney (1940-2019)
The Rt Hon The Lord Mawhinney has died at the age of 79. Premier's political editor Martyn Eden remembers him
Richard Bewes (1934-2019): An outstanding preacher who loved the Word of God
Paul Blackham pays tribute to the former rector of All Soul's Langham Place, Richard Bewes OBE, who has died aged 84
Jean Vanier (1928-2019): The modern saint who radiated holiness
The Canadian philosopher Jean Vanier has died aged 90. Justin Brierley remembers him
Rachel Held Evans (1981-2019): The influential blogger who challenged the evangelical subculture
Sam Hailes pays tribute to the author, blogger and progressive firebrand Rachel Held Evans, who passed away today
Paul Cain was a gifted prophet and a broken man. We were wrong to put him on a pedestal
The Texas-born Pentecostal minister Paul Cain died at the age of 89 last week. He ministered as an evangelist and prophet all over the world, but also attracted criticism and correction from his fellow pastors, as Christy Wimber explains
Michael Green (1930-2019): Remembering the infectious joy of this exceptional evangelist
Following the news that the much-loved theologian, apologist and evangelist Dr Michael Green has passed away, Matthew Fearon reflects on a life well lived
Billy Graham (1918-2018): The most influential evangelist of our time
Following the news that the world's most well known evangelist Billy Graham has died, David Barnes reflects on his long life
Joyce Huggett (1937-2017): Modern pioneer of contemplative spirituality
Tony Horsfall pays tribute to Joyce Huggett
Jill Saward: A survivor’s legacy
Well-known Christian campaigner against sexual violence Jill Saward died in January aged just 51. Katie Stock looks at how her case and campaigning changed the face of British law
A tribute to Mike Ovey (1958-2017)
Lee Gatiss looks at the life and work of Mike Ovey, former Principal of Oak Hill College, who died at the weekend.
The Servant Queen: Celebrating 90 years of Christian witness
Ahead of Society Sunday and Queen Elizabeth II's 90th 'official' birthday, Mark Greene writes on her often overlooked faith
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