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 Deputies
- British Muslims: Dr Azim Ahmed, General Secretary Muslim Council of Wales; and Akeela Ahmed, CEO and founder, British Muslim Trust
- Religious Education: Sarah Lane Cawte, Chair of the REC Council
- Hindus in Britain: Tilak Parekh, PhD student in the Faculty of Divinity
- Interfaith: Rebecca Collins, Faith and Belief Forum
- US and religion: Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute; and Bob Smietana, national reporter for Religion News Service
- Catholic Church: Ruth Gledhill, Assistant Editor at The Tablet; and Sr Gemma Simmonds, Senior Fellow and Director of Religious Life Institute
- Church of England: Tim Wyatt, freelance religion reporter; Rev Alex Frost, vicar of St Matthew the Apostle, Burnley
- Action for Peace and Justice: Simeon Mitchell, team leader of Joint Public Issues Team (Baptist, Methodist, URC)
- Aid: Peter Robertson, Humanitarian journalist at Christian Aid
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