Anna Rees
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Premier Christian News
Journalist | Premier Radio | Staffordshire born, London-based
Articles by Anna Rees
'I prayed about it': Ed Davey declines Trump invite over Christian faith
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has declined an invitation to Donald Trump’s state banquet at Buckingham Palace next month, citing his Christian faith. Davey said he felt morally conflicted about attending because of the U.S. president’s stance on Gaza. Sir Ed told the BBC's Today program: “I had to pray about it. I am a Christian, and my wife and I go to our local church, St. Andrew’s and St. Mark’s, very regularly.
At least 15 Christians dead after targeted attack in Nigeria
At least 15 Christians have been killed in the Chakfem District of Plateau State, Nigeria, in a targeted attack. An estimated 3000 believers have fled their homes in the latest spate of violence attributed to Fulani militants. At around 7:30pm on Monday, 18th August, attackers entered the villages of Tim, Koppang, Mihidihin, Jiblang, Jilem, Jibin, and Manden. Weapons were fired, homes burned and livestock slaughtered.
Minneapolis shooting investigated as 'domestic terrorism against Catholics'
A school shooting in Minneapolis that left two children dead and fourteen others injured is being investigated by the FBI as a hate crime against Catholics. Three adults were also injured in the attack. The shooting took place while children were attending their first Mass of the new year at Annunciation Catholic School. The 23-year-old suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Smyth survivor had ‘physical reaction’ to victims data breach
A survivor of serial church abuser John Smyth says he felt a “physical reaction” to learning of a data breach, which leaked the details of almost 200 people affected by church abuse. The Church of England said an email sent by Kennedys law firm, which handles the abuse redress scheme, was “deeply regrettable”. It contained the names and addresses of 194 people who had signed up for updates to the scheme.
Motorhome ministry: Bishop swaps house for ‘church on wheels’
A Bishop, who led a life of crime and drugs before meeting Jesus, is transforming his life again - this time by swapping his house for a mobile caravan. Mick Fleming, pastor of Church on the Streets, says he felt called to “travel light” like Jesus. “I scraped some money together and managed to buy a campervan, gave my house away and my possessions,” he told Premier Christian News.
Churches congratulate Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on engagement
Churches across the US have been sending engagement well wishes to pop sensation Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The couple shared their garden proposal on Instagram, with the caption: “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married", followed by a dynamite emoji in reference to their couple nickname ‘TNT’.
Irish bishops unite to save surgery
Catholic and Protestant bishops have joined voices to save an emergency clinic from closure in Enniskillen. Rt Rev Dr Ian Ellis, the Church of Ireland’s Bishop of Clogher, and Most Rev Larry Duffy, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher, have issued a joint statement expressing “deep concern” at the proposed closure of the emergency surgery at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).
Clergy refuse to leave Gaza despite ‘gates of hell’ being opened
Clergy and nuns in Gaza City are refusing to leave their churches, despite Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz saying “the gates of hell will soon open”. A joint statement by the Latin and Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Jerusalem, lead by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Patriarch Theophilos III, says clergy and nuns will remain in the city to care for vulnerable refugees who are sheltering there, as Israel confirms it will launch a further ground offensive into the region.
US churchgoers 'double dip', thanks to online services
Nearly half of US churchgoers now attend multiple church services, both online and in-person, according to a recent survey by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. The study found that 46 per cent of respondents participate in multiple congregations thanks to remote church options. Younger adults are particularly likely to attend more than one church, with 63 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 saying they visit multiple congregations. This figure drops to 34 per cent among churchgoers over 65.
First English Saint of this millennium to be given higher honour
The first English saint of this millennium, John Henry Newman, is to be bestowed an even higher honour by Pope Leo XIV. John Henry Newman was born in 1801, and died in 1890. In 2019, he was canonised by Pope Francis. Now, he will be made a Doctor of the Church – an honour given to saints who have “made an outstanding contribution to knowledge of the faith,” according to the Catholic Church of England and Wales. John studied at Trinity College, Oxford, before first training as an Anglican priest.
