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 December 2025

Christian nationalism ‘has no place’ in immigration policy; Reform party launches Christian Fellowship; Shabana Mahmood says her strong faith led her into politics; Migrant avoiding arrest posed as a shepherd in nativity tableau

Religion news 11 December 2025

John Smyth’s wife says she is sorry and ashamed for failing to stop his abuse; King Charles attends Advent service highlighting persecution of Christians; Pew Research Centre questions reports of a religious revival

Religion news 10 December 2025

Pope says remarks on Europe ‘trying to break apart a very important alliance’; Methodist leader warns about Unite the Kingdom Christmas event in London; ‘Blue light hijab’ rolled out in Leicester

Religion news 9 December 2025

Wembley Christmas event hears how praying footballers build teams that win; Nasa scientist’s new theory re the Wise Men’s star; One hundred kidnapped Nigerian children released

Religion news 8 December 2025

Churches push back against Christian nationalist agenda this Christmas; Christmas tree returns to Manger Square in Bethlehem; Arsenal’s ‘Bible Boys’ and the power of prayer propelling them to win; Bangor Cathedral’s music director sacked

Religion news 5 December 2025

Labour discussed Assisted Dying private member’s bill before election; Public support for inclusive RE in Northern Ireland; Vatican decides against women deacons at present; Unite the Kingdom Christmas carol concert set for London

Religion news 4 December 2025

FA’s ‘Faith and Football’ Christmas event at Wembley; Lord Khan’s plan for government to harness power of faith in society; Merger of three Christian groups exploring faith in society; Ancient Catholic church from India appoints first bishop to the UK

Religion news 3 December 2025

Chief Imam: ‘Choose dialogue to prevent civic fracture before it happens’; The Changing Landscape of Faith in Britain; Church Commissioners’ rules to stop investment in oppressive regimes; Run a ‘Blue Christmas’ service to welcome single people

Religion news 2 December 2025

Proposal to change name of Herzog park in Dublin is withdrawn; Heaton Park synagogue survivor says ‘normalising antisemitism’ must stop; Pope Leo’s messages of peace to people in Lebanon; Three Austrian nuns in their 80s win the right to stay in their convent

Religion news 1 December 2025

Pope Leo appeals for peace and unity on his five day visit to Turkey and Lebanon; Badenoch: ‘you can argue that welfare spending is un-Christian’; Proposal to rename Herzog Park in Dublin criticised as ‘disgraceful’; Christmas with a grumpy owl and tasteless festive jumpers