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 22 August 2025

Verdicts in and jury discharged at trial of Chris Brain, leader of the ‘Nine O’Clock Service’; Religious Studies GCSE remains popular but more teachers needed; Global prayer chain for Ukraine taking place this Sunday; World Jewish Relief delivering medical care to Gaza

Religion news 21 August 2025

Chris Brain, leader of the ‘Nine O’Clock Service’, guilty of indecent assault; 80 Orthodox rabbis say Israel has moral obligation to prevent mass starvation; Royal Navy’s first Hindu chaplain starts work in Plymouth

Religion news 20 August 2025

Theology and Religious Studies can thrive if universities communicate its value; The world watches as a vast wooden church in Sweden is rolled to a new location; ‘Outlaws’ and IDF attack on Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza condemned by Anglican diocese

Religion news 19 August 2025

Orthodox bishops denounce Alaska Archbishop’s meeting with Putin; Mail reports drug dealing at Westminster Cathedral; Pro-lifer investigated for third time for silent prayer near clinic; ‘Welsh Camino’ pilgrimage route gets £78k to improve the journey

The rise of charismatics in US politics

PRRI research into the rise of charismatic influence in US politics, with key ideas of Christian nationalism, God given power and prophetic importance of US in global affairs

Religion news 18 August 2025

Ukrainian bishop: giving away land ‘would be tragic’; The dangers of the Christian “Vance Anglosphere crusade”; The rise of charismatics in US politics; YouGov poll suggests belief in God is rising in Britain

Religion news 15 August 2025

Fewer students take RE A-Level amid shortage of specialist teachers; Theos think tank urges universities not to abandon Theology and Religious Studies; Madonna appeals to the Pope to visit Gaza; US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth’s links to a Christian nationalist church

Religion news 14 August 2025

BBC apologises after Thought for the Day comment on xenophobia; Pope Leo hoping Trump and Putin agree a ceasefire; University spaces available for the study of Theology and Religious Studies

Religion news 13 August 2025

Carmelite priest and Baptist minister arrested at Palestine Action protest; Catholic priest attacked at his last Mass before retirement; 500 Israeli mothers set up a peace camp near Gaza border; Pope’s  general audience to be held inside because of the heat