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The Church is responsible for preventing abuse and protecting the vulnerable
“Safeguarding is not a mere tick box exercise but an extension of our Godly responsibilities as church leaders. If we fail in safeguarding, we fail in our Godly responsibility,” says Chioma Alade, Designated Safeguarding Leader at Living Temple Church.
A man stepping down for a woman is a clear representation of Jesus
Katherine Chow, former lawyer and now Holy Trinity Brompton’s (HTB) first female and racially diverse associate vicar, spoke with our editor, Tola-Doll Fisher about her unexpected journey into church leadership and why she is passionate about intergenerational mentoring
Do we have freedom of religion within our own churches?
Veronica Zundel shines a light on the impact of disagreements around beliefs and practices in the Church.
Justin Welby has resigned, could the next Archbishop of Canterbury be a woman?
Woman Alive deputy editor, Jemimah Wright, considers what we know about four of the female bishops who could step into Justin Welby’s role as Archbishop of Canterbury.
What Christians can learn from Parkrun
‘In both Parkrun and church, there’s something to be said for collective determination, driving each other on to reach personal goals,’ says Emily Bright, as she shares her experience of her weekly 5k run.
Why can’t women choose to be childfree?
With a recent survey revealing more women are deciding not to have children, Alex Noel looks at the Church’s attitude in response
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‘Domestic abuse can be a difficult subject for the church, and I am trying to change that'
Having grown up in the church as a pastor’s daughter, Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO of The For Baby’s Sake Trust, a charity that aims to break cycles of domestic abuse and give babies the best start in life, says, ’it felt and continues to feel like marriage difficulties and harm in relationships were difficult secrets.’
Church life should be about learning
Veronica Zundel believes the Montessori method provides a good example of education for adults as well as children
There are domestic abusers in our churches
Ann-Louise Graham unpacks the uncomfortable, disturbing and often hidden subject of domestic abuse among Christians and explains the misapplication of scripture by perpetrators
'I studied Church abuse and this is what I think about the Mike Pilavachi allegations'
”When initially faced with allegations the instinct across denominations has often been to protect the leader first,” suggests Rachel Mataraki. She says that instead we must learn to bear witness to the suffering of those that come forward.
Are we balanced?
The Engage Network is a collaboration of organisations, churches and individuals, with a vision to: “make singleness or marriage a genuine choice for all Christian women and men, through a church which is gender-balanced and teaches about healthy Christian singleness, dating and marriage”. Co-chair Annabel Wheeldon-Clarke explains how the male/female imbalance in Church affects us all
‘I am a 27-year-old woman training to be a vicar and I have hope for the Church of England’
Although fully aware of the ’pitfalls and general sense of fatigue with the Church of England’, Hannah Stephenson-Kelly could not escape the call to become a priest and has some encouragement for those feeling disIllusioned with the Church.
The Church must learn to dismantle patriarchy’s power together
Liz Cooledge Jenkins felt uneasy discussing much of her experience as a young woman in church. She wrote Nice Churchy Patriarchy to highlight the issues she faced.
‘Enough is enough’ for gun and knife violence
Broken-hearted by the death of Elianne Andam, Marcia Dixon gives a passionate call to us to engage with the issue of gun and knife violence
Christian women speakers who are sharing incredible wisdom in the UK
Rachael Cottle gives us the rundown of the Christian women who are preaching up a storm in the UK right now.
Not everyone will have a happy Christmas this year and the Church must pay attention to those feeling isolated
Kat Osborn, CEO at Safe Families, reveals a new course to help Christians join the fight to end loneliness in our communities.
The blessing of serving
Marcia Dixon highlights the servant heartedness of many women in the black Christian Church
God has called women into every sphere of influence
Marcia Dixon explores how the black Pentecostal Church has encouraged women to step into all the roles God has for them
The CofE’s investigation into Mike Pilavachi has been concluded - church leaders will let you down, but Jesus won’t
Yesterday the Church of England published the results of their investigation confirming that accusations of inappropriate behaviour by Mike Pilavachi were substantiated.
