--- title: Press centre date: 2018-07-26T14:29:00+01:00 author: Tim Coysh canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/press-centre" section: Pages --- ### Latest announcement [ Monday 28 September 2026#### New four-part web series exploring the faith journeys of Christian leaders Faith in Focus: Honest conversations and real-life stories of following Jesus, is out now. This new four-part web series, produced by the Evangelical Alliance and hosted by former BBC correspondent and Evangelical Alliance editor Nicola Morrison,… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/new-four-part-web-series-exploring-the-faith-journeys-of-christian-leaders) ### Press releases [ Monday 14 September 2026#### Britain's evangelicals are younger, ethnically diverse and make up two-thirds of practising Christians New Evangelical Alliance report provides the clearest picture yet of who evangelicals are in the UK.The evangelical church in the UK is younger, more ethnically diverse and significantly larger than many people assume, according to major new… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/britains-evangelicals-are-younger-ethnically-diverse-and-make-up-two-thirds-of-practising-christians) [ Thursday 03 September 2026#### Spiritual Curiosity: a Christian guide to understanding the world of crystals, manifesting, tarot and sharing faith in this moment The Evangelical Alliance launches a free guide offering practical ways to share the Christian faith with the spiritually curious. We’re living in times of spiritual openness, but it’s not just Christianity that people are exploring. This curiosity… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/spiritual-curiosity-a-christian-guide-to-understanding-the-world-of-crystals-manifesting-tarot-and-sharing-faith-in-this-moment) [ Thursday 25 June 2026#### Proposed Conversion Bill undermines parents' role and religious freedom, says Evangelical Alliance The UK government have published draft proposals for a conversion practices bill. The Evangelical Alliance has consistently spoken out against forced and abusive activities relating to someone’s sexual orientation or whether someone considers… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/proposed-conversion-bill-undermines-parents-role-and-religious-freedom) [ Thursday 16 April 2026#### Ethos: A new digital pathway for the spiritually curious The Evangelical Alliance's Being Human team has launched Ethos, a free digital pathway designed to reach the spiritually curious. At a time when growing numbers of people are open to faith, are experimenting with spiritual practices, Ethos offers… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/ethos-a-new-digital-pathway-for-the-spiritually-curious) [ Monday 13 April 2026#### Theresa Stone joins the Evangelical Alliance as director of communications and engagement With an extensive background in communications and media, Theresa will lead the team in amplifying the voice of our members and equipping the church to speak out in confidence.Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, said: "We are really… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/theresa-stones-joins-the-evangelical-alliance-as-director-of-communications-and-engagement) [ Thursday 19 February 2026#### Jo Frost, director of communications and engagement, leaves the Evangelical Alliance After eight eventful years, helping lead the Evangelical Alliance through new resources and podcast launches, Covid, cyber-attacks, elections and quiet revivals, Jo Frost, director of communications and engagement, will be leaving the Evangelical… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/jo-frost-director-of-communications-and-engagement-leaves-the-evangelical-alliance-after-8-years) [ Tuesday 20 January 2026#### Evangelical Alliance releases five supplemental reports from the Finding Jesus research with insights across distinct groups Following the successful release of the Finding Jesus report last year, the Evangelical Alliance have launched their five supplemental reports looking at how people are coming to faith across specific demographics. The five reports individually… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/evangelical-alliance-releases-five-supplemental-reports-from-the-finding-jesus-research-with-insights-across-distinct-groups) [ Wednesday 03 December 2025#### Evangelical Alliance launches new Discovering Jesus resource suite for South Asians exploring the Christian faith The South Asian Forum of the Evangelical Alliance is pleased to announce the launch of Discovering Jesus, a comprehensive new suite of resources designed to support those of Asian heritage who are curious about or actively exploring the Christian… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/evangelical-alliance-launches-new-discovering-jesus-resource-suite-for-south-asians-exploring-the-christian-faith) [ Wednesday 19 November 2025#### Faith communities contribute at least £250 million to the Welsh economy every year, finds new report by the Evangelical Alliance Faith communities contribute at least £250 million to the Welsh economy every year, finds new report by the Evangelical Alliance The Faith in Wales report, produced by the Evangelical Alliance, which outlines