In Depth:  Rebecca Chapman

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Boris Johnson blames the Church for UK obesity - is he wrong?

Boris Johnson blames the Church for UK obesity - is he wrong?
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Advent is finally upon us. In just a few weeks we will celebrate Christmas, with all the fun and feasting that entails. 

But before any of us get too enthusiastic about menu-planning for the big day or the hospitality we hope to extend following carols or crib services, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson would apparently like us all to know that the church is to blame for the obesity crisis.

How did it come to this? Welby in retrospect

How did it come to this? Welby in retrospect
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Just over 12 years ago, on 9 November 2012, I walked down the wooden stairs from the Archbishop's flat, towards Lambeth Palace’s largest function room, the wood-panelled Guard Room, which was heaving with journalists. We were about to announce who would be the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury.

With me walked Justin and Caroline Welby. Justin made his oft-repeated joke, that he felt like the eyes of the figures in the paintings on the Palace walls were somehow watching him. He was full of energy, enthusiastic, almost tigger-ish at the task ahead of him. And he was evangelical.

Saoirse, Spurgeon and soundbites

Saoirse, Spurgeon and soundbites
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

How often do you hear the conversation happening around you, and wish that you could think of the perfect riposte? Not spiteful or cutting, not designed to trip the other person up, but to have the words to make your point in a way that feels modest yet memorable. 

Towards the end of October, the Irish-American actress Saoirse Ronan appeared on the BBC’s Graham Norton show, on the sofa alongside fellow actors Eddie Redmayne, Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, each promoting various new projects.  So far, so Friday night chat-show – some good-natured banter between colleagues and friends.  Conversation turned to training for the preparation Redmayne had been taken through for his recently released remake of The Day of the Jackal, including being taught how to use his phone as a weapon if he was attacked.

Makin Report: Analysis by Rebecca Chapman

Makin Report: Analysis by Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

The Makin review has finally been published - over six years since it was promised and 11 years since the Archbishop of Canterbury was told about the abuse.

What Keith Makin and his review team found during their investigations was truly horrific and readers should be aware that some of the details are deeply distressing. The eminent QC John Smyth, described by one victim as ‘a charismatic personality… the blue-eyed boy, he was Mary Whitehouse’s lawyer, he was in the public domain, everybody knew about him’ was arguably the most prolific serial abuser with links to the church, and accused of abusing as many as 130 boys across five decades in the UK and Africa. The review describes him as ‘a skilled and determined narcissist, who derived pleasure from the sufferings of others’ with abuse of some boys starting when they were as young as 13 years old.

Russell Brand and Philip Schofield: striving for redemption
culture watch

Russell Brand and Philip Schofield: striving for redemption
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

'Celebrity rehabilitation’ used to mean a well-known personality was spending some time in some sort of clinic. These days it is more likely to mean that they are making a new TV show, or just making headlines, often with some kind of redemptive narrative arc. 

The latest celebrity to attempt it is Philip Schofield, popping up with Cast Away on Channel 5. He has had a period away from the cameras he so loves after the revelation of his affair with a much younger and junior male runner at This Morning, who he met when the runner was just 15, and the lies he spun to conceal it. Here we have Schofield making a TV programme on a deserted island… to tell us how he doesn’t want to be on TV anymore?

In the room where it happens: transparency in the CofE

In the room where it happens: transparency in the CofE
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Amid all the difficult conversations taking place across the Church of England on sexuality and Living in Love and Faith (LLF), requests for greater transparency abound. We all want to make sure that our views are heard 'in the room where it happens’ – whether that is General Synod, meetings at Lambeth Palace, or residentials in Leicester.

Snippets of information trickle out: who has been invited to what, who was there, what was said or promised. Trust appears to be at an all-time low within our national church – but attempts are being made to rebuild it.

The ageless appeal of live music
culture watch

The ageless appeal of live music
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

This summer has seen an amazing phenomenon come into the public consciousness again with a vengeance - live music. 

