October
Ireland Church Experiences Spiritual Renewal
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Justin Welby’s BBC interview was a very bad idea. What was he thinking?
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
Love your neighbour…unless they’re an archbishop?
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 police just violated a place of worship. I'm frightened about the future
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
Want to see renewal? Parents will have a unique role to play
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 Streets vs the Kingdom: A powerful exploration of faith, gang culture, and redemption
In The Streets vs the Kingdom, Moses Nwanji explores the harsh realities of UK gang culture, uncovering the forces that lure people into the streets and the false promises that keep them trapped. Blending personal testimony, biblical wisdom, and cultural critique, he challenges readers to rethink street life through the lens of faith, says Brian Kapuku
The Christian faith of JD Vance
The once ‘hillbilly’ evangelical is now a powerful Catholic. Heather Tomlinson explores the changing faith of the Vice President of the United States
As a Christian doctor, I know allowing assisted dying will be a disaster
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 more open to reading the Bible than ever. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for the Church
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
A child in Africa will die from malaria every minute*
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This church leader thinks empathy can be a sin. We asked him to explain himself
Joe Rigney has authored a much-discussed new book entitled The Sin of Empathy. He defends his thesis to Sam Hailes
Thirsting for more of God? Read this book now
Strahan Coleman’s latest book addresses the issue of human longing in a new and beautiful way, says Emma Fowle. If you are thirsty for more of God’s presence, this book is a welcome repast
Kathleen Stock and Laurence Fox are testing the bounds of free speech. I know who I side with
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
Churches will always be a place of sanctuary, whatever Donald Trump says
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, good gospel: The lessons I’m learning from this Puerto Rican rapper
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
God doesn’t expect us to forgive people who haven’t repented
Letting go of bitterness is not the same as forgiving someone, says Dr David Instone-Brewer
This man is carrying a giant cross around Cornwall. I followed him to find out why
Having followed Lindsay Hamon and his giant twelve-foot wooden cross around Cornwall, Emma Fowle reflects on the powerful lessons on evangelism she’s learned from his unusual act of public witness
Finding God in atheist arguments
Can faith be strengthened by its fiercest critics? Christopher Gasson thinks so. He once invited Christian teenagers to study four of the most influential atheist books. Now, as a new survey presents both welcome and challenging news for the future of the Church, he wants all Christians to take a closer look at Neitzsche, Dawkins and co
Do you feel seen? I'm learning to seek validation in God's gaze
Being seen by the Father was enough for Jesus. It should be for us too, says Gemma Hunt
4 extraordinary churches
Forget stained-glass windows and high ceilings. From barges to nightclubs, here are four unusual churches bringing faith to unexpected places
Elle Limebear: ‘I want to rebuke this idea of us being an anxious generation’
After a life-long battle with anxiety, worship leader Elle Limebear is showing fear the door. As she releases her boldest music to date, the daughter of Delirious? frontman Martin Smith opens up about prophetic words, how she accidentally rewrote her father’s classic worship song and what touring the world is really like
The Gospel is owed great filmmaking — The King of Kings delivers
Faith-based filmmaking is often a choice between maintaining the integrity of message and the quality and focus on artistry. Yet Angel Studios’ The King of Kings, defies this dilemma, says Max Avard. This ambitious animation of the four Gospels proves there doesn’t need to be a trade off
3 reasons why every Christian should learn a biblical language
A basic language course on Hebrew or Greek can transform your understanding of scripture and ultimately the world, says Dr Jonathan Rowlands
Attention spans are shortening and ADHD awareness is increasing. Should we do church differently?
Our ability to concentrate has been universally diminished by technology, and that’s just one of a complex range of interweaving factors – including ADHD – that means many of us are struggling to maintain attention. Does the way we do church need a radical rethink, or is this merely a question of self-discipline?
Jesus tells us not to fear. How does that work?
Life is full of fears - aging, death, and a world in turmoil. But Easter declares that Jesus has conquered the greatest fear of all, giving us hope beyond the grave, says Jeff Lucas
Should I be Catholic or Protestant?
Tom Wright gives his answer to a reader’s question
‘Debt nearly broke me. God got us through’
Having been a carer from a young age, Paul Helsby was used to relying on himself. But when a stroke almost took everything from him and the debt mounted up, he was forced to turn to God
Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world. Why is the media silent?