Support for single mums
Marcia Dixon charts the complicated history the black Pentecostal Church has had with lone parents
Former Hillsong lead pastor shared what she would like to say to local churches everywhere… and it’s powerful reading
Julia A’Bell and her husband Joel left Hillsong in 2019 after 19 years at the Church.
At what point should we be worried about spiritual deliverance ministry?
Rev Dr Helen Hall explores some of the darker consequences of deliverance ministry and asks how we can keep each other safe.
‘I’m glad that the prosperity gospel is on its way out’
Marcia Dixon charts the history of the black Pentecostal Church’s relationship with money
As a female preacher I was treated very differently to my male counterparts - in the end I left
Katherine Spearing worked in a church for years but was expected to take on more work than her male collegaues and her sermons were described as ‘cute’.
I suffered abuse in the Church, but we mustn’t confuse the acts of Christians with the acts of Christ
Writer Hope Bonarcher shares her experience of abuse in the Church and how she turns to Jesus for her faith rather than the example of flawed people.
‘If you can’t write, read’
Marcia Dixon says the black Church has hugely benefitted from the people who lift the lid on taboo subjects by telling their stories.
It’s Learning Disability Week – why we need to do more to help Christians with additional needs grow in their faith
Author of new book Living Well With God, Jo Acharya explains why we all benefit from supporting those with additional needs.
Would it surprise you to learn 65 per cent of British black Caribbean women are single?
Marcia Dixon’s new book highlights the huge gender imbalance in the black Church, affecting a catch-all group of millennial, middle-aged and mature women who wish to be married
Churches can do damage by silencing doubt and not addressing toxic behaviour - but there's hope
Author of (Un)Certain: A Collective Memoir of Deconstructing Faith, Olivia Jackson gives an insight into her research and encourages us all to do better.
I had my last drink on Easter Monday 2014, and I wouldn’t have gotten sober without the Church
Writer and recovering alcoholic Lauren Windle shares the invaluable support she got from her church community in early sobriety.
'I’ve just started tithing again and here’s why I think you should too'
As Premier's end of financial year appeal begins, Woman Alive's editor Tola Doll Fisher tackles the tough topic of money, giving and tithe and explains why donating to the Church and Jesus-focused causes is so important to her.
I grew up on a housing estate but that didn’t stop me becoming a vicar
Rev Tracy Marlow, lead evangelist at St Helier’s Centre of Mission, explains why she feels God handpicked her to take his hope to such a deprived neighbourhood
Should churches mark International Women’s Day or would it go against God’s teaching that we’re created equal?
Tomorrow is International Women’s Day and here, writer Claudine Roberts, asks if it is an event we should be celebrating in the Church.
Isn’t it time the world listened to women?
In her own unique way, Veronica Zundel celebrates women, but anguishes over the unequal way we can be treated
From the revival at Asbury: The God of all eternity is here
Kathleen Durham spoke to Madison, a senior at Asbury University, about her experience of the revival that started after a morning chapel service on the 8th February 2023
The homophobia my dad faced put me off the Church and Christianity - something has to change
Sophie Mei Lan felt that the Church would never be the place for her after witnessing hatred towards her gay dad based on "religious beliefs".
Bobbi Kumari on the Synod’s proposal to bless homosexual relationships
The author of Sacred Sexuality shares her interpretation of the biblical stance in light of what Synod says about unreservedly welcoming same-sex couples
Unpacking the strong black woman stereotype
Marcia Dixon explains the Christian narrative within this term and reflects on why many are rejecting it today
The Church is obsessed with leadership
Veronica Zundel asserts that the majority who hanker after the position of leadership may well have misunderstood what it actually is
Everyone knows you need to be married to plant a church...right?
Dr Tania Harris on how God told her clearly to not let her singleness stop her from doing all that he had called her to do
Times might be difficult, but isn’t that when we see the very best of the Church?
Between uncertainty in the monarchy, stirkes in many industries and the cost-of-living crisis, we’re in tough times. But Warm Welcome Campaign’s David Barclay explains that this is when the Church can really step up.
I think all vicars should be taking tips from the writers of F.R.I.E.N.D.S when planning their sermons
Writer Lizzie Hutchison argues that the succinct writing of the famous American sitcom is something preachers could learn from.
