Religion Media Centre Podcast

The Bible Society’s report “A Quiet Revival” has been pulled after a review of the data found a number of “fraudulent respondents”. The report was based on a survey conducted by YouGov which found a dramatic increase of 56 per cent in the number of people attending church at least once a month from 2018-2024, with the growth particularly marked among 18-24 year olds. This high increase had not been seen in any other data, and the results were challenged from the outset by pollsters. YouGov has issued a statement saying it reviewed the data and found specific demographic groups contained a number of respondents which it now identified as fraudulent. It took full responsibility and apologised. The Bible Society said it was deeply disappointed, but continues to maintain that there is a spiritual awakening among GenZ and more people are finding faith today. In this briefing, we review the fallout from the flawed data and resultant withdrawal of the report, and the lessons for Christians commissioning data, polling companies finding answers, journalists reporting polls and the legacy of distrust. Hosted by Ruth Peacock, the speakers were: Paul Williams, CEO Bible Society – offering to take part Prof David Voas, Emeritus Professor of Social Science in the UCL Social -Research Institute, which he led from 2016 to 2020 Prof Sir John Curtice, senior research fellow at the National Centre for Social Research Nick Spencer, senior fellow at Theos Justin Brierley, author, speaker & podcaster. Director of Think Faith. Host of the podcast Uncommon Ground. Revd Canon Giles Goddard, vicar of St John’s Waterloo Links Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information [email protected] (+44) 0203 970 0709

The green paper on the BBC Charter Review is up for public consultation, and in this Religion Media Centre briefing, faith leaders and media commentators discuss how religious broadcasting will develop in a time of technological and societal change. Religion has always been embedded in the BBC public service settlement, but in the new media landscape of algorithms and global competition, will there be a demand for such programmes? And how will the BBC's challenges of trust, funding, competition and public service to the nation, impact religious programming? Our host was Torin Douglas, former BBC media correspondent, and our guests included: Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York; Anna McNamee, Executive Director, Sandford St Martin’s Trust; Alison Green, Head of Digital at CTVC; Bishop John Arnold, Catholic Bishops’ Conference; and Roger Bolton, broadcaster. Links Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information [email protected] (+44) 0203 970 0709

The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, inherits a daunting in-tray, as faithful congregations keep the show on the road despite crumbling buildings, falling numbers of clergy and financial pressures. Nationally, the church is weary of safeguarding failures and deeply divided over same-sex blessings, with opponents already withholding funding, and plans for a parallel structure of bishops only just pulled back from the brink.In this briefing, authors of books about the new archbishop describe her character and expectations for her tenure. Members of the Church of England’s parliament, the general synod, discuss the tensions and divisions which will once again come to the fore at next week’s synod meeting in London. Hosted by Ruth Peacock and journalist Tim Wyatt, who has written about the archbishop and the ten urgent challenges for the church, and joined by:Dr Andrew Atherstone, also author of a book on Sarah MullallyFrancis Martin, Church Times reporterRev Alex Frost, from Burnley, campaigning for more working-class clergyRev Dr Charlie Bączyk-Bell, forensic psychiatrist and priest, LGBTQ+ campaignerRev Chantal Noppen, national coordinator Inclusive ChurchSam Wilson, parish youth minister in Chester DioceseDr Ros Clarke, Associate Director of Church SocietySusie Leafe, Director of Anglican FuturesLinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

In our first RMC Briefing of 2026, we look at the report "Questions of Hope and Hate: Faith and Faultlines in a Changing Britain", published by the Good Faith Partnership and Hope Not Hate, which explores the reasons for faith narratives being mobilised for causes of division in Britain, and recommends actions to “strengthen the institutions and relationships that allow faith to serve the common good”.It says there is a "rising visibility and politicisation of religion" in the UK, with "new Christian symbolism of populist movements, the assertive politics of Hindutva, forms of Zionism shaped by existential insecurity, Sikh advocacy of a state of Khalistan and Islamist visions that link faith with power”.The report analyses the reasons behind this shift, suggesting that democratic fatigue, global conflict, internal religious change, and weakened interfaith structures are reshaping civic life. Among its recommendations are the creation of stable long-term mechanisms for government and faith relations, embedding religious literacy across institutions, and renewing national narratives of belonging. Ruth Peacock hosted with guests:Report author Paul Bickley, independent researcher and consultantLord Russell Rook, member of the House of Lords, founding partner of the Good Faith Partnership and priest in the Church of EnglandCarrie Alderton, Interim CEO Faith and Belief ForumEd Pawson, RE adviser to a number of SACREs in SW England and member of the RE Council's Policy UnitAmardeep Bassey, journalist, RMC communities reporterLinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