Stories of Christians being persecuted around the world rarely make the headlines in the mainstream media. Heather Tomlinson investigates why
What Christians get wrong about Satan
The devil isn’t called Lucifer, he can’t make you sin and he’s surprisingly useful to God. Jared Brock busts the myths you’ve been told about ha-satan
‘We gave away thousands of £10 notes at Spring Harvest’
Inspired by the parable of the talents, Phil and Wendy Wall MBE distributed free cash at major Christian festivals. Twenty-five years on, they reflect on the many lives changed because of it
The prison monitor: ‘I cannot start the day without God speaking to me’
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
Take a closer look at Mary this Easter
This Easter, let’s not forget about Mary. This deeply complex woman of strength, sorrow and unwavering faith is worth another look
Hatun Tash: ‘Sometimes I get beaten. I keep going until Muslims hear the Gospel’
The ex-Muslim on confronting Islam, suffering for the gospel and why she won’t stop sharing the good news whatever the cost
Teenage rap sensation DC3: ‘My music is a way to share God’
The biggest Christian rapper in the country right now, is a teenage boy called DC3. Here, he opens up about his journey to viral success, balancing music and education and his primary priority to “share God” through music
What should Christians think about welfare cuts? It’s complicated
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 forced to convert to Islam and married against her will. Now she’s free
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
Unmaking Mary demolishes the myths of motherhood
Chine McDonald’s new book will free mothers from perfectionism as it challenges religious expectations that burden women. With a fresh perspective on the Virgin Mary, Unmaking Mary invites readers to embrace a more authentic, grace-filled approach, says our reviewer
Bible sales are surging! It’s more evidence of renewal in the UK
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
10,000 young people just worshipped Jesus at Wembley Arena
As thousands of teenagers gathered for the UK’s largest Catholic youth event, AJ Gomez was there to report on the hopeful message being given to the next generation
Why your church needs to open a youth club…now!
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
Gareth Southgate’s lecture had echoes of a sermon. Here’s what Christians can learn from it
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
Hailey Bieber has berated believers. Is she right?
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
Looking for a Lent devotional? In Quietness and Trust is a powerful choice
In Quietness and Trust offers a fresh, reflective journey through the Beatitudes, says our reviewer. With scripture, prayer, and a curated Spotify playlist, it moves beyond clichés, guiding readers through confession, forgiveness, and faith with honesty and grace
Orbital: A story of human longing shot through with references to the God it denies
The Booker Prize winner follows the lives of six astronauts orbiting earth. This short book with little dialogue or plot is peppered with references to God, says Joy Summers. What hope can Christians find in the deep questions that it asks about life and the universe?
Netflix’s Adolescence is a national wake up call. Young people are in crisis and the Church must help
The new TV drama tackles the murder of a schoolgirl and her classmate’s arrest. It doesn’t shy away from all the hard topics: toxic masculinity, gender wars, online bullying and a struggling education system. Christians should watch it now, says Krish Kandiah
3,500 churches have closed in the last ten years. We must stop the epidemic
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
70 Christians have been beheaded in DRC. The world must act now
Christians are being targeted by Islamic Extremists in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the country descends further into war and chaos, Illia Djadi says that if the international community doesn’t intervene, this slaughter will be just one of many
Did St Patrick invent friendship evangelism?
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
Giles Coren has given up atheism for Lent. Are we witnessing an intellectual return to Christianity?
In his latest column for The Times, journalist Giles Coren announced that he was giving up atheism for Lent. Stephen McAlpine explores
Mumford & Sons’ new song is an anthem for a generation rediscovering Christianity
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
Church attendance won’t be enough to stop antisemitism among Christians
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
I was arrested for my opinion. Civil liberties are under threat in the UK and Christians must take a stand
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
There’s no such thing as Christian leadership
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The Devil doesn’t want you to read this book
In A Devil Named Lucifer, Jared Brock uncovers Satan’s hidden influence and tactics, arguing that understanding how he works and why he does what he does can help you resist him
5 years on from Covid, the Church is still making a difference
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
Christianity is being attacked in the West. Why won’t our church leaders admit it?
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
How can “all” be well? Discovering Julian of Norwich’s timeless wisdom
What can a 14th century mystic teach us today? A new book promises to further unpack Julian of Norwich’s classic work Revelations of Divine Love and its relevance to modern readers
Marvel’s Daredevil is a Christian. Born Again has a lot to live up to
As the only character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe whose Christian faith is a central aspect of his story, Daredevil: Born Again offers not just the adventures of a gritty crime drama, but a real exploration of spiritual struggle. Giles Gough explains why we should pay close attention
I gave a sermon on LGBT issues. Now I’m stuck in a time loop of legal battles
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
4 ways your church can dismantle sexism and empower women
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
5 women setting the internet on fire for Jesus
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
What God did at Gather 25 is just the beginning
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
Amazon Prime’s House of David is a masterpiece
House of David charts the rise of David from shepherd boy to the most celebrated king of Israel. Giles Gough says the big-budget series features a strong opening with stellar performances and will give viewers insight into the strength and humility of one of the Bible’s most enigmatic characters
Trump and Vance’s attack on Zelenskyy was the antithesis of Christian values
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
Stormzy just set the standard for bringing God to secular spaces
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
It isn’t blasphemous for Jesus to be played by a woman, it’s inclusive
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
A female Jesus? Christians are right to be offended
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 in a gay bar changed my opinion on sexuality
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
5 reasons why Christians should keep up with the news
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
This Oscar-nominated drama is a terrifying glimpse into what persecuted Christians face
Seeing a big-screen dramatic portrayal of a brutal and unjust regime brings to life the stories we hear from persecuted Christians, says Steve Dew-Jones. Here’s what he made of the Iranian film, The Seed of the Sacred Fig
The Church of England is in couples therapy. Can we work through our issues without splitting?