Women’s conferences and events
coming up in the first half of 2023…
Why should we care about the Black Church?
In our brand-new series, Marcia Dixon MBE, reveals the history of the Pentecostal movement in the UK
The church is in a unique position to offer those experiencing homelessness a family and community
Are we so used to seeing people rough sleeping that we've lost our empathy? Here London City Mission's Anni Uddin explains why we can't forget those who are experiencing homelessness and what the Church can do to help.
Four out of five single Christians find the Christmas season particularly hard… so what can churches do to help?
A Single Friendly Church survey found that 80 per cent of Christians found Christmas more difficult. Here Beth Collingridge explains what churches can do to support those who feel alone during the festive period.
My heart is breaking for the lack of unity in the Church, but God gave me a word about how to fix it - so I wrote a song
Singer Bria Jean Valderrama and her husband Robby struggled to know how to tackle the division in the Church and wrestled with the question: ‘What is Church for?’ Until God gave them an answer which then inspired a song.
I’ve never been uncomfortable with ‘the S-word’ in my relationship, but I believe it’s time to challenge its use in churches
Writer Amy Jo Stimson explains why she thinks the discourse around the word submission, particularly in conservative, complementarian churches, needs to be challenged. As she has heard preaching of submission for wives that thinly veils an exhortation to plain obedience.
The commitment of men to Christ is good news for single Christian women and it’s the responsibility of all of us to be praying
It’s no secret that women outnumber men in the church. Here Christian Vision for Men’s CEO, Nathan Blackaby, explains how they are trying to address the balance and what we can all do to support their work.
The Church can do more to support those living with long-term illness… and here’s how
Carolyn MacDonald was diagnosed with a chronic illness when she was a regular member of a church but she still found herself longing for more support from her community. Here, she explains how we can better come along side people and help them not to feel isolated.
This is how Christians can respond to the Queen’s death, we need to take this chance to demonstrate grieving with hope
As we grieve the death of Queen Elizabeth, Kate Patterson says that, as Christians, we can mourn differently to the rest of the nation.
In memory of the Queen at St Paul's Cathedral: ‘this nation’s unerring heartbeat’
At a special Service of Prayer and Reflection at St Paul’s Cathedral, London this evening, The Rt Rev and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London, spoke of the Queen’s life of service, as well as our need to grieve. We share her sermon here.
Female Christian leaders who founded and boosted the Alpha course are often overlooked but it wouldn’t be where it is today without them
When we talk about the global phenomenon of the Alpha course, we often praise the men who champion and promote it, but women were pivotal to its inception and proliferation. Here, author of Repackaging Christianity: Alpha and the Building of a Global Brand, Andrew Atherstone shines a light on three of these “Alpha Females” and explains that they deserve proper recognition for the significant parts they have played in the impact of this global evangelistic movement.
People think disability inclusion means wheelchair access, but we want churches where those with all kinds of disabilities can thrive
In their forthcoming book At the Gates, Naomi Lawson Jacobs and Emily Richards heard from many disabled Christians about their experiences of church. Here Emily explains the key things churches could consider to help them become places where disabled people thrive.
I’m a ’repentant mean girl’ I used to feel annoyed when church friends said I left them out but now I’m mindful of those on the outskirts
Writer Shakira Peronet felt challenged by God to look at her “mean girl” behaviour. Here she explains how she now feels that we are called to pray and encourage the weaker parts of the church body and be mindful of those on the outskirts.
If you’re heading to a Christian camping festival this summer, you’ll need these expert tips for getting a good night’s sleep in a tent
Feeling exhausted as you head home from a Christian festival feels like an inevitability, but sleep experts at MattressNextDay have a list of handy hacks for those who just can’t seem to get shut eye during the festivals – and they involve making just a few preparations and adjustments that could make all the difference.
Does your church have an unconscious ‘middle-class uniform’? It could be putting off potential newcomers
Jennie Riley couldn’t help but notice that all the men in her church were all wearing a ’uniform’ of checked or striped shirts with jeans. Here she explores whether a consistent ‘middle-class dress code’ could be putting people off joining your church.
