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 April 2026

Outrage over Trump’s blatant image portraying himself as Jesus; Pope is not afraid and will continue to speak out; Twelve aid agencies combine to seek aid for forgotten Sudan; Festival of Vaisakhi marked today

Religion news 13 April 2026

President Trump launches blistering attack on the Pope; Pope Leo: Prayer for peace is ‘bulwark against delusion of omnipotence’; Resounding defeat for Victor Orbán who put Christian nationalism centre stage

Religion news 10 April 2026

Russia declares ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Easter this weekend; Bishop of Salisbury steps back while financial audit takes place; Holy sites re-open in Jerusalem; The ‘Maga-fication of religion in America’

Religion news 9 April 2026

Pope Leo welcomes ceasefire agreement; Christian nationalism and the US war in Iran; Pastor charged with manslaughter after man drowned during baptism; CofE to apologise for its role in historical forced adoption

Religion news 8 April 2026

Trump suspends bombing of Iran – Pope Leo says threat against the entire Iranian people was ‘unacceptable’; World Council of Churches ‘gravely concerned’ at threats against Iran; Wireless festival cancelled after Kanye West denied permission to enter UK; Charity warns pipe organs could disappear in 40 years

Religion news 7 April 2026

Pete Hegseth urges prayer for Iran war victory ‘in the name of Jesus Christ’; US Military bishop: ‘hard to cast this war as sponsored by the Lord’; UK Church leaders use Easter messages to urge end to war; BBC’s Pilgrimage series on route to Holy Island, Lindisfarne

Religion news 2 April 2026

Royal Maundy service in Wales for only the second time in 800 years; Easter message from church leaders in Jerusalem: pray for peace; Archbishop Richard Moth: ‘Refugees are in God’s image’

Religion news 1 April 2026

Board urges UK bars Kanye West over antisemitism; Food parcels distributed for Passover; PM to work with church on shared values; Pope calls for peace and hopes for truce over Easter; Call for faith literacy in health care, as youth mental care referrals triple

Religion news 31 March 2026

Inter Faith Week 2025 grew with more youth and regional engagement; Faith leaders Easter reception at Number Ten; Israel’s ambassador to the Vatican summoned over Palm Sunday ban