March for Jesus Belfast anticipates 10,000 strong crowd
A March for Jesus will go ahead in Belfast later this month, after parties at Belfast City Hall agreed that the council could host the event. A previous march scheduled for June had to be cancelled due to overwhelming demand. The march is scheduled for August 23rd in Ormeau Park. All Nation Church anticipates 10,000 people to take to the streets. A council report states the event will be “non-political” and “family friendly”.
Lammy and Vance bond over faith and fishing
US Vice President JD Vance and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have met for a weekend of diplomacy and fishing in Sevenoaks, Kent. The pair convened at Chevening House, a state-owned manor used by foreign secretaries and their families for holidays. Despite being on opposite sides of the political spectrum, Vance and Lammy have their Christian faith in common. Vance converted to Catholicism in adulthood, while Lammy has publicly professed his Christian faith.
Mozambique Church leaders call for aid after fresh attacks
Christians in Mozambique are pleading for international humanitarian aid, after a fresh spate of attacks in northern Cabo Delgado. In the last fortnight, over 60,000 people have been displaced and an unknown number kidnapped – including children. Christians are facing ramped-up persecution from Islamist fighters, in the country which is ranked as the 37th most dangerous place for believers, according to Open Doors.
Boys’ Brigade partner with Satellites amid youth revival
The Boys’ Brigade has partnered with Youthscape for their Satellites festival. The Christian organisation will oversee the festival’s ‘Activity Village’. It aims to create “a vibrant, active space” with a football shoot, giant inflatables and axe throwing. Boys’ Brigade began over 140 years ago, and runs sports and activity groups for young people. Since 2009, it has expanded to include young women in its ministry.
Colombian Senator dials back on religious crackdown
Colombia’s Minister of the Interior, Armando Benedetti, has indicated that the government will oppose a controversial bill to increase surveillance of Christian communities. Bill 057-2025 was introduced by Senator Alberto Benavides of the ruling Pacto Histórico party, on 29th July. It seeks to create an informing system, by which three new government bodies are authorised to collect data on churches.
Christian Lioness nominated for best young player
Michelle Agyemang has been nominated for the Women’s Kopa trophy, for being the best under-21 player, at the Ballon d’Or awards. Aged 19, the striker has risen to prominence after scoring critical equalisers against Italy and Sweden during the Euros. Agyemang is open about her strong Christian faith. She can be seen praying before matches, and shares Bible verses on social media. A post on 9th April reads: “Philippians 4:13 - ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.
Gaza: The Christian children’s camps providing refuge from rockets
In Gaza and the West bank, over 600 young people have experienced temporary relief from the horrors of war, thanks to Christian children’s camps. Each year, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem organises the camps with (ACN). As fighting intensifies amid Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to fully occupy Gaza City, the camps are more critical than ever. Father Louis Salman, chaplain to the Youth of Jesus’ Homeland ministry in the West Bank, said: “The rockets started flying one day after our camp began.
Church of Ireland condemns violent attacks on Indian-Irish
The Archbishop of the Church of Ireland says it “stands firmly against racism”, following a spate of attacks on Indian people living in the country. In July, two Indian men were brutally attacked and robbed, weeks after immigrating to Ireland to work in the tech sector. In Co Waterford, a six-year-old girl was punched and racially assaulted by older boys while playing in the street, according to the Irish Times.
Pope Leo challenged over convicted priest's return to work
Pope Leo has come under fire from Catholic bloggers, over a former Vatican diplomat, who was convicted of possessing and sharing child pornography working at the Holy See’s Secretariat of State. Italian priest Reverend Carlo Alberto Capella was found guilty at a Vatican tribunal in 2018, following his arrest in Canada two years earlier. He was released from prison in 2022, and reports say he returned to the Vatican to undertake admin work whilst Pope Francis was still in post.
