Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Peter Lynas
Good news! The UK evangelical Church is growing
Nominal Christianity may be declining in Britain, but a new survey from Evangelical Alliance suggests that the number of people who identify as evangelicals or hold evangelical beliefs is growing. It’s also one of the youngest and most diverse parts of the UK Church, says Peter Lynas “How many evangelicals are there in the UK?” It’s one of the questions I’m regularly asked as I travel around churches, speak at events or appear in the media.
How should the church respond to the proposed conversion practices ban?
On 25 June, the UK government published their proposals for a new law banning conversion practices. They are deeply concerning and include the threat of up to five years in prison for those found guilty. They risk criminalising parents, church leaders and all who live out a biblically orthodox view of sexuality and gender. The Evangelical Alliance supports protections against coercive, abusive and harmful practices. Every person should be treated with dignity and respect.
You are being redirected to Christian Daily International
To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Please click here to learn how. If your browser does not redirect you there, please click here to continue.
Buffer zone conviction does not mean the UK has criminalised Christianity
Poor lawmaking should always be challenged, says Evangelical Alliance’s Peter Lynas. But Christians must not conflate every legal case involving public evangelism with religious persecution. It simply isn’t accurate The conviction of retired Baptist pastor, Clive Johnston, for breaching an abortion buffer zone in Coleraine raises important questions about free speech, religious liberty and the wisdom of how Christians engage contentious public issues.
How failure can lead us to closer to God - Crossmap News
To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Please click here to learn how. If your browser does not redirect you there, please click here to continue.
Religious Education in Northern Ireland is under the spotlight. But Christians need not panic
A landmark Supreme Court ruling has declared Christian-focused religious education in Northern Ireland state schools unlawful, yet Peter Lynas says there are grounds for hope.
UK Supreme Court upholds biological definition of ‘woman’
United Kingdom’s highest court has recently unanimously ruled that a woman is defined by biological sex under equality law, ending a long-running legal battle over sex-based rights. “The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms 'women' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex”, said deputy president of the Supreme Court Patrick Hodge.
Kim Leadbeater replaces High Court judge with assisted dying review panels
Prior to February recess, bill sponsor Kim Leadbeater tabled over 60 amendments to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. The most controversial amendment being the removal of the High Court judge. As the committee resumes its line-by-line scrutiny this week, responsibility might fall to those MPs beyond the committee to expose the bill’s many flaws.
What’s wrong with a bill seeking to introduce assisted suicide?
Kim Leadbetter has published her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to introduce assisted suicide in England and Wales. It will be debated and voted on in parliament on 29 November. While the bill title does not reference assisted suicide, and campaigners prefer to talk about assisted dying, the detail of the legislation betrays that.
Justin Welby has abandoned his own church’s teaching on sexuality
Why has the Archbishop of Canterbury changed his mind on gay sex? Peter Lynas believes it’s because the Archbishop has adopted a view of morality which is based more on personal preference than objective standards In a recent podcast interview Justin Welby appeared to deny the long held Anglican doctrine of marriage, not to mention the Church’s Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process.
Is death the ultimate human choice?
Assisted suicide is back on the agenda with Kim Leadbeater’s private members’ bill proposing to make it legal in the UK. There are strong views on the topic, in part because any of us could face it – for ourselves or our relatives. When my own dad was dying of a brain tumour, we had to navigate the realities of end of life care. We live in a culture that has all too often reduced human life to functionality and usefulness. But what happens when you can no longer contribute to society?
Issue Briefing on Assisted Dying
On 16th October, Kim Leadbeater MP introduced a private members’ bill proposing to legalise assisted suicide (sometimes called assisted dying). The bill seeks to allow adults who are terminally ill to be provided with assistance to end their own lives. It will be first debated and voted on in the House of Commons on 29 November. The Evangelical Alliance is opposed to moves to legalise assisted suicide for biblical, social, policy and evidential reasons.
Cultural brain rot, Gen Z and discipleship
My hope is that this article will ‘cook’, that it will be ‘lit bussin’ and ‘very mindful, very demure’. If that made sense to you, then you are probably under 25. If not, you might have read about a recent trend of letting Gen Zers write the scripts for various adverts; Curry's and an 880-year-old B&B have racked up millions of views on social media platforms by following this trend. I even tried it myself, much to the embarrassment of my kids.
Mindless scrolling and news fatigue: is digital abstinence the answer?
I was talking to a friend a while back and brought up the Titan, the submarine that tragically imploded, when I realised that they had no idea what I was talking about. I couldn't believe it – it was all over the internet for days – how had they managed to avoid it? They explained that they no longer read the news, and they’re off social media. I have several people around me, non-Christians and Christians alike, who are tapping out of the news cycle, finding it too depressing, too overwhelming.
From Andrew Tate to #MeToo: can we bridge the battle of the sexes?