the significant and diverse beneficial… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/faith-communities-contribute-at-least-250-million-to-the-welsh-economy-every-year-finds-new-report-by-the-evangelical-alliance) 1 [2](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre.md/page/2 "Go to page 2") [3](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre.md/page/3 "Go to page 3") [4](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre.md/page/4 "Go to page 4") [ ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre.md/page/2 "Next page") ### Media enquiries **Nicola Morrison** Editorial and media manager Email: Phone: 020 7520 3861 ### Spokespersons [ ![GC Headshot 156](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![GC Headshot 156](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/GC-Headshot-156.jpg) ](#gavin-calver) #### [Gavin Calver](#gavin-calver) ##### CEO Mission, youth, young adults, evangelism, church, leadership, unity ![GC Headshot 156](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%271681%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![GC Headshot 156](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Gavin Calver #### CEO Gavin Calver is the CEO of the Evangelical Alliance. He has a burning passion to see the church working together to share the Gospel throughout the UK. Formerly the leader of Youth for Christ and chair of Spring Harvest, he’s an ordained evangelist and regular public speaker, and has authored six books. Married to Anne, they have two children, Amelie and Daniel. He loves new challenges, is a passionate AFC Wimbledon supporter and was part of the team that broke the World Record for the longest 5-a-side football match. [ ![Evangelical Alliance Square 10](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Evangelical Alliance Square 10](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/Evangelical_Alliance_Square-10.jpg) ](#peter-lynas) #### [Peter Lynas](#peter-lynas) ##### UK director Church, leadership, public policy, Northern Ireland, politics, law, current affairs ![Evangelical Alliance Square 10](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%271200%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Evangelical Alliance Square 10](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Peter Lynas #### UK director Peter oversees the advocacy team and the work of the Evangelical Alliance across the four UK nations. He is passionate about faith in the public square and leads the Being Human project. He previously worked as a barrister in Belfast before studying theology at Regent College in Vancouver, where he serves on the board. Peter is a regular media commentator, is married to Rose, has two daughters, and loves running. [ ![Danny Webster](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Danny Webster](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/Danny-Webster.jpeg) ](#danny-webster) #### [Danny Webster](#danny-webster) ##### Director of advocacy and research ![Danny Webster](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27800%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Danny Webster](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Danny Webster #### Director of advocacy and research Danny joined the Evangelical Alliance in 2008 and has held a range of roles in the advocacy team. He currently leads the advocacy and research team across the UK, including public policy work and engagement with the parliaments and assemblies and respective governments. Danny leads the Evangelical Alliance's research work, seeking to understand evangelicals in the UK, their beliefs, practices and attitudes. Danny is passionate about encouraging Christians to integrate their faith with all areas of their life, especially when it comes to helping them take on leadership roles outside the church. He frequently provides comment on issues in public life and politics, both in Evangelical Alliance publications and to the press. [ ![Kieran Turner](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Kieran Turner](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/Kieran-Turner_2022-06-22-114245_ajzv.jpg) ](#kieran-turner) #### [Kieran Turner](#kieran-turner) ##### Head of Public Leadership Public leadership, Scotland, public policy, current affairs ![Kieran Turner](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27800%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Kieran Turner](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Kieran Turner #### Head of Public Leadership Kieran joined the Evangelical Alliance Scotland team in 2012. Prior to this he worked for MSPs at the Scottish parliament for three years, with spells in both Edinburgh and Inverness. Before this he spent a number of years working in youth and community work in the housing estates of his native Glasgow. Kieran helps the Evangelical Alliance provide support and encouragement to churches, organisations and individual Christians trying to engage with wider Scottish society. [ ![20250424 David Smyth WEB](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![20250424 David Smyth WEB](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/20250424_David_Smyth_WEB.png) ](#david-smyth) #### [David Smyth](#david-smyth) ##### Head of Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland Public policy, Northern Ireland, conflict & reconciliation, politics ![20250424 David Smyth WEB](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27675%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![20250424 David Smyth WEB](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### David Smyth #### Head of Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland David Smyth is head of the Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland and coordinates the Public Leader: Northern Ireland course. Before joining the Evangelical Alliance in 2011, he worked as a solicitor and now represents the organisation on a range of government, civic and charitable forums. He serves in the space where faith, law, politics and culture intersect. Outside of work, he enjoys getting out in nature or getting stuck into a DIY project. [ ![Phil Knox 2](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Phil Knox 2](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/Phil-Knox-2.jpg) ](#phil-knox) #### [Phil Knox](#phil-knox) ##### Head of gospel impact Evangelism, mission, friendship, young adults ![Phil Knox 2](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27713%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Phil Knox 2](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Phil Knox #### Head of gospel impact Phil Knox is head of gospel impact at the Evangelical Alliance. He loves seeing people meet Jesus and studying journeys of faith. Phil is the author of *Story Bearer: How to Share Your Faith, The Best of Friends* and, with Gavin Calver, *Good News People*. They also host a podcast with Premier expanding on themes from the book. [ ![20260507 Ben Jeffery WEB](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![20260507 Ben Jeffery WEB](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/20260507_Ben_Jeffery_WEB.png) ](#ben-jeffery) #### [Ben Jeffery](#ben-jeffery) ##### Head of church unity ![20260507 Ben Jeffery WEB](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27675%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![20260507 Ben Jeffery WEB](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Ben Jeffery #### Head of church unity Ben is the head of church unity and has over a decade of experience in senior leadership and church planting. He is unapologetically passionate about the local church, reaching people far from God and seeing churches come together to make Jesus known. He also loves good coffee, falling off surfboards and getting lost on mountains. [ ![Wendy Pawsey](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Wendy Pawsey](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/Wendy-Pawsey.jpeg) ](#wendy-pawsey) #### [Rev Wendy Pawsey](#wendy-pawsey) ##### Head of giving ![Wendy Pawsey](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27800%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Wendy Pawsey](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Rev Wendy Pawsey #### Head of giving Wendy Pawsey is passionate about the UK church and helping people discover the joy of living generously. With a varied professional background across several sectors, she joined the Evangelical Alliance in 2021 and serves as head of giving. She also co-pastors a thriving church, is a trustee for two Christian charities, runs a fundraising consultancy, and is the author of *Generous with a Capital G*. [ ![20250424 Dawn Mc Avoy WEB](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![20250424 Dawn Mc Avoy WEB](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/20250424_Dawn_McAvoy_WEB.png) ](#dawn-mcavoy) #### [Dawn McAvoy](#dawn-mcavoy) ##### Both Lives UK lead Both Lives, abortion ![20250424 Dawn Mc Avoy WEB](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27675%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![20250424 Dawn Mc Avoy WEB](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Dawn McAvoy #### Both Lives UK lead Dawn McAvoy is the co-founder and leader of Both Lives, a UK-wide initiative advocating for both lives in every pregnancy. Both Lives works toward a people and place that values the life and health of women and children, pre- and post-birth. Dawn has been part of the Evangelical Alliance since 2011. She is a mum to three girls and is finding a new interest in growing plants. [ ![Damilola Makinde](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Damilola Makinde](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/Damilola-Makinde.jpg) ](#damilola-makinde) #### [Damilola Makinde](#damilola-makinde) ##### Advocacy engagement lead ![Damilola Makinde](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27790%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Damilola Makinde](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Damilola Makinde #### Advocacy engagement lead Damilola leads church engagement in the advocacy team, which involves preaching, crafting resources and connecting with leaders across the church. She rejoined the Evangelical Alliance in 2021, having completed an internship in the Northern Ireland team after university. She has studied law in Dublin, Belfast and London, and hopes to study somewhere with better weather one day.