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
How one weekend can give you everything you ever wanted
Can one weekend really change everything? In this new evangelistic book, Graham Alban takes readers on a journey through the Easter weekend, unpacking its significance with clarity, warmth, and relatable storytelling
Aren’s Heart Beats Stronger: A Gift of Compassion Saved His Life
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The ARC conference conflates religion and politics. And that’s a dangerous game
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
Open relationships are growing in popularity. Here’s a Christian response
The default of monogamy is being challenged in our media and wider culture. But the apparent “freedom” offered by open relationships is false and will only lead to heartbreak, says Peter Ladd. The biblical vision for marriage still stands the test of time
I lost my daughter to suicide. The Holy Spirit has been our comforter
Peter’s daughter, Becky, died by suicide. Here, he shares the moving story of how he and his family are navigating her loss with the help of their faith
A new report claims UK Christians are antisemitic. Is it accurate?
A Chosen People Ministries survey has claimed one third of British Christians endorse antisemitic tropes such as “The Jews talk too much about the Holocaust”. Sam Hailes looks at the research
Jeff Lucas on when a stranger moved in with him
Jeff Lucas was told the man in question was kind and utterly trustworthy. But he still felt uncomfortable when a stranger moved into his house
Should Christians believe in evolution?
Tom Wright gives his answer to a reader’s question
Protect the flock: Unpacking Jesus’ instructions to church leaders
Church leaders have been given great power and responsibility by God. They must use it for the good of the whole body, says Lucy Peppiatt
Get angry about poverty. It's the Christian thing to do
Have Christians become so used to poverty that we’ve stopped being outraged by it? God hasn’t, says Natalie Williams, and it’s time we got in step with his heart
‘We can’t keep up with the number of students requesting baptism’
Reports of God at work among Gen Z are flooding in from around the globe. Tony Wilson heads to Toulouse, to investigate a remarkable renewal among the town’s student population
'Drink, drugs, sex, career, travel - I’ve tried it all. Nothing satisfies like Jesus Christ'
Calum Mackenzie grew up in a Christian family, but walked away from faith while at university. During the next 22 years he tried everything the world could offer, but nothing seemed to satisfy him. Until one day, a desperate expletive-laden prayer changed everything
The Iranians stormed this church and forced its closure. But I’ll never forget the Christians I met there
When Tara Jamali returned to Iran after an absence of 20 years, she was shocked to discover the church she attended as a student boarded up. Pressure on Iranian Christians is growing she says, but glimmers of hope are present in the darkness
Why are some church leaders abusive? As a priest and psychotherapist this is what I think is going on
Hurt people hurt people, as the saying goes. Rev Karen Hunter Kriwald looks at how narcissism and trauma may be effecting Christian leaders
Cutting aid to fund defence won’t help us build a better world
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
Elizabeth Oldfield: The Christian apologist on why she’s not afraid to quote poetry to the philosophers
The podcaster and former director of Theos opens up about her unconventional faith journey, what living in Christian community has taught her about discipleship and why she’s writing about sex
Jesus chose the lonely places, so I’ve been trying the spiritual disciple of solitude
In a world full of noise and distractions, what happens when we embrace solitude instead of running from it? Joshua Luke Smith has been giving it a go
‘People don't recover from locked-in syndrome. I’m a walking miracle’
Rev David Hazeldine surprised medics by making a near-full recovery from locked-in syndrome. The experience revolutionised his understanding of God’s mercy
The charity bookshop manager: ‘It’s striking how often people ask for Bibles’
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
The Church needs more working-class leaders
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
Brick by brick: What Lego’s unexpected comeback can teach a declining church
As many UK church denominations are faced with continued decline leading to extinction, is it time to learn from Lego’s ‘back to basics’ approach? Martin Saunders investigates
The Bible is being debated on the world’s biggest stages. Let’s pray for our public theologians
Scripture is making its way into the public square. Please pray for those of us who are called to speak its truth in contexts where millions of non-Christians are listening, says Chine McDonald
Superbowl champion BJ Daniels: 'I haven't always walked with God. But he has never left me'
The NFL star speaks to AJ Gomez about defying the odds, trials and triumphs and God’s radical way of changing our plans
Are churches being attacked by satanists?
Heather Tomlinson investigates disturbing reports from the New Forest
Sam Fender is praying he’ll see his loved ones again. So am I
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
Who is Paula White-Cain?
Controversial televangelist Paula White-Cain is a long-standing friend of Donald Trump. But her appointment to the White House Faith Office has garnered criticism from across the political and religious spectrum. Stephanie Addenbrooke Bean takes a closer look
The holy act of hand-holding
Gemma Hunt reflects on how a simple hand hold breaks down barriers of age, language and even disconnection. The power of such simple touch points to a deeper truth: we are always held in the gentle but secure grasp of God’s hand
Does God care who wins and loses?
Does God care who wins in sports? Jonny Reid believes the answer is yes, though maybe not for the reasons you’d expect
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