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Reopening churches: acting with confidence and wisdom
However, this year the return to normality is not at all like we're used to. It’s not a six-week break that we’re returning from, but a gradual and hesitant resumption of something akin to the usual after six months of very unusual times. Over the course of the coronavirus crisis, as a society, we…
Danny Webster
“Be great friends”: a renewed call to deepen friendships amid COVID-19
One of these was highlighted by a BBC article that was published last week. It explained that our new rhythms and patterns “could have some long-term effects on some friendships”. As a result of lockdown, less office working, limited physical gatherings in churches and bans on mass gatherings, it…
Phil Knox
New lockdown rules: what does it mean for churches?
There are a number of places where more than six people can attend at the same time, and this includes places of worship. Therefore, church services can go ahead as long as they operate according to the Government’s guidance, with social distancing maintained and other hygiene measures in place.…
Danny Webster
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Since 1846, The Evangelical Alliance has been dedicated to serving the UK church and uniting evangelicals to make Jesus known. Throughout our history we have been at the forefront of campaigns for Christian unity, religious liberty and social transformation, and today our dedication to serving the…
Report proposes a new deal with faith communities
The report recognises the invaluable role of churches noting that, “before the welfare state, social support was provided by parishes, and by a patchwork of independent charities, foundations, friendly societies, mutuals, trades unions, cooperatives – and churches… Many of our public services – our…
Peter Lynas
COVID and the future of work
Over the summer, the Evangelical Alliance hosted a roundtable of member organisations discussing the impact of the pandemic on the economy, and what the church can do in response. One issue that stood out for several participants was employment and the future of work. While the furlough scheme has…
John Coleby
In this together – a call for generational unity
In the last few weeks young people and young adults have been specifically addressed by government and media and warned to behave responsibly. The warnings may be valid and appropriate but all to easily slide into blame and accusation. Jesus’ prayer for His church was that we would be one (John…
Phil Knox
Good news from small voices
Have you ever noticed how the news on the TV always starts with the UK-wide announcements before they read the headlines from the devolved nations such as Wales? There are also occasions when things are reversed and the smaller local voice is shared and the whole UK is encouraged to take note of…
Stephen Harmes
Speaking with and for the most vulnerable
On Wednesday, the Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland appeared at the Northern Ireland Education Committee alongside the National Autistic Society to advocate for some of the most vulnerable people in society. You can watch Donna, head of church and mission, giving evidence here and the BBC…
The UK church amid the pandemic: a journey of snakes and ladders
We wait to roll a 6. We plod forward, feeling like we’re ahead. We climb another ladder. 100, our desired destination, is in sight… restrictions lifted, new measures in place, the R number dropping, social connections rebuilding. Circumstances looked and felt better, hopeful even. In church,…
Donna Jennings
A bond of common humanity
Old wounds of racial and ethnic hostilities have resurfaced in the industrialised north this year. The world watched and heard George Floyd utter his last words, “I can’t breathe,” which sparked protests and calls for racial justice for black and minority communities in the US and in other…
Dr Hephzibah Egede
Responding in recovery
However, as March came to an end and April moved us deeper into lockdown, it became more and more apparent that this was unlikely to happen. It was difficult and painful. My hopes and dreams for my wedding day were unravelling as quickly as new coronavirus cases were rising. We’ve all had our lives…
Rachel Arnold
Digital church: five lessons from lockdown
As well as providing an opportunity for ill or holidaying members of our congregation to stay connected, we noticed new people joining us. Some were exploring faith, intrigued enough to click on a link and watch a service but possibly not intrigued enough to visit a service in person. We began to…
Mark Pugh
Rising above the storm
Over the last few months I’ve often been reminded of this Dickens’s quote as I’ve observed both beauty and ugliness during this pandemic. The virus has taken so many lives across our country and the world. Its secondary effects upon our own land will be long-lasting, with high unemployment,…
Roger Sutton
Churches frustrated at forced closure
Schools, colleges and universities are asked to remain open but otherwise the restrictions are very similar to when the first lockdown was imposed in March. This means that churches and other places of worship are required to close for public services and are only allowed to reopen for limited…
Danny Webster
