Columns

The powerful symbolism of Marco Rubio’s visit to Mother Teresa’s home
The powerful symbolism of Marco Rubio’s visit to Mother Teresa’s home

The blatant demonization and targeting of Christians harms not only the community but also millions of needy Indians who benefit from Christian-run schools, hospitals, and social services.

The future of ecumenism - and why it has everything to do with divisions over human sexuality
The future of ecumenism - and why it has everything to do with divisions over human sexuality

If the twentieth century saw significant ecumenical progress, what we have seen in the twenty first century is this progress stall and then begin to go backwards. 

Violence against religious leaders has been ‘normalised’ in Colombia - the authorities must act to protect them
Violence against religious leaders has been ‘normalised’ in Colombia - the authorities must act to protect them

In 2023 the Colombian government withdrew special protections for religious leaders, leaving them increasingly exposed to the rising tide of violence in the country. These must be restored.

What should Christians make of Tommy Robinson?
What should Christians make of Tommy Robinson?

In demanding that the likes of Robinson be banned from the Oxford Union, the clergy are in effect setting their own limit on freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Does the Church of England need to re-think its messaging?
Does the Church of England need to re-think its messaging?

If you look at the Church of England’s communications all that it ever seems to highlight is the good works that Christians do to improve the temporal well-being of their neighbours. It is right to highlight these things, but they are not the primary reason for the Church’s existence.

Without a culture shift, Christian street preachers will continue to be arrested
Without a culture shift, Christian street preachers will continue to be arrested

Christian street preachers are almost invariably arrested under a section of law that was originally intended to deal with football hooliganism.

The Christian Church in mainland China since 1949
The Christian Church in mainland China since 1949

The history of the Christian Church in mainland China since 1949 is a story characterised by times of dramatic upheaval, near destruction and martyrdom, and unexpected revival.

Why did the Lord speak to Moses in the desert?
Why did the Lord speak to Moses in the desert?

Numbers 1:1 goes: ‘And the Lord spoke to Moses in the Sinai desert.’ But why is the desert the best place to receive this teaching?

Let’s encourage our churches to support and pray for their elected representatives
Let’s encourage our churches to support and pray for their elected representatives

Last week’s elections confirm that people have lost trust in both the system and the politicians - and the fragmentation that exists in British politics. 

After the elections, what next for Britain?
After the elections, what next for Britain?

If the two-party system is indeed dead, as both Zack Polanski and Nigel Farage claim, it’s because members of these two parties have failed, promoting ideologies that are alien to the British character, and serving their own interests, rather than those of the people.

Seismic elections in the UK – the good, the bad and the ugly
Seismic elections in the UK – the good, the bad and the ugly

I would suggest that, leaving out the hyperbole, these are the most significant elections since Maggie Thatcher was elected – or perhaps the Brexit referendum. What can Christians make of it all?   

Understanding the reasons for the conviction of Päivi Räsänen
Understanding the reasons for the conviction of Päivi Räsänen

In Finland cultural, or in this case, legal power is being used to shut down scientific discussion. 

Church of England leaders must do more to support British Jews
Church of England leaders must do more to support British Jews

Lord Toby Young’s powerful speech in London in support of British Jews sets an example for the Church of England.

From panic to false alarm: the danger of ‘rage bait’
From panic to false alarm: the danger of ‘rage bait’

Christians are by no means immune from this type of moral panic formed on the basis of rumour and conjecture, so how can we make sure that we are, in Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:16, “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” in our online interactions?

Where is Scotland heading this week? 
Where is Scotland heading this week? 

Scotland is experiencing serious political, economic and social decline after years of SNP governance and failed policy choices. Will this week's elections change that?

When the gospel is criminalised, who really suffers the consequences?
When the gospel is criminalised, who really suffers the consequences?

When the gospel is criminalised and silenced in public, those who pay the price are the ones who need this hope the most.