For several years our church was home to a community of Persian Christians. We worshipped together, studied scripture, and grew to be best friends. Years later, and dispersed ‘round the UK, almost all of them are still living as Christians.

Leading politicians accuse churches of allowing “bogus” conversions of migrants to obtain refugee status. “The suggestion church leaders are aiding people to abuse the asylum system is a serious charge”, says an Evangelical Alliance representative.

Discretion and integrity are essential, but they shouldn’t go so far as to become scepticism and distrust. The roles of church leaders and immigration officials need clear differentiation.

Jazz Cow “reluctantly leads a group of artists, poets and misfits in resisting Dr Popp’s technocratic world of algorithms and fake filters”. Creator John Lumgair hopes to deliver a thoughtful social satire “with a big heart”.

“No law should prevent Christian leaders from teaching what they believe, supporting their congregation and providing prayer and pastoral support to those who request it”, says the Evangelical Alliance in Scotland.

In the United Kingdom, carol services organised by churches are a massive outreach opportunity.

On Halloween, Protestants commemorate Martin Luther’s dramatic start to the Reformation. The next day, Catholics will pray for departed souls. Believe it or not, these events all have a common connection.

Confusion and uncertainty about whether government plans to introduce new laws are being pushed forward or into the long grass.

Evangelical Christians express disappointment as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak goes ahead with plans that could “criminalise ordinary Christian ministry that seeks to help believers”.

Most of the players were born in Latin America. At the trophy ceremony, they prayed to “give honour and glory to God”.

Oxford LGBT students publish a blacklist of “homophobic” churches in the city, most of them evangelical. It is a clear example of how Christian congregations are coming under pressure for teaching the Bible to their members.

As in previous years, the ninth edition of the March for Life began with talks, testimonies, and music for all ages at the morning indoor pro-life festival.

As a report in the United Kingdom confirms the abuses committed by influential preacher Mike Pilavichi, the Evangelical Alliance United Kingdom urges leaders to “put integrity above ease and popularity”.

“In any democracy with a respect for religious freedom, all should be allowed to pray in the privacy of their own minds”, says the defence. Trial is set for November.

The new museum “aims to explore how faith has shaped lives and communities in Britain throughout history”. It will open at the historic Auckland Castle in October.

The highest proportion of multi-faith households are in London and Cardiff. 7.5 million people did not have any religion.

The effects of the restrictions are analysed by churches in Germany, Slovakia, UK and Portugal.

A letter signed by 27 leaders states that the process to bless same-sex couples would be “unlawful, unconstitutional, and illegitimate”.

This is an increase of 17% over the previous year. Half were early medical abortions at home, a practice only legalised in the UK after the pandemic.

Kristie Higgs encouraged people to challenge the government’s plans to introduce relationships and sex education to children in primary schools.

A Bible-believing Christian, David Mackereth was dismissed by the government. He hopes his legal battle will “encourage medics to speak out more on these issues”.

Justin Welby calls on the government to set 10-year strategies for tackling human trafficking and for an international collaboration to solve the refugee crises.

A private commentary by Thomas Schirrmacher.

Last week it was the Dutch. This week it will be the Brits. Honouring their kings, that is. 

A survey of the UK Bible Society points out that “there is little appetite for a secular or multi-faith coronation” among the British population.