Christians oppose lottery bill, as Gordon Brown urges gambling tax
The Christian Institute has strongly condemned plans to expand ‘society’ lotteries in Northern Ireland, as former prime minister Gordon Brown calls for greater tax on gambling companies. Society lotteries are lotteries where a proportion of proceeds go towards charity and community initiatives. However, many Christian charities have donation rules preventing them from receiving money from companies that promote gambling.
New York Episcopal priest’s daughter released from ICE
The daughter of a New York Episcopal priest, who was detained by ICE despite her visa being in date, has been released – but a fellow believer arrested on the same day remains in prison. Yeonsoo Go’s mother, Rev Kyrie Kim is an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of New York. The Diocese had been actively campaigning for Go’s release, and held a vigil outside Federal Plaza. Go was held for five days, after being arrested at what was supposed to be a routine immigration hearing.
Pastor detained in max security jail on 'arbitrary' charges
A Nicaraguan pastor has been imprisoned in a maximum security jail on exaggerated charges, according to the charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Pastor Rudy Palacios Vargas is the founder of La Roca de Nicaragua Church Association. He is believed to be held in La Granja Maximum Security Prison in Grenada Department, along with his two sisters and their husbands. The prison is notorious for overcrowding.
Kate Forbes stepping down from politics
Deputy First Minister of Scotland, Kate Forbes, has announced she will step down from politics at next year’s Holyrood elections. The Christian MSP said it has been an “incredible privilege” to represent Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch since 2016. In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, she said she did not want to miss any more of the “precious early years of family life”.
Vatican: Two-state solution is the only way forward
The Vatican has told a UN conference that a Two-State Solution is the only way forward in Israel’s conflict with Gaza. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia is the Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.
Baptist Union ‘saddened’ by sudden closure of Spurgeon’s College
The Trustee Board of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) has said it is “deeply saddened” at the news that Spurgeon’s College has entered insolvency. The College, which was the largest Baptist training college in the UK, said it was plunged into sudden financial difficulty after a charity sponsor unexpectedly withdrew funding. The BUGB was informed of this, but was unable to offer its own financial assistance on the scale required to save the institution.
Baptistries sold out amid quiet revival - Premier Christian News | Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis
A church says it’s facing a year-long wait to purchase a baptistry due to skyrocketing demand. Christ Church Winchester won’t receive its new baptismal pool until March 2026, as staff report that supply in the U.K. has been outpaced by an unexpected surge in orders. Rev. Simon Cansdale, vicar of Christ Church, told Premier Christian News the delay is a sign of a “quiet revival” happening across the country. “We’re really seeing it,” he said. “This year, we’ve baptized 17 young adults.
Colombian priest released after kidnapping
A Catholic priest in Colombia has been mysteriously released after an alleged kidnap. Fr Carlos Saúl Jaimes Guerrero was travelling to an appointment in Viotá Municipality, Cundinamarca Department on 17th June 2025, when an armed group allegedly kidnapped him. The reasons for his kidnap and release are still unknown, with no group claiming responsibility. He has now been returned safely to the Order of Saint Augustine.
IS rebels attack Congolese church, killing 34
At least 34 people have died, after IS-backed rebels launched a brutal attack on a church in Goma. The Associated Press in Central Africa also reports that five others were killed in Machongani, a nearby village. Gunmen attacked the Catholic church in Komanda, killing dozens before burning shops and houses.
Christian Lioness wins Young Player of the Euros
England forward Michelle Agyemang has been named UEFA’s Women’s EURO 2025 Young Player of the Tournament. The 19-year-old is a Christian, who wears crosses on her socks, was “raised on gospel music” and plays piano to get in the zone for games. She is a member of the Christian football group Ballers in God, and proudly displays a cross in her Instagram bio. Agyemang has proven her place in the England squad. In the quarter finals, her goal against Sweden took the team to penalties.
