--- title: Press centre date: 2018-07-26T14:29:00+01:00 author: Tim Coysh canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/press-centre" section: Pages --- ### Press releases [ Wednesday 26 February 2025#### The Evangelical Alliance releases statement from CEO Gavin Calver, on government’s decision to slash aid to pay for defence spending Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance said of the decision: “War in Europe has been our reality for the last three years. In that time, the UK has welcomed refugees and sought to help our allies to withstand the aggressions of an invader.… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/the-evangelical-alliance-releases-statement-from-ceo-gavin-calver-on-governments-decision-to-slash-aid-to-pay-for-defence-spending) [ Thursday 23 January 2025#### The Evangelical Alliance releases new Relationships Matter online course Relationships Matter: a seven-week course to explore the good, true and beautiful story of relationships, sex and sexuality found in the Bible from the Evangelical Alliance is out today. The seven-part video series with an accompanying study guide… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/the-evangelical-alliance-releases-new-relationships-matter-online-course) [ Tuesday 03 December 2024#### One People Commission launches new resource: Visions of Justice and Hope A new resource by the One People Commission and South Asian Forum launches today. Visions of Justice and Hope explores one of the most contested cultural questions of our time: What does it mean to be human and a Person of Colour? Complete with a… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/one-people-commission-launces-new-resource-visions-of-justice-and-hope) [ Friday 29 November 2024#### Evangelical Alliance responds to result of Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill vote Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, said: “I’m deeply disappointed parliament has voted to progress this bill to legalise assisted suicide. This is the biggest proposed change to our social fabric in a generation. Over recent weeks we… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/statement-on-assisted-dying-debate-outcome) [ Tuesday 26 November 2024#### More than 1,200 Christian leaders sign open letter to MPs opposing assisted dying bill Ahead of parliament debating a law to introduce assisted dying, more than 1,200 church and Christian leaders have signed a letter opposing plans. The letter is backed by the leaders of the Evangelical Alliance and Churches Together in England and… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/more-than-1-200-christian-leaders-sign-open-letter-to-mps-opposing-assisted-dying-bill) [ Thursday 10 October 2024#### Forbes: 'Christians should have confidence to get involved' to make a difference for the future of Scotland At an event to mark the launch of a new resource, the deputy first minister urged Christians to act with love despite any fears or worries. Speaking at an event to mark the Evangelical Alliance’s What Kind of Nation? resource, Scottish Deputy First… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/forbes-christians-should-have-confidence-to-get-involved-to-make-a-difference-for-the-future-of-scotland) [ Monday 09 September 2024#### Lynne Paterson joins as head of Evangelical Alliance Scotland The Evangelical Alliance are delighted to welcome Lynne Paterson as the new head of the Evangelical Alliance Scotland from 9 September, as she joins us in our mission to support the church and make Jesus known throughout the nation and beyond. Gavin… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/lynne-paterson-of-tearfund-joins-evangelical-alliance-as-head-of-scotland) [ Wednesday 17 July 2024#### The King’s speech and draft bill to ban conversion practices On Wednesday, 17 July 2024, King Charles III set out the Labour government’s legislative agenda for this parliament. The advocacy team will provide further analysis in the coming weeks and support our members to understand and engage with different… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/the-kings-speech-and-draft-bill-to-ban-conversion-practices) [ Friday 05 July 2024#### The Evangelical Alliance congratulates and prays for the new Prime Minister Commenting on the Labour Party’s success in the general election, and Sir Keir Starmer becoming prime minister, Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, said: “I am praying for Sir Keir Starmer and his incoming government following the Labour… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/the-evangelical-alliance-congratulates-and-prays-for-the-new-prime-minister) [ ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre "Previous page") [1](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre "Go to page 1") 2 [3](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/page/3 "Go to page 3") [4](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/page/4 "Go to page 4") [5](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/page/5 "Go to page 5") [ ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/page/3 "Next page") ### Media enquiries ### 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%271%27%20height%3D%271%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%271%27%20height%3D%271%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 with Jo Frost. 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. [ ![Israel Olofinjana](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) ![Israel Olofinjana](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/Israel-Olofinjana.jpeg) ](#israel-oluwole-olofinjana) #### [Rev Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana](#israel-oluwole-olofinjana) ##### Director of One People Commission Climate, Racial Justice, Leadership, Diversity, Mission, Whole life discipleship, Majority world theology ![Israel Olofinjana](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) ![Israel Olofinjana](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 Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana #### Director of One People Commission Rev Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana is an ordained and accredited Baptist minister and has led two multi-ethnic Baptist churches and an independent charismatic church. He is the founding director of Centre for Missionaries from the Majority World, a mission network initiative that provides cross-cultural training to reverse missionaries in Britain. Israel is an honorary research fellow at The Queen's Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education in Birmingham and is on the advisory group on Race and Theology at the Society for the Study of Theology (SST). He is a consultant to the executive team of Lausanne Europe, advising them on matters related to diaspora ministries in Europe. He is on the Christian Aid working group of black majority church leaders exploring the intersection of climate justice and racial justice. [ ![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 ![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](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 Danny joined the Evangelical Alliance in 2008 and has held a range of roles in the advocacy team. He currently leads the advocacy team's work across the UK, including public policy work and engagement with the parliaments and assemblies, and respective governments. Before working for the Evangelical Alliance, Danny, who has degrees in politics and political philosophy, worked in parliament for an MP. 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, and helped initiate the Evangelical Alliance's Public Leadership programme. He frequently provides comment on current political issues, 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%271%27%20height%3D%271%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%271%27%20height%3D%271%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 Northern Ireland and coordinates the Public Leader: Northern Ireland course. He is a former solicitor and represents the Evangelical Alliance on a range of government, civic and charitable forums. He serves in the space where faith, law, politics and culture intersect. [ ![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%271%27%20height%3D%271%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 an evangelism and missiology senior specialist at the Evangelical Alliance and is trying to be a good friend. His book on the subject, *The Best of Friends*, was published on 16 February 2023. You can read his first book, *Story Bearer* at [www.storybearer.com](http://www.storybearer.com) [ ![Ben Jeffery](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](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_headshot/Ben-Jeffery.jpg) ](#ben-jeffery) #### [Ben Jeffery](#ben-jeffery) ##### Head of church unity ![Ben Jeffery](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](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 also leads soulcity church, Stockport, which he planted in 2017. He is unapologetically passionate about the local church, reaching people far from God and seeing the movement of Jesus reproduced in others. 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%271%27%20height%3D%271%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 has a deep love for the UK church, a passion for unity and a desire for God's people to follow in His footsteps and live abundantly generous lives. Her previous roles in finance, current role as Head of giving with the Evangelical Alliance and co-pastor of a fantastic church, alongside serving as a trustee for Regents Theological College, continue to provide ample opportunity to see the blessing, Kingdom growth and changed lives that generosity facilitates as articulated in her book, 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%271%27%20height%3D%271%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 leads Both Lives, a UK-wide initiative advocating for both lives in every pregnancy. Both Lives champions laws that protect, services that enable and a culture that affirms women and children pre- and post-birth. [ ![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%271%27%20height%3D%271%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 is the Evangelical Alliance's advocacy engagement lead.