Bishop Richard Moth, the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, has been chosen as the next Archbishop of Westminster, taking over from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has held the role for 16 years.In his first press conference, he introduced himself to the public, mentioning his years as Bishop to the Forces, and his work in prisons, commitment to social justice and initiatives with mental health issues.In this briefing, guests spoke of his character and their experience of working with him. They spoke of his pastoral strengths and calmness, and the issues which will face him in his in-tray. Ruth Peacock hosted with guests including:Catherine Pepinster, journalist and authorProfessor Anthony McClaran, Vice-Chancellor St Mary’s University, TwickenhamProf James Kelly, Associate Professor in the History of Catholicism, University of DurhamProf Stephen Bullivant, Professor of Theology and the Sociology of Religion, Benedict XVI Centre for Religion, Ethics and SocietyLiam Allmark, Head of Communications, Jesuit Refugee ServiceFr Dominic Robinson SJ, Parish Priest at Farm Street ChurchSister Gemma Simmonds, Senior research fellow of the Margaret Beaufort Institute in CambridgeLinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

This Religion Media Centre briefing is an annual review of religion in the headlines in 2025. The deadly attack on Jews at Bondi Beach came at the end of a year that saw antisemitism rise across the globe. Britain also saw an increase in hate crime against Muslims, while at the same time, there were new initiatives to build bridges and strengthen community relations.The Church of England experienced major change, with one Archbishop of Canterbury resigning and another appointed — the first woman to hold the role. The Catholic Church marked the death of Pope Francis and the surprise election of an American successor, Pope Leo XIV.The government’s Faith Minister lost his job and was replaced. Yet amid institutional change, faith communities on the ground remained active: alleviating poverty, delivering aid, helping to broker peace, and engaged in vigorous internal debates.In the UK and the US, Christian nationalism moved into sharper focus, while talk of a “Quiet Revival” — particularly among Gen Z — gathered momentum. Ruth Peacock hosted with guests reflecting on what the year has meant, and how it may be remembered:Jewish community: Simon Rothstein, comms for The Movement for Progressive Judaism; Victoria Lisek, Board of DeputiesBritish Muslims: Dr Azim Ahmed, General Secretary Muslim Council of Wales; and Akeela Ahmed, CEO and founder, British Muslim TrustReligious Education: Sarah Lane Cawte, Chair of the REC CouncilHindus in Britain: Tilak Parekh, PhD student in the Faculty of DivinityInterfaith: Rebecca Collins, Faith and Belief ForumUS and religion: Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute; and Bob Smietana, national reporter for Religion News ServiceCatholic Church: Ruth Gledhill, Assistant Editor at The Tablet; and Sr Gemma Simmonds, Senior Fellow and Director of Religious Life InstituteChurch of England: Tim Wyatt, freelance religion reporter; Rev Alex Frost, vicar of St Matthew the Apostle, BurnleyAction for Peace and Justice: Simeon Mitchell, team leader of Joint Public Issues Team (Baptist, Methodist, URC)Aid: Peter Robertson, Humanitarian journalist at Christian AidLinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

Conversations between Jews and Muslims in Britain have been “very difficult” over the past two years since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. But community leaders taking part in a Religion Media Centre briefing said that, two years on, there is a growing desire to rebuild good relations — despite continuing anxiety and mistrust.The renewed dialogue comes after the ceasefire in Gaza and amid rising Islamophobia, antisemitism, and attacks on synagogues and mosques. New structures have been created to support local discussions, while at grassroots level “brave souls and heroes” continue to engage, encouraging small, informal meetings that help people to “disagree well.” Speakers described the task as urgent — “a fight for the soul of the nation” — and appealed to the government to “lean into this” by offering consistent support for interfaith initiatives.The discussion was hosted by Ruth Peacock, with guests:Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of DeputiesJonathan Boyd, executive director of the Institute for Jewish Policy ResearchRabbi Warren Elf, from ManchesterImam Qari Asim, Head Imam at Makkah Mosque Leeds and Chair of Mosques & Imams National Advisory BoardHasan Moosa Reza, chief of staff, office of the Chief Imam (Scotland), who was instrumental in the signing of the Drumlanrig AccordDr Adeela Shafi, founder of the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership GroupLinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

