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2021 Census: Christianity can flourish in the margins of society
How should Christians respond to these findings, is it a cause for concern, and what does it mean for Christianity in public life? First of all, these findings are not a surprise; it has been widely predicted that this would be the result, and our own research through Talking Jesus found that 48%…
Danny Webster
2021 Census: Implications for public theology and the mission of the church
The Census data revealed that for the first time in England and Wales, less than half of the population (46.2%) describe themselves as “Christian”, a 13.1% decrease from 2011. Despite this decrease, “Christian” remained the most common response to the religion question. “No religion” was the second…
Rev Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana
Hope with hindsight
For example, in Psalm 77, Asaph sings with brutal honesty about his experience of suffering and sleepless nights. But by the end of the song, he finds comfort in recollecting how God rescued Israel out of slavery: “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your…
Andy Palmer
Hope for the intercultural church
So how do we define what it means to be an intercultural church? Well, quite simply put, it is the uniting of different cultures, backgrounds and languages through the uniting of diverse Christian communities. Although the UK is often referred to as ‘multi-cultural Britain’ there seems to be a…
Carla Jacobs
How ‘sharing Jesus more’ can be the resolution you actually keep in 2023
It’s so important – we read that Jesus’ commanded us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). So, how do we set and maintain ‘missional fitness habits’ that will help us to keep this commandment throughout 2023? Here are just three ideas. While each idea is inspired by a lesson…
Luke Gratton
Why is friendship good for me?
In 1950s America, there was a mystery in the small Pennsylvanian town of Roseto. Mortality rates were a third lower than in the rest of the United States. Heart disease was almost non-existent in otherwise high-risk groups. No one could work out why. Water sources were analysed, lifestyles were…
Phil Knox
Invited to Belong
Invited to Belong (a partnership between Youthscape and Urban Saints) is a six-part journey to consider, alongside those you work with, how you might invite children and young people with additional needs to find a place of belonging within your community, your youth group, your church. Inside the…
The Young Adults Conversation
The church in the UK is missing a generation of young adults from our congregations. But the majority of church leaders are looking to change that. Phil Knox, head of mission to young adults at the Evangelical Alliance, is supporting churches to think again about engaging young adults in a life of…
Holocaust Memorial Day: How can we reconcile faith and suffering?
At one point, a Polish man halted just an arm’s length in front of me. “You’re a Jew,” he said. “And you’ve come to this city to tell me about your Jesus.” He shook his head, bewildered and deeply pained. “If there’s anyone who should understand that God doesn’t exist, it’s you.” I answered softly.…
Avi Snyder
Why are we so obsessed with Harry?
Prince Harry is everywhere. But why it is we seem to care so much? What is it about Harry and Megan that has so captured our imagination? What is with our obsession with all things royal? Could it be that – despite all the power and the privilege – we recognise the humanity of Harry's story? His…
Why we need the best of friends
Why friendship, why now? I am convinced God is speaking to His church about this issue. In so many ways, friendship is timeless – we will always reflect the relational nature and design of our Creator. We were made for it. But at the same time, friendship is timely – it is the need of the hour.…
Phil Knox
Both Lives Matter: Church leaders gather in Washington
How it all began About 6 years ago, a number of us from different Christian charities in Northern Ireland were growing increasingly frustrated and grieved about the debate around abortion. Talking publicly (and privately) about abortion has always been difficult. And it should be, because we’re…
David Smyth
Abortion buffer zones – why we must continue to speak out
Clause 9 is one of many controversial proposals in the Bill. In its current form the clause would create a 150-metre “buffer-zone” around all abortion clinics and make it a criminal offence for anyone that seeks to “interfere with a person’s decision to access abortion services”. The argument is…
Alicia Edmund
Ukraine, one year on: how the UK church can keep doing its part
"Everything has changed for us... It was a nightmare we couldn’t wake up from.” That’s how the Orlov family, from Kherson Oblast, remember the early months of the invasion when they were forced to leave. When they returned, they found their home and village destroyed - but they’re determined to…
Helen Locke
Assisted Dying Inquiry: important things you need to know
As Christians, we believe in the sanctity of life, all human beings are image bearers of God. This means that even in our most vulnerable state, we are still of value to God. He loved us even before we were born, and He continues to love us up to and beyond our final stages of life on earth. When…
Nicola Martin
