Life
Keir Starmer praises faith and church volunteers in Christmas interview
Church volunteers "are the true Britain" and doing the country proud, the Prime Minister said.
The little-known prayers written by Jane Austen
It is now 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen whose books and their many screen adaptations are beloved around the world. Not many people know that she was a devout Christian who also wrote devotional prayers. This is the story …
The Anglican worldview of Jane Austen’s life and novels
16 December 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of novelist Jane Austen, who was born in southern England in 1775. Her novels are steeped in biblical analogy and practical theology. This is the story…
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds
Churches across the UK are expecting fuller pews this Christmas, as new research suggests a significant rise in the number of people planning to attend services and church-run events over the festive season.
The little-known history of the X in Xmas
Many Christians worry that writing “Xmas” crosses Christ out of Christmas, but the story of the X is an ancient, deeply rooted Christian custom. This is the story ….
Who was the historical King Herod?
At Christmas time we read about King Herod who ruled Judea at the time of Jesus’s birth, and he is the villain of many Nativity plays. But King Herod was a real historical character. This is the story …
New report uncovers spiritual priorities for Gen Z
Authenticity is key for Generation Z.
On commitment
Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster considers what commitment means in Judaism.
Why Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas
Have we settled for the wrapping paper and missed the gift?
Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
Richard Turnbull brought an unusual combination of skills to his life’s work. He died on 26 November, aged 65, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The three Christian meanings of Advent
The great Cistercian monk St Bernard of Clairvaux spoke of Advent in three distinct senses, and Christian writers and sermons have echoed his insight down the centuries. This the story …
The bishop who became Santa Claus
Everybody knows Santa Claus. But how many people know the inspiration for the jolly Father Christmas was in fact a bishop whose courage, generosity, and compassion shaped centuries of Christian practice?
Many Western Christians misunderstand the purpose of faith, says NT Wright
Instead of seeing Christianity as the story of God renewing the whole cosmos — Heaven and Earth united — they have been taught to think of salvation primarily as a private escape plan: the soul departing for Heaven when the body dies.
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.
Joe Rogan finds Bible 'fascinating,' notes Christian kindness: 'I don't think it's myth'
Podcaster Joe Rogan recently revealed more about his ongoing journey toward Christianity, explaining he has been moved by the kindness of Christians he knows at church and that he has grown convinced the Bible is not entirely mythical.
Churches across the UK are getting into the Christmas spirit
Cathedrals and churches across the UK are embracing Advent with a flurry of festive markets, carol services and community events.