The decision to place Religious Education in the national curriculum in England has delighted RE teachers and campaigners who have been seeking improvements for years. The recommendation was made by the government’s curriculum and assessment review, after the panel heard evidence that RE was not being taught very well, and in some cases, not taught at all.In this Religion Media Centre briefing, we hear from a member of the review panel and campaigners who have been fighting for years to raise the status of RE, introduce national standards and enable schools to teach the subject well.Ruth Peacock hosted this discussion with guests:Dr Vanessa Ogden, panel review member and CEO of the Mulberry Schools TrustDr Richard Kueh, former Inspector and Subject Lead for Religious Education, now a leader with the Cam Academy Trust and member of the RE CouncilDeborah Weston, from the RE Policy UnitDr Kathryn Wright, CEO of Culham St Gabriel’s TrustDr Sarah Lane Cawte, chair of the RE CouncilEd Pawson, former deputy chair of the RE CouncilProf Susannah Cornwall, Exeter University, Professor of Constructive TheologiesLinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

A survey for the National Churches Trust has gauged the scale of repair, restoration and maintenance required by Britain's church buildings, and the challenges of local communities to keep them usable and standing. One in 20 may not be used as a place of worship in five years time, and one in ten need to make urgent repairs to roofs and guttering in the next year.The National Churches Trust says there's an urgent need to act together to keep churches open with sustainable funding so they remain valued community assets. It recognises the valiant contributions of volunteers who spend hours fundraising, but finds 70 per cent of churches need more people to help, and says they should not be left to shoulder the burden alone. It is calling for more collaboration between heritage organisations, local authorities, denominations and the national government to face the challenge, saying the upkeep of churches is a shared responsibility.Ruth Peacock hosted this discussion with guests:Karl Newton, deputy CEO of the National Churches TrustSir Philip Rutnam, chair of the National Churches Trust.Lachlan Rurlander, of Whitestone Insight which conducted the researchProfessor Kate Giles, Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture, University of YorkDiana Evans, Head of Places of Worship at Historic EnglandRev Huw Powell-Daves from Bethesda Chapel in MoldMary Keeley and Sheila Stephens from St Grada and Holy Cross church on the Lizard peninsula in CornwallLinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

The state visit of the King and Queen Camilla to the Vatican to meet Pope Leo on Thursday 23 October will be a historic occasion. The monarch and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church will pray together in the Sistine Chapel for the first time since the Reformation.The King, who is Supreme Governor of the Church of England, will participate in an ecumenical service jointly led by Pope Leo and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. Later, King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the Papal Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls, where the King will be given the title of Royal Confrater of St Paul, and a special chair has been made for him which will be used by him and his successors when they visit.In this briefing, Leo Devine hosts a discussion on the significance of the visit and what it says about the relationship between Anglicans and Roman Catholics, and the characters of the King and the Pope. Speakers are:Author and journalist, Catherine PepinsterFormer Vatican correspondent, Christopher White, author of "Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy"Francis Campbell, former ambassador to the Holy SeeDr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian of Westminster Abbey, writer on Anglican/RC dialogueLinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

A report on the role of faith groups in planning and designing new towns and housing developments states that their contribution is crucial to building community and social cohesion. Housing with Values: faith and belief perspectives on housing and community planning was discussed in this Religion Media Centre briefing, which heard that "housing is about more than bricks and mortar - it is about the kind of society we want to build”.The report is a response to the government's proposal to build 1.5 million homes in 12 new towns over the next five years. It suggests that a New Towns Faith Taskforce is set up to enable conversations between faith representatives, developers and local councils, offering insight into how faith groups can contribute to the social infrastructure necessary for towns to thrive.Ruth Peacock hosted with guests: Phil Champain and Prof Christopher Baker, co-founders of the Faith and Belief Collective, which produced the report, and another co-author, Dr Iona Hines.LinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, has been appointed Archbishop of Canterbury — the first woman to lead the Church of England in its 500-year history. At a Religion Media Centre briefing, journalists and church leaders reflected on her qualities and achievements, outlining their hopes and expectations for her leadership.Speakers described her style as “courageous” and “pastoral,” traits seen as vital for her role, as she inherits deep divisions over same-sex blessings, the difficult task of embedding and strengthening safeguarding processes, and resistance from those who doubt a woman can hold authority in the role.In her first address, she pledged solidarity with the Jewish community after the Manchester attack, spoke of the church’s role in healing fractured communities, and acknowledged the church’s responsibility to wrestle with complex moral questions. Commentators stressed that, after the turmoil of Justin Welby’s departure, the new Archbishop must not only lead the church but also speak with moral clarity to the whole nation.Rosie Dawson chaired the discussion with many speakers taking part: Tim Wyatt, Catherine Pepinster, Prof Helen King, Rev Dr Charlie Bell, Ven Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, Rev Martine Oborne, Rev Cathrine Ngangira, Rev Angela Sheard, Susie Leafe, Edward Nickell, Rev Dr Ian Paul, Rev Canon John Dunnett, Justin Humphreys, Peniel Rajkumer, Bishop Sophie Jelley and Winnie Varghese.LinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

