Neil Rees
Why is the British monarch also called Defender of the Faith?
The British monarch traditionally bears the title “Defender of the Faith” which also appears on British coins as “F.D.” As it’s been back in the news lately, now’s a good time to consider it in more detail.
The backstory to Palm Sunday most evangelicals miss
29 March is Palm Sunday, or the sixth Sunday in Lent, which kicks off Holy Week. The events of this day echo a historical episode from Jewish history which most evangelicals miss. This is the story …
The dilemma of war for Christians
With wars constantly in the news, it is good to reflect on the biblical ethics of conflict.
The little-known story of the woman who rescued Mothering Sunday
15 March 2026, or the fourth Sunday in Lent, is Mothering Sunday in Britain and Ireland. The tradition nearly died and was rescued by a determined vicar’s daughter about a hundred years ago. This is the story …
The story of the Bible’s female leaders
8 March is International Women’s Day. In the Bible we can read about the roles that many women played in leadership and ministry. This is the story …
Who was St Piran and why is he the patron saint of Cornwall?
5 March is St Piran’s Day, the feast day of the patron saint of Cornwall. But who was St Piran, and what do we know about him? This is the story.
How Greenland got the Bible
Greenland has been in the news recently. Despite a Christian presence for a thousand years, Greenland has only had the whole Bible since 1900. This is the story …
How digital technology is bringing the Welsh Bible to more people
The digital age is making the Welsh Bible even more accessible.
Who was Matthias and why is he called the thirteenth apostle?
24 February is St Matthias’s Day. Matthias is known as “the 13th apostle”, but who was he and what do we know about him? This is the story …
The groundbreaking BBC series that brought Jesus to TV screens
Seventy years ago, in February 1956, the BBC aired the mini-series “Jesus of Nazareth”, which was the first filming of the life of Jesus to be created for television. This is the story …
What is the biblical basis of Ash Wednesday?
18 February 2026 is Ash Wednesday, which traditionally starts the season of Lent. This is the story …
Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story …
Why is 1 Corinthians 13 often read at weddings?
St Paul wrote a timeless definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “love chapter”, which is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible and is often read at weddings. This is the story …
Who were Saints Cyril and Methodius?
Everyone associates 14 February with Valentine's Day but did you know it is also the day to remember Saints Cyril and Methodius, who created the Cyrillic alphabet used in many eastern European countries. This is the story …
What we don’t know about Noah’s Ark
The story of Noah’s Ark is one of the most well-known Bible stories and has been retold in songs, children’s storybooks, cartoons, and films. Many people think they know the story; however, there are many things we simply do not know. This is the story …
Epiphany: where in the Orient did the wise men come from?
Many people associate the wise men with Christmas, but January 6 is traditionally the day in the Church calendar that commemorates their visit to the child Jesus.