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 14 May 2026

Prince Harry’s New Statesman article on ‘deeply troubling’ rise in antisemitism; Nesil Caliskan MP is the new faith minister; Church of England congregations grew last year for fifth year in a row; ‘A million acts of hope’ counted this week to show the true spirit of Britain

Religion news 13 May 2026

Eight faith ministers in 10 years as Miatta Fahnbulleh resigns; Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief is first MP to call for Starmer to step down; URC changes magazine name from Reform to Reformed over mistaken political links; Trump to raise case of jailed Catholic publisher Jimmy Lai

Religion news 12 May 2026

Anglican vicar Jonathan Fletcher assaulted a man over 25 years; US bishop, once an immigrant, vows to speak out for migrants; Award winning animated film about Anglesey saints to premiere this month; Motorbikes blessed with holy water outside Exeter Cathedral

Religion news 11 May 2026

Reform councillor says people voted for return of Christian values; Politicians using cross ‘as a cudgel to beat opponents’; Protest against rising antisemitism, as leaders pledge support for Jewish people; Christian Aid says taste of a British cuppa is at risk from climate change

Religion news 8 May 2026

US and Vatican renew ties after Trump remarks; Police investigate after car mounts pavement towards Jewish schoolboys; Vatican report on same sex relations welcomed by campaigners

Religion news 7 May 2026

Rubio meets Pope after Trump’s month-long tirade; Faith and Belief Forum launches consultation to stop faith based hate; Robot monk vows devotion in South Korea ordination ceremony

Religion news 6 May 2026

Prime Minister summons leaders to No 10, demanding tough action against antisemitism; From God Delusion to Bot Delusion? Dawkins declares AI ‘conscious’; Russian Orthodox church ‘complicit’ in forced deportation of Ukrainian children; Hindu scripture ‘Shikshapatri’ tour of UK temples

Religion news 5 May 2026

The vital role of dialogue to combat antisemitism; Police conclude searches of Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Love headquarters in Crewe; Evangelical celibate priest sacked for “inappropriate relationship with a man”; Undocumented immigrant from El Salvador becomes US Catholic bishop

Religion news 1 May 2026

UK terrorism threat level ‘severe’ with ‘elevated’ threat level to Jewish people; New measures against antisemitism, community fear and anger, Muslim leaders condemn attack; Other news – interfaith consultations, petition on women’s ordination, and the monk who vanished

Religion news 30 April 2026

Stabbing of Jewish men in Golders Green ‘a terrorist incident’; Lib Dems admit unlawful religious discrimination against David Campanale; Former Bishop of Oxford, Lord Richard Harries, has died; Nine arrested after raids on Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light