Later this month, the Crown Nominations Commission is expected to decide the name of the next Archbishop of Canterbury, who will be the spiritual leader of the Church of England and head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The appointment comes at a time of unprecedented turbulence in the church, the country and the world.In this Religion Media Centre briefing, people from a range of perspectives within the Church of England joined journalists in considering the qualities they are looking for in their next leader.The new archbishop will inherit a church wrestling with disputes over sexuality, safeguarding failures, financial shortfalls, declining congregations and a fractious global fellowship of churches. There was broad agreement that the appointment must be a unifying figure, someone whom each warring faction in the church can live with, and also someone not obsessed with internal church matters, but able to address social, economic and political challenges in wider society, which have led to polarisation.For the record, the frontrunners were named as the Bishops of Bath and Wells, Chelmsford and London. But speculation over this appointment is traditionally a fool's errand, with outsiders often pulling through, and among those names so far are Gloucester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Dover, Lancaster, Salisbury, Leicester, and St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.Rosie Dawson hosted this discussion with guests:Journalists - Tim Wyatt & Francis MartinBishop Humphrey Southern, Principal CuddesdonRev Prof Andrew Atherstone, Professor of Modern Anglicanism, Tutorial Fellow in Church History and Latimer Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall, OxfordVen Dr Rachel Mann, Archdeaon of Bolton and SalfordRev Angela Sheard, Anglican Tutor as part of the Ministerial Formation team at Queen's College, BirminghamSusie Leafe, Director Anglican FuturesEdward Nickell, deanery synod member and secretary of the Sea of Faith NetworkLinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

The number of British universities offering single-honours Theology and Religious Studies degrees in UK universities has fallen to just 21, driven by financial pressures and falling student demand. Departments have been closed, merged, and subject to redundancies.In this Religion Media Centre briefing, our panel explored why students studying A-level Religious Studies often choose not to continue the subject at university, and what institutions can do to make courses more attractive. Decisions to close departments, we heard, were driven by business plans rather than increased secularisation at board level. Meanwhile, religious groups are establishing their own colleges offering degree-level courses, shifting provision away from mainstream universities.Theos Think Tank has warned of the consequences, publishing an open letter stressing the importance of religious education in higher education. It argues that young people need the tools to navigate a diverse society and grapple with ethical challenges.Our panel of academics and teachers discussed the scale of the problem, as well as how changes to course content and better communication of its value might help turn things around. Speakers include:Dr Tim Hutchings, TRS-UK, Nottingham University Prof Matthew Guest, Durham UniversityDr Suzanne Owen, BASR, Leeds University Dr Roberto Catello, Liverpool Hope UniversityProf Chris Higgins, former vice chancellor, Durham UniversityProf Gordon Lynch, Edinburgh UniversitySarah Lane Cawte, chair RE CouncilDeborah Weston, NATRELinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

Muslims in the UK feel hugely under-represented in the media, and research suggests almost 60 per cent of all articles are negative, according to speakers at the Religion Media Festival’s panel discussion on “Muslims in Britain”. Burhan Wazir, editor-in-chief of Hyphen Online, told the audience that the vast majority of stories tend to look at Muslims from a security or Islamophobia point of view, but there was a much more nuanced conversation to be had about access to healthcare, education and how Muslims live their lives.The panel was chaired by BBC investigative journalist Poonam Taneja, and other panellists were Rizwana Hamid, director of the Centre for Media Monitoring; Akeela Ahmed, co-chair of the British Muslim Network; and Dr Azim Ahmed, deputy director at the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK, at Cardiff University.The Religion Media Festival, held at Methodist Central Hall, London, on Monday 9 June 2025, was organised by the Religion Media Centre. We are a charity which aims to help journalists report religion by providing daily news bulletins, background briefings, factsheets and opportunities to network.LinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