The data is in – men and women are drifting apart. Globally, there is a growing gap in the attitudes of young men and women. Ten years ago, it was not uncommon to find 15-year-old me in a heated debate with my 80-year-old neighbor. From Brexit to foreign policy to climate change, you name a subject, we probably disagreed on it. We would embark on lengthy – yet always friendly – debates over a cup of tea around the kitchen table.
Why should Christians care about the Cass review?
Dr Hilary Cass, a former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, has produced a key report on gender care for young people which has been making headlines. The report concludes that “gender medicine for children and young people is built on shaky foundations” and is “remarkably weak” evidence on medical interventions.
Hate Crime in Scotland - what does the new legislation mean for you?
There has been huge public discourse about the new legislation and concerns around how it will affect faith communities. This briefing note is not legal advice. What has happened? In 2021, the Scottish Parliament passed the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill. We and our membership influenced and contributed to positive changes as it went through the legislative process, including meeting then-Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf MSP on multiple occasions.
Why should Christians care about the Cass Review?
Dr Hilary Cass, a former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, has produced a key report on gender care for young people which has been making headlines. The report concludes that “gender medicine for children and young people is built on shaky foundations” and is “remarkably weak” evidence on medical interventions.
Elon Musk, Mars and AI: I’m intrigued by humanity’s search for a future framework
Elon Musk has been described as mad, crazy and a genius. As I listen to Walter Isaacson’s recent biography of Musk, he makes the case that he is all three. He is also one of the most powerful people on the planet having a massive impact on the key question our team explores – what does it mean to be human? The future of connection Musk has helped launch a range of significant businesses, each of which really has changed the world.
Romance is entering a new era. What might the church have to offer it?
Amidst our hyper-digital age, the tide appears to be turning on the reign of online dating. Despite radically changing the art of modern romance after exploding onto the scene in the early 2010s, today apps like Tinder, Hinge and Bumble are all reporting a in users. Branded as an efficient way to connect people, they sold a promise of dating minus the mess. But 10 years on, people have cottoned on to the reality that online dating carries its own set of messes and mishaps.
Welcome to the chaos of 2024!
2024 is going to be messy – more crises, more elections and ongoing wars. There will also be incredible opportunities to speak truth and hope into some of the most controversial issues of our day. But will we as the UK church be distracted by division and bury its head in the sand? Or will we see the opportunity offer by the difficult questions of our day to extend wisdom, hospitality, and offer a hopeful way forward?
Synod and same sex blessings
After hours of intense debate on 15 November, the General Synod of the Church of England narrowly approved proposals made by the House of Bishops to back prayers of blessing and services for same sex couples. Considering this significant move, Evangelical Alliance UK director Peter Lynas spoke with John Dunnett, national director of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) to find out more about the decision, its implications and how CEEC are responding.
God said it first: You are Kenough
When it comes to identity, it’s easy to be critical of the stereotypes, or the lack of answers provided by Barbie, but has the Church done any better? We can only understand what it is to be human in light of the larger God story that has shaped our world, says Peter Lynas Barbie is a billion-dollar blockbuster movie with a philosophical edge - wrestling in a pink paradise with existential angst and an identity crisis.
Kate Forbes does not fit media mould
Kate Forbes is both next level and just like many other Jesus followers, navigating faith in a world that has less understanding of what is means to be a Christian. Her views are in line with the majority of Christians globally and historically. She has always been public about her Christian faith. She is clear, thoughtful, gracious and kind in her articulation and understands the consequences. She learned from Tim Farron to engage head on. She was honest and articulate.
The 4 biggest issues facing the Church in 2023
I suspect that 2023 will shape up to be a tough year. I am not claiming any particular prophetic insight, just good old proverbial wisdom. The NHS is overwhelmed, strikes are widespread, the economic situation is difficult and the war in Ukraine seems no nearer to resolution. But the challenges ahead are not unique to us as Christians, and I believe they also provide us with huge opportunity to tell the world a better story.
Think the Census results are bad news for Christians? Think again
The headlines of doom and decline were predictable. The percentage of people in England and Wales identifying as Christian is down. This is hardly news - at least not headline news. Everyone knew this was coming. In fact, many of us were surprised that the figures remained so high. In our increasingly secular country there is no benefit to cultural Christianity. There is little reason to tick the Christian box based on some nominal identity.
Bishop of Oxford’s views on same-sex marriage put popular opinion above the Bible
I appreciate the openness with which Rt Rev Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, has written about his change of opinion on same sex marriage, although I am far less comfortable with a bishop writing publicly about views which are contrary to current Church teaching. It’s publication, as the bishops together discern what proposals to bring to the General Synod in February 2023, is perhaps also not ideal.
If porn is OK, what’s wrong with watching it in the House of Commons?
After an MP was accused of watching porn on his phone in parliament there have been calls for disciplinary measures, with some describing it as a “sackable offence”. Listening to the news over the last few days, the majority view is that the act was wrong… but few can explain why. What secular sin has actually been committed here? Is the problem that he used his phone during work or in the chamber? The answer would seem to be no.
