Columns
How the new General Synod could move beyond the present disagreement over same-sex relationships
How might the next Synod make progress in the next five years based on a recognition that there are those in the Church of England who hold fundamentally opposed positions on the matter? Is there a way of allowing both sides to achieve what they want? Martin Davie argues that the answer to this question is ‘Yes.’
No part of London should become a free speech, gospel exclusion zone
Soho is not exempt from freedom of speech and Christian expression. And Christians do not lose their fundamental freedoms when they cross an invisible boundary into a neighbourhood associated with a different worldview. The streets of London belong to all of us, writes Andrea Williams.
We need to rethink what it means to be a grandparent
I have felt, in my own life, the joy that grandparenting can bring. But I have also come to see how unevenly that joy, and that responsibility, is shared, says Kim Samuel, founder of the Belonging Forum.
Earl Spencer is right to raise concerns about the Church of England’s historic buildings
The light shone by Charles Spencer, brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, on the financial threat to Britain’s historic churches is significant - although there is a notable omission.
Why personal sacrifice remains essential for gospel growth today
As 21st century Western Christians, we may be tempted to airbrush out of our walk with God anything that smacks of difficulties or hardship. But this is not how the Gospel spreads.
What Päivi Räsänen’s exclusion says about Christian free speech in Britain
The power of left-wing activists to block Finnish politician Päivi Räsänen from entering the UK shows the fragility of Christian freedom of expression.
When you go out and when you come in
Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster considers how the Torah readings ‘When you go out’ and ‘When you come in’ reflect on the Jewish people’s long history of exile and homecoming.
Why are so few Britons willing to fight for their country?
The erosion of Christian faith and virtues may help explain why fewer Britons feel a duty to defend their country and its inheritance.
Why the Church should make the case for church weddings
The Church should be confident in explaining why getting married in church still matters.
The midsummer election that’s no laughing matter
Clacton deserves better than simply becoming a midsummer distraction.
Why the Church needs to talk about what we wear
The Church should not shy away from honest conversations about modesty and our responsibility towards others.
On seeing
Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster reflects on how a curse can actually be a blessing in disguise.
Is spiritual revival stirring in Britain’s Armed Forces?
Rising baptisms, chapel attendance and demand for Bibles suggest a growing openness to Christianity among military personnel.
Why AI is far from divine
AI may be a valuable tool, but it can never replace the faith, experience and humanity at the heart of Christian life and preaching, writes Peter Crumpler.
Jacob Rees-Mogg and the appeasement of Islamism
Rees-Mogg is right to argue that we should not have the kind of crippling fear that stops us from acting, but neither should we be blind to what is happening in our culture and society.
What writing a memoir taught me about the reliability of the Gospels
Critics claim slightly differing accounts of the same event are problematic. But it's those differences that make them so real.