Caitlin Moran stepped foot in a church for the first time last week and her observations were hilarious
Celebrated columnist, author and general larger-than-life personality Caitlin Moran is not a Christian and until last week hadn’t been to a church service. As with much of her writing, her observations were hilarious and often very relatable.
I write about the class divide in Church, a lot of people say it’s unnecessary but none of those people are working class
Natalie Williams, co-author of Invisible Divides, explains that as a new Christian from a working class background, the most daunting thing wasn’t learning about Jesus, it was learning how to fit in with a middle class church.
I’ve felt lonely in a crowded church and here’s how I think we can show Jesus’ love through building community
Churches are supposed to be places that are bursting with connection and community, but sometimes they couldn’t feel further from it. Writer Shakira Peronet shares her experience of feeling lonely at the Sunday service and how we can all do better.
Finding Jesus at festivals this summer
Christian festivals are not just about big numbers. These events are spiritual refilling stations where we lose ourselves in worship and teaching. Here, we take a peek behind the scenes of Creation Fest and David’s Tent
‘I dealt with racism every day’
Rejected from church because of her skin colour, unsupported by her father for being a woman, and surviving a suicide attempt has not stopped grandmother, Babi Dixon, 70, from seeing God at work in her life
Why we silence women who speak out about sexual assault and how the church can do better
Tiffany Bluhm, author of Prey Tell, explains to writer Lauren Windle how the church has become skewed in its attitudes towards women and what we can do about it.
Alcoholics anonymous is more church than church, explains a recovering alcoholic
Recovering alcoholic and writer Lauren Windle illustrates the many elements of an alcoholics anonymous meeting that she believes the church could learn from.
In conversation with a modern-day prophet
Emma Stark spoke to Jemimah Wright about being a prophet, and why she is passionate about the Church re-engaging with the Holy Spirit
Churches, don’t ditch the technology
In our rush to get back to ‘normal’, are we leaving behind the most vulnerable once again? Veronica Zundel asks
Why there aren’t enough men in your church and what we can all do about it
Author and chartered psychologist Annabel Clarke explains how fewer Christian men can affect individuals, families and the Church.
‘I was reminded about being single every day at church’
Lauren Windle caught up with Christianity’s poster girl for single women, Carrie Lloyd, to ask how she feels about love, life and relationships ten years on from the start of her ministry
The house that God built
Clare Thompson leads the vibrant, social-action focused LoveBristol organisation with her husband Greg. She told Clare Blake why she loves living in a Christian community house
‘I was drawn into the subculture of alternative spirituality’
After years searching for hope within the occult, Talitha Colchester shares her story of finding Christ and his peace
I found myself in a church-cult, here’s how to spot the signs
From kicking off when her family missed a service to dictating how she did her hair, Tola Doll Fisher’s pastor showed some seriously problematic behaviours. Here’s how to work out if you’re in a church cult.
Why do churches need to be eco-friendly anyway?
As we put up Christmas trees, write our cards and buy gifts, there is a growing call that we need to do this in a more ethical and sustainable way. While we may accept changes that we can make in our own lives and shopping habits, Helen Stephens, Head of Eco Church, asks does it really need to extend to our churches?
Many female clergy donned the popular BELIEVE jumper from Marks and Spencer this Christmas, Revd Lucy Brierley explains why
‘If you take “Christ” out of “Christmas” you’re left with just “M&S”!’ jokes Revd Lucy Brierley, as she explains why a bright Marks’ jumper became the unofficial clergy uniform this festive season.
Liz Earle: Our leaders should do more to prioritise women’s health
Macaila Britton talks to Liz Earle MBE, wellbeing brand founder, about her experience in the industry and what still needs to change
‘My ex-husband bit off my nose, cut off my ear and carved up my face like a cabbage in an attempt to slit my throat’
Make this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) count, urges Abbie Mumbi
‘I have come to think that patriarchy is inherently violent’
Veronica Zundel questions why the Bible is so full of strong, decisive women if we were created to be subservient under a complementarian system she claims was originally introduced to get women back into the home
‘Time is running out at COP26’
Alice Corrie, technical and communications officer for Climate Stewards, spent this week at the climate summit – and is more convinced than ever that much of the change needed will have to come from us
Young people really do want us to talk to them about sex
Rachel Gardner urges us to get over our embarrassment and fear of saying the wrong thing, because we have a vital role in helping to shape young people’s attitudes towards relationships and sex
Could you open your home to a vulnerable teenager?
A new report from Home for Good highlights the benefits of support lodgings as a way for young people to receive support within a family environment. Lucy Colman explains how individuals and local churches can provide a vital safety net for teenagers in the care system
How do I respond as a Christian if my enemy wants to kill me?
Ella Bartelsian of Yerevan International Church, Armenia, spoke to Clare Blake about how God is breaking through to a defeated nation
‘Violence against women is a chronic situation that must be rejected’
Hannah Baylor says it is time for ‘women to claim their worth’ and ‘men to challenge and change their own, and other men’s, behaviour’
On World Mental Health Day: ‘We must be careful not to offer a false hope of: “Come to Jesus and all of your problems will disappear”’
Natalie Williams reminds us that there is hope in Christ and practical help for those who need it – highlighting those with mental health issues who are living in poverty
‘I’ve forgiven the men who murdered our son and now spend time visiting others in prisons’
Lyn Connolly shares why she is now involved in prison work
The Handmaid’s Tale: When fiction mirrors the ugly truth
With the latest series of the hugely popular TV drama having recently drawn to a close, Veronica Zundel reflects on the horrors it reveals about worldviews regarding women
‘No refugee should be alone,’ says Welcome Churches as fleeing Afghans arrive in the UK
Emily Holden, joint CEO of Welcome Churches, believes the Church is uniquely placed to make refugees feel at home
‘I knew I needed to take action’
On Sunday 29 August, 13 Christians were arrested in the central hall of St Paul’s Cathedral. They were women and men of different ages, many of whom are ordained. Holly-Anna Petersen explains what happened in the run up to this moment, and why she felt it had to happen.
From atheism to faith
Three women from the world of science explain how they came to embrace Christian faith
Plymouth churches offer safe space after mass shooting
Several churches in the Keyham area of Plymouth have opened to the public in the wake of a shooting that has left six people dead
Why we need more God-centred media for young people
As the summer holidays are in full swing, and churches are welcoming back their congregations, Sally Tate introduces RaiseUp, a new initiative providing a wealth of resources
Helping our kids to see God in the everyday
As we finally start meeting for coffee, going for walks and even having people in our homes, Joy Vee asks the Church to reach out to her teenage children.
We need to talk about sex in church!
When many Christian couples get married they are ill-equipped to navigate sexual intimacy. Premier’s Maria Rodrigues spoke with psychosexual nurse therapist Emma Waring, who longs to see churches talking more openly about the struggles couples face in the bedroom
'I was rejected from church as a single mum'
Shovorne Adams was judged for being a single mum at 17. But God never left her alone, providing love, protection and hope for her future
Shame and the Church
Have you ever felt like you don’t quite fit in at church or that somehow you are inadequate? Dr Sally Nash has done research into people’s experiences of shame within churches. She shares her findings here with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues.
Do we need a #MeToo movement for women in the Church?
Woman Alive editor Tola-Doll Fisher shares her personal experience of abuse in the Church and says we need to ask some hard questions about our culture.
The Church is failing single people
Lauren Windle, a 30-something Londoner, has spent the last year interviewing people on their dating experiences in Church and has written Notes on Love based on her findings. It is a much-needed upgrade from a long line of handbooks telling people “How to wait patiently for your Boaz” or “You’re single because you’re not ready”. Lauren tells Tola-Doll Fisher she wrote it not as a guide, but as an invitation to explore a relationship status that she says has been sorely blown out of proportion
‘Single people are vital to the future of the Church’
Beth Collingridge from Single Friendly Church says that we need to value and include single people much more
Do UK churches only cater for the middle-class?
Natalie Williams has authored two books on the role she believes churches ought to play in combatting poverty and injustice. When she became a Christian, she says she had to learn new ways of behaving, and not just when it came to following the Gospel. She spoke to Premier Radio presenter, Maria Rodrigues
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