A panel discussion on British Media and British Jews considered how the war in Gaza, triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, had impacted coverage of the community in Britain. There have been reports on rising antisemitism and divisions within the Jewish community itself, with 36 members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews objecting to its stance on Gaza and making this public. A survey by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research found high community support for Israel but far less so for Binyamin Netanyahu’s government.The discussion was chaired by Richard Allen Greene, CNN’s Jerusalem Bureau chief at the time of the 7 October attack, and now in London training to be a rabbi. Panellists were: Jonathan Boyd, Executive Director, Institute for Jewish Policy Research; Rabbi Charley Baginsky, co-lead of Progressive Judaism; Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews; and Jenni Frazer, journalist and commentator.The Religion Media Festival, held at Methodist Central Hall, London, on Monday 9 June 2025, was organised by the Religion Media Centre. We are a charity which aims to help journalists report religion by providing daily news bulletins, background briefings, factsheets and opportunities to network.LinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

The media landscape is changing at speed, and in this panel, millennials who are talking about religion in podcasts, film and online, explained why and how they do it. They said their audience wants to ask questions in a safe space and that millennials (currently aged 29 – 44) accept that society is pluralist. They all grew up and went to school with people of all faiths, so it was ridiculous not to take faith seriously. Their audience is not just brought in through knowledge-seeking, or rational argument, but through stories and feeling that the media was relatable. Hosted by TV producer Jessie Paktiazay, the guests were:Swarzy Shire, BBC 1Xtra presenterIndy and Dr Jaz, Sikh content creators with a weekly Desi podcastIslah Abdur-Rahman, Muslim founder of The Corner Shop Network creating viral clipsLamorna Ash, award-winning author of “Don’t Forget We’re Here Forever – a new generation’s search for religion”Daisy Scalchi, BBC commissioning editor, specialist factualThe Religion Media Festival, held at Methodist Central Hall, London, on Monday 9 June 2025, was organised by the Religion Media Centre. We are a charity which aims to help journalists report religion by providing daily news bulletins, background briefings, factsheets and opportunities to network.LinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

There aren’t that many reporters who specialise in reporting religion in the UK, but their diary has been overflowing in the past year. There are religious angles to all the main stories of today – the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the riots in the summer of 2024, and the needs of people in poverty helped by people of faith. The religious organisations themselves have been making headlines with the first resignation of an Archbishop of Canterbury, the death of one Pope and the election of another, and multiple sex abuse stories and cover-ups.Many of the journalists, whose work is to reflect this world to people of all faiths and none, took part in a panel discussion on how they do their jobs. Rosie Dawson chaired, with guests:Christopher Lamb, CCN Vatican CorrespondentCatherine Pepinster, author and journalistFrancis Martin, Church TimesKaya Burgess, Religious Affairs Correspondent and Science Reporter at The TimesMaira Butt, RMC specialist reporter on IslamThe Religion Media Festival, held at Methodist Central Hall, London, on Monday 9 June 2025, was organised by the Religion Media Centre. We are a charity which aims to help journalists report religion by providing daily news bulletins, background briefings, factsheets and opportunities to network.LinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709

When Labour swept to power in July 2024, it promised to work with faith leaders in a programme of national renewal. Soon after, summer riots across Britain, after the murder of three girls in Southport, revealed a breakdown in social cohesion and tested community relations. One year on, a panel at the Religion Media Festival discussed what had happened since, and how community was being rebuilt and maintained across Britain.Editors spoke of how they had reported on communities coming together to clean up town centres, and their efforts to rebuild trust and tackle fake media. Faith leaders wanted to see what practical measures journalists had to rebuild trust, to report on faith group initiatives locally and to encourage young people in plans for the future. The faith minister’s adviser, Lord Russell Rook, said there was much work to be done to unlock the power of faith in local communities. No one group could do this alone; what was needed was an "ecosystem" of organisations.Leo Devine chaired this panel with guests:Gary Newby, news editor at ITV News CentralYakub Qureshi, democracy editor at Reach plcManjit Kaur, co-chair Coventry and Warwickshire SACREsRabbi Warren Elf, MBE, co-chair of Faith Network for ManchesterProfessor Adeela Shafi, founder of the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group and commissioner for race equality in BristolThe Religion Media Festival, held at Methodist Central Hall, London, on Monday 9 June 2025, was organised by the Religion Media Centre. We are a charity which aims to help journalists report religion by providing daily news bulletins, background briefings, factsheets and opportunities to network.LinksWebsite: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/X: https://x.com/RelMedCentreLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmwContact [email protected](+44) 0203 970 0709