The week that changed the world?
After gay conversion therapy U-turns from the government, high profile debates over transgender athletes and a contentious letter signed by Lord Rowan Williams and other church leaders, Peter Lynas wonders if this was a world changing week What a week of leaks, u-turns and perhaps finally some clarity on questions of sex, gender, sexuality and conversion therapy. Late last Thursday night Paul Brand leaked plans for a government u-turn on conversion therapy.
Why Putin’s war is an attack on Christian values
Equality and human rights were not invented out of thin air. They are fundamentally Christian ideas, and Putin is no defender of them, argues Peter Lynas Source: Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS There are other wars being waged in the world, but we seem to have gone much further in terms of sanctions and coverage of what is happening in Ukraine. Why? Is it a matter of geography - Ukraine is in Europe and feels close to us?
What’s the problem with banning conversion therapy?
Praying for a gay Christian teenager who says they do not want to engage in sexual activity, could become a crime if some definitions of conversion therapy are adopted by the government, says the Evangelical Alliance’s Peter Lynas To ban or not to ban - that seems to be the question when it comes to conversion therapy. The answer depends on what is meant by conversion therapy and everyone has a different definition.
12 ways Covid is changing the church - evidence from a senior leader
As many churches hold in-person meetings again, Peter Lynas believes we’re in a period of significant change. Source: Anton Petrychenko / Alamy Stock Photo One of the great things about my job is hearing from church leaders right across the UK. We are in a season of significant change and the Evangelical Alliance will shortly be running survey trying to better understand what is going on and help churches as they navigate the new landscape.
Baffled by non-binary? Here’s a biblical and pastoral response to trans issues
Beware of strong opinions and easy answers, says the Evangelical Alliance’s Peter Lynas. Behind the rise of sometimes-confusing gender labels are real people whom Christians are called to love It is more than two years since the singer Sam Smith famously came out as nonbinary declaring: “I’m not male or female” and changing their pronouns from he/him to they/them. Actor Elliot Page, singer Demi Lovato and author and activist Jack Monroe are among other high-profile, non-binary celebrities.
Peter Lynas: The Government is digging itself deep into trouble over conversion therapy
Peter Lynas is the Director of the Evangelical Alliance. The Government has got itself into a pickle on conversion therapy. It has promised to end it, pledging legislation in this year’s Queen’s speech, but also to protect those seeking spiritual support. In reality, those two things are not mutually exclusive, but delivering both objectives will require a much more nuanced approach from the government than has been displayed to date.
Thursday, April 22, 2021
Documentation and Additional Reading Part Part Part The Briefing Thursday, April 22, 2021 Tags: Audio Transcript Transcript has not been added yet. Check again soon.
Why Christians should welcome Franklin Graham’s legal victory
Blackpool Council were wrong to ban adverts about Franklin Graham’s evangelistic event, a court has found. Peter Lynas from the Evangelical Alliance explains more Some will celebrate this case and see Franklin Graham vindicated, others will dismiss it simply because he is involved. That would be a mistake. Getting beyond the personalities helps us to see the significance of this ruling when it comes to freedom of expression and the role of councils and local authorities.
A marginal victory for free speech - the case of Harry Miller
Harry Miller fell foul over the law because of his views on transgenderism(Photo: Christian Concern) The case of Harry Miller is important and may have implications for other incidents involving free speech, but it is a marginal victory at best. Miller was visited by Police last year after complaints about tweets on the subject of transgenderism. Miller claims a police officer said he needed to "check his thinking" in language reminiscent of George Orwell's classic 1984.
A marginal victory for free speech - the case of Harry Miller
Harry Miller fell foul over the law because of his views on transgenderism(Photo: Christian Concern) The case of Harry Miller is important and may have implications for other incidents involving free speech, but it is a marginal victory at best. Miller was visited by Police last year after complaints about tweets on the subject of transgenderism. Miller claims a police officer said he needed to "check his thinking" in language reminiscent of George Orwell's classic 1984.
A deeply sad day for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's Parliament Buildings, known as Stormont.Wikipedia Tonight MPs at Westminster have voted to fundamentally undermine devolution potentially leading to far-reaching changes to abortion law and the redefinition of marriage in Northern Ireland. This is a deeply sad day as MPs vote to remove legal protection from the most vulnerable members of society. I understand some will see this as a victory for equality and choice.
Notre-Dame, Folau and Christians who don't know what they believe
(Photo: Reuters)A man works at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris following a fire This week we watched as Notre Dame was ravaged by fire. A country that has all but banned God from the public square mourned the destruction of a place of worship. Yet on Monday night Paris stopped and people spontaneously sang hymns and prayed as the fire burned. Since 1905 Notre Dame, like all cathedrals in France, has been owned by the French state.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Peter
Contact Peter, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack