Ruth Peacock

Ruth is the leader of the Religion Media Centre project and oversees its work. After studying theology and teaching RE, she trained as a journalist on a local paper, freelanced in print and radio and then joined the BBC, working in many news departments, including the main newsgathering desk. She also worked on the BBC’s move into the new W1 building and studied organisational change.

Written Content

Religion news 12 March 2026

Mixed reaction to new anti-Muslim hatred definition; Bishop Rob Wickham named faith representative on new Civil Society Council; Tom Holland designated ‘Bede Librarian’ at Durham Cathedral; BBC announces sixth ‘Faith & Hope’ season of religious programmes

Religion news 11 March 2026

Muslim organisations raise concerns over new anti-Muslim hatred definition; Conference on Christian revival after ‘post-war liberal consensus breaks down’; US faith leaders’ online prayer vigil for peace in the Middle East; Sarah Mullally bound for the Garden of England

Religion news 10 March 2026

New definition of anti-Muslim hate ‘will not bring in blasphemy law by back door’; Call for action to tackle biased media reporting of British Muslims and Islam; Bangor review calls for charity merger after cathedral spending row; Film about ‘the first hymn’ to be shown in UK cinemas

Religion news 9 March 2026

Government’s social cohesion strategy expected to be published today; Report says half of UK reporting on Islam and Muslims is biased; Unification Church in Japan ordered to disband; New Christian and Gospel singles chart reflects rise in sales

Religion news 6 March 2026

BBC committed to universal public service ‘representing the whole of the UK’; Westminster Quaker Meeting House raided again by Metropolitan Police; Gafcon pulls back from electing a leader to rival the Archbishop of Canterbury; Royal support for Holi celebrations in Leicester

Religion news 5 March 2026

Iranian diaspora in the UK ‘fearing for their relatives’ as attacks continue; Church abandons process to find interim Bishop of Bangor; Government launches review of antisemitism in schools and colleges; Politicians support British Muslims at Iftar events in Westminster

Religion news 4 March 2026

Archbishop of York concerned at place of religion across BBC and ‘appalling lack of religious literacy’ ; The Bishop of Guildford Andrew Watson has died after a short illness; Trump ‘anointed by Jesus to attack Iran and cause Armageddon’

Religion news 3 March 2026

Middle East crisis ‘triggers massive displacement in Lebanon’; Chief Rabbi appeals for the miracle of Purim to be re-enacted in Iran; Gafcon to launch alternative Anglican Communion this week; Briefing today ‘The BBC Charter review and the future of religious broadcasting’