Hate crime rising, Christian Nationalism emerging, new leaders for the world’s Catholics and Anglicans, concern over assisted dying and abortion, and grassroots peace and justice movements – how religion hit the headlines in 2025
130 kidnapped children and teachers freed in Nigeria; Church leaders in Jerusalem say hundreds killed since ceasefire; Red candle lights for Palestinian Christians on Christmas Eve; Chief Rabbi calls on ‘silent majority’ to speak out against violence; Why people still believe in angels
Memorial to 15 Jewish people killed at Bondi Beach; 8,500 people mark the winter solstice at Stonehenge; Two Archbishops in waiting point out Jesus was a refugee; Vicar in St Albans takes carol singing to the pubs; Plea to stop using donkeys in nativity plays
The Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, Richard Moth, known for his deep concern over social justice, prisons, mental health, education and refugees, has been appointed as the new Archbishop of Westminster
Speculation that Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ successor will be announced today; Jewish children living in fear in Britain ‘has become normalised’; Sydney Catholic cathedral Christmas light show becomes memorial to Bondi Beach victims; Chaplains offering support to overworked shop staff in the Christmas rush
Police arrest people chanting ‘globalise the intifada’; Funerals for Jewish victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack; Woman silently praying near abortion clinic charged under new law; Bishop Mariann Budde to give Christmas meditation on BBC Radio 4
Review of religion news in 2025; Government to ‘unveil antisemitism action plan within days’; New definition of Islamophobia leaked to the press; Rev Jonathan Fletcher ‘not fit to enter plea’ on indecent assault charges
Chief Rabbi says ‘crack down on hate speech’; Multiple demands for ‘globalise the intifada’ chant to be banned; Hong Kong editor and committed Catholic Jimmy Lai faces life in prison; Charity set up to offer Muslims advice on ‘a good death’
“An unspeakable atrocity” at Bondi Beach – headlines and reaction; Unite the Kingdom Christmas event ‘modest and muted’; Government launches faith security training scheme; ‘Hope, generosity and belief’: the values binding football and Christian faith
FA’s Faith and Football Christmas event at Wembley points to the shared deep connections of football and Christian faith, in values and character
