--- 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 [ Thursday 09 May 2024#### Care for those most in need drives evangelical engagement in politics A research report conducted by the Evangelical Alliance, released today, reveals some insightful findings about how evangelical Christians in the UK are engaging with politics, what issues facing the UK presently matter most to them and what… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/care-for-those-most-in-need-drives-evangelical-engagement-in-politics) [ Thursday 18 April 2024#### What does it mean to be human? Chart-topping podcast, Being Human, returns for its fifth season, continuing to explore a new apologetic for the 21st Century Co-hosts Jo Frost and Peter Lynas, are back this springtime with a fifth season of the popular Being Human podcast. Packed with relevant cultural stories and biblical insights, Jo and Peter bring their trademark laid-back conversation coupled with… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/what-does-it-mean-to-be-human-chart-topping-podcast-being-human-returns-for-its-fifth-season-continuing-to-explore-a-new-apologetic-for-the-21st-century) [ Monday 26 February 2024#### 50% of people in Northern Ireland describe themselves as a practising Christian and one in five consider themselves to be evangelical The results of the Northern Ireland survey revealed a stark contrast with the 2021 census of England and Wales, which revealed that less than half of the population would describe themselves as Christian and more would class themselves as having no… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/50-of-people-in-northern-ireland-describe-themselves-as-a-practising-christian-and-one-in-five-consider-themselves-to-be-evangelical) [ Tuesday 09 January 2024#### Ending conversion practices in Scotland: Christian leaders should not be prevented from providing pastoral support In response to the Scottish Government’s latest proposals on ending conversion practices, Fred Drummond, director of the Evangelical Alliance, Scotland, said: “The Evangelical Alliance welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the consultation on… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/conversion-therapy-bill-christian-leaders-should-not-be-prevented-from-providing-pastoral-support) [ Tuesday 24 October 2023#### Abortion rates have almost doubled in NI in the last three years since abortion law was changed In response to a FOI request made by Both Lives Matter, the Department of Health have revealed that (as of 23rd May 2023) 5,648 abortions have taken place in NI since the abortion law was changed. Dawn McAvoy, Both Lives Matter lead said, “Nearly… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/abortion-rates-have-almost-doubled-in-ni-in-last-three-years-since-abortion-law-was-changed) [ Wednesday 01 March 2023#### Tim Rowlands is announced as the new head of the Evangelical Alliance in Wales The Evangelical Alliance is thrilled to announce that Tim Rowlands will be joining the staff team as the head of the Evangelical Alliance in Wales from 1 April, supporting the church in Wales in its local mission and amplifying its voice into wider… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/tim-rowlands-is-announced-as-the-new-head-of-the-evangelical-alliance-in-wales) [ Tuesday 29 November 2022#### Christianity will always be relevant and essential to our society Despite the decline shown in the latest census figures, practicing Christians are essential to our society and fulfil a key role, says the Evangelical Alliance. Identifying as a Christian is moving from being a cultural label to showing those who… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/christianity-will-always-be-relevant-and-essential-to-our-society) [ Friday 28 October 2022#### Church and government need to work together to tackle cost of living crisis The Evangelical Alliance and Christians Against Poverty call on the new prime minister to do more for the poorest households in our society. In this cost of living crisis thousands of churches across the UK are providing support for their… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/church-and-government-need-to-work-together-to-tackle-cost-of-living-crisis) [#### Evangelical Alliance calls for "long-term solutions" for persecuted Christians worldwide at International Freedom of Religion or Belief Conference The Evangelical Alliance urges the government not to miss the opportunity to demonstrate international leadership and protect the vulnerable communities of persecuted Christians around the world during the International Freedom of Religion or Belief… ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/evangelical-alliance-calls-for-long-term-solutions-for-persecuted-christians-worldwide-at-international-freedom-of-religion-or-belief-conference) [ ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/page/2 "Previous page") [1](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre "Go to page 1") [2](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/page/2 "Go to page 2") 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") [6](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/page/6 "Go to page 6") [ ](https://www.eauk.org/press-centre/page/4 "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.