Thousands gather for mountain pilgrimage
Thousands of pilgrims have gathered at Ireland’s ‘Holy Mountain’, Croagh Patrick, for a Reek Sunday sacred hike. The annual event sees around 30,000 people scale the 765 metres (2,520ft) of Croagh Patrick, just outside of Westport in the Archdiocese of Tuam. Some undertake the mission barefoot. It began as a sacred tradition over 1600 years ago, with pilgrims praying, confessing, and receiving the Eucharist at the summit. The pilgrimage’s theme for 2025 is ‘Christian Hope’.
Flour costs over £400 in Gaza, warns Christian Aid
The charity Christian Aid has warned of “critical” starvation in Gaza, revealing a list of exorbitant prices for basic goods in the region. It comes as the IDF says it will allow some aid drops to the region, after widespread outcry from the international community. Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the UK will join Jordan in dropping food parcels to Gaza – but aid agencies say drops cannot suffice for the mass scale of starvation.
Disgruntled bishop in dressing gown shuts down concert
The Bishop of Fulham has apologised after interrupting a church concert whilst wearing his dressing gown and telling performers to stop “this terrible racket”. The City Voices Academy choir was performing their annual summer concert at St Andrew’s church, Holborn. Cellist Dave Hornberger, who posted the now-viral clip, says the group was “95% done” with their concert, which had overrun by seven minutes, when the house lights went off.
Prison reform must involve faith groups, says charity
An alliance of Christian leaders is urging the government to work alongside churches, communities, and faith-based organisations to address failings in the UK’s criminal justice system. Lead by the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT), a new report highlights that churches, charities, and volunteers have taken on rehabilitation projects and local support work once handled by public services. Picking up the Pieces acknowledges that current failings are due to an “inherited” crisis of poor funding.
Christian refugees face forced return to Afghanistan
Churches around the world are being urged to pray for Afghan Christians who are facing the threat of forced return to Afghanistan from Tajikistan, where they had sought refuge. A heartfelt message from an anonymous Afghan Christian leader, recently shared with Christian networks, described the looming deportation as sending believers "to the very mouth of death." The plea calls on the global Church to pray for those at risk and to be their voice in this critical moment.
MPs told: Churches are still vital community hubs
The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has urged the government to extend the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, highlighting the role churches play as vital community hubs. The scheme allows churches that are listed buildings to claim up to £25,000, to cover VAT on repair costs. The Committee is calling for the scheme to be made permanent, and for the £25,000 cap on claims to be lifted.
Christians petition government on climate, as ICJ delivers historic ruling
Eighteen Christian groups have co-signed a petition to the Prime Minister, urging him to halt the exploration of new oil and gas at the Rosebank oil field off the Shetland coast. The letter, addressed to Sir Keir Starmer and the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, was delivered on the same day that the International Court of Justice delivered a historic ruling, declaring that UN states have a duty to prevent fossil fuels from causing climate breakdown.
Archbishop of York: 'I cry out against this barbaric assault' on Gaza
The Archbishop of York has pleaded for an end to "depraved and unconscionable" action by the state of Israel. It comes as fellow international church leaders returned from a visit to the bombed Holy Family Church in Gaza, describing the scenes of starvation as "humiliating". In a statement, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell said: "I cry out against this barbaric assault on human life and dignity.
New Head of Spring Harvest says UK has an ‘appetite’ for God
Spring Harvest is coming under new leadership, as former midwife and ordinand Jo Moir takes the reins. Previously, Abby Guinness served as Head of the Christian festival for 11 years. Moir told Premier Christian News she has a long history with the festival—beginning in her student days, when she first attended. “It’s nearly as old as me,” she joked. “My oldest daughter got saved at Spring Harvest.
United Methodists offer legal advice amid ICE crackdown
The US United Methodist Church has offered a legal advice webinar for its members, amid President Trump’s crackdown on undocumented citizens. Attended by over 1,000 people, the session was designed to help both churches and congregation members stay informed.
Pastor who won street preaching battle: ‘We are confident in God’
The pastor of a church who won a legal challenge against a local ban on street preaching has told Premier Christian News that their confidence remains firmly in God. Pastor Tunde Balogun heads up the Kingsborough Centre, a Uxbridge church which founded London’s first food bank in 2009, and was previously attended by England footballer Bukayo Saka and his family.
Scottie Scheffler: winning Open doesn't 'fulfil the deepest desires of my heart'
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler has said that winning the Open does not “fulfil the deepest desires of my heart”. The Christian golfer is public about family and faith being his “not-so-secret weapon” to sporting success. Scheffler dominated at Royal Portrush, winning on 17 under par. He maintained a humble approach to beating Rory McIlroy in his home country: “I know I wasn't the fan favourite, so I appreciate you guys coming out to support," said Scheffler.
Christian professor urges caution over 'three person DNA'
A Christian professor has warned that a fertilisation technique to bypass inherited disease is ethically “complex”. Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a method by which babies can be born without inherited mitochondrial disease, which can affect the blood, heart, and even cause blindness. It involves combining a fertilised egg and sperm with another egg, taken from a donor woman who does not have the condition.
Christian MP tells empty Commons UK needs revival
A Christian MP has told Parliament that the UK needs a social and political Christian revival. Despite the chamber being empty when Danny Kruger spoke, a video of his impassioned speech has garnered over 1.3 million views online. The Conservative MP for East Wiltshire highlighted the role of Christianity in British politics, calling it “the wellspring of democracy”.
Rachael Maskell suspended from Labour over 'faith' rebellion
Christian MP for York Central, Rachael Maskell, has been suspended from the Labour Party by Sir Keir Starmer. Maskell, along with Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman, and Chris Hinchliff, has had her party membership temporarily revoked after voting against the government on the controversial welfare bill. She said she had a “positive conversation” with the party’s chief whip. “He knows my heart and why I did what I did,” said Maskell.
Bishop and dog to run 10 marathons - Premier Christian News | Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis
The Bishop of Kingston and his dog Jem will undertake a ten-marathon challenge by running the Pennine Way, to fund new schools in Zimbabwe. The famous route spans 267 miles, from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm, over the Scottish border. The challenge involves running a marathon each day and camping at night. Rt Rev Martin Gainsborough felt inspired to take on the challenge after a trip to Matabeleland, Zimbabwe in 2024.
Hundreds gather for beach baptisms in Bournemouth
A joint service between five Bournemouth churches has seen 92 people publicly give their lives to Christ. Taking place on Boscombe Beach during last weekend’s heatwave, the service invited the public - as well as all five congregations of Lansdowne Church, Love Church, Catch the Fire, Coastline Vineyard and Bournemouth Community Church - to praise and celebrate.
Most US churches still use a collection plate
Passing a plate to collect offerings is the most popular method of giving for US Protestant churches, according to a new study. Around two-thirds of pastors (64 percent) told Lifeway Research that they still pass a physical plate among their congregations. Almost half said they prefer a collection to be held in the doorway of their church, as people exit or enter—and some churches use a combination of both methods.
Teens open to Church and Jesus, new report finds
A new report by Youth for Christ (YfC) has found that a majority of British teenagers are open to learning more about God, with 67 per cent saying they believe in a higher spiritual force. The Z-A Growing Spirituality report looks at the belief, trust, and faith perceptions of a new generation—those younger than Gen Z, but older than Gen Alpha. The findings reveal spiritual openness, curiosity around prayer, and largely positive attitudes to local churches.
Bishop of Leicester denies accusing stalking victim of witchcraft
The Bishop of Leicester has denied accusing a churchwarden of witchcraft, after his stalker alleged he had been practising séances in St Nicholas’ Church. Venessa ‘Vee’ Pinto began stalking churchwarden Jay Hulme after he rejected her romantic advances. Both were in their mid-twenties at the time. Jay was hoping to go into ministry, and Venessa was a preacher who was elected onto the Church of England’s General Synod and Crown Nominations Commission.
Government to focus anti-persecution efforts on 10 countries
The government will focus its Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) protection efforts in ten countries, according to special envoy David Smith. The MP for North Northumberland told reporters he would focus on a five-fold approach, in a briefing at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Tuesday.
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