First there were queues for days at locations across Britain as Taylor Swift came to town with her Eras tour, set to bring in a billion pounds to the UK alone. Taylor’s unique brand of singer, songwriter and storytelling has almost universal appeal it seems. By the time this tour finishes in November, she will have played 146 dates across five continents. The Eras tour looks likely to be the highest grossing tour of all time and was expected to the big pop-culture news of this year.   

Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you

Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Book Review REASONING IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE: Delivering the Changeless Message Through Ever-changing Media

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Resurrection: Solid hope

Resurrection: Solid hope
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Book Review LIFE AFTER LIFE: Why Jesus means death Isn’t the end

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Women's Olympic boxing: 'It's not fair!' Or is it?

Women's Olympic boxing: 'It's not fair!' Or is it?
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

This long, hot, sporty summer rolls on. Schools have been broken up for weeks, and children are everywhere - including all over my home! My three sons scrap over just about everything in the summer heat. Cries of ‘It’s not fair!’ seem to constantly ring out from one or the other; but how do I discern whose rights matter more when push comes to (literal) shove between the children?

Over in Paris, the Olympic women’s boxing has also been dominated by cries of ‘It’s not fair!’ Just 46 seconds into her bout against Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, Italian Angela Carini was punched so hard in the face that she fell to the floor weeping, ended the fight, saying to those in her corner 'Non è giusto' ('It’s not fair'). Later, she said she had feared for her life.

Playing the game with perseverance

Playing the game with perseverance
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

We have started a summer of sport – the Euros, then Wimbledon, Tour de France, and of course, the Paris Olympics.  Tennis especially seems to be having a cultural moment.

‘Tenniscore’ has now been fashionable for months thanks to the film ‘Challengers’ with its tennis-based love triangle that was a huge hit at the end of April. In June Serena and Venus Williams served up some sport couture in Paris, as they walked the runway at Vogue World, with Venus wearing a dress made from recycled tennis bags. Now, tennis is about to takeover the small screen – with not only the traditional two weeks of Wimbledon, but some behind the scenes documentaries, offering further insight into what it takes to get to Centre Court. 

The Biblical Song informing our network

The Biblical Song informing our network
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Book Review THE SEXUAL REFORMATION: Restoring the Dignity and Personhood of Man and Woman

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Jürgen Moltmann (1926-2024)

Jürgen Moltmann (1926-2024)
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

On 3 June 2024 Jürgen Moltmann died at the age of 98 in Tübingen where he had been Emeritus Professor of Theology.

He was a giant of modern theology – the most widely read Christian theologian of the post-war era according to the World Council of Churches, having produced 40 books over six decades.

Welby ‘not my friend’

Welby ‘not my friend’
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Justin Welby has been criticised by the Rector of All Souls’ Langham Place, Charlie Skrine.

The minister of the large central London congregation – where John Stott once preached – was speaking in Australia at Sydney’s National Evangelical Anglican Conference.

The calm after the storm: What difference does the Anglican Primates Meeting Make?

The calm after the storm: What difference does the Anglican Primates Meeting Make?
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

The Anglican Primates meeting in Italy is over; the stormy weather warnings in Rome have passed and clear skies are now anticipated.  But can the same calm be true of the meeting itself?  What happened, and why does it matter to the future of the Anglican Communion? 

For the last five days, the senior archbishops, presiding bishops, and moderators of the churches of the Anglican Communion have been meeting in Rome for the 2024 Primates’ Meeting.  With a packed schedule, they have had five days of pilgrimage and prayer, culminating in what Archbishop Justin Welby called the ‘climax of the Primates meeting’ – a meeting with Pope Francis.  

'Intense discussions' as Anglican Primates gather in Rome

'Intense discussions' as Anglican Primates gather in Rome
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

As I write, humid and thundery showers are predicted in Rome, Italy, as the Primates of the Anglican Communion reach half-time in their historic meeting.

Senior archbishops, presiding bishops, and moderators from churches across the globe have gathered for what we are told will be a time conceived as a pilgrimage. They will pray and study the book of Acts, visit holy sites in Rome, and reflect together about the mission and witness of the Church in the world. 

The gospel is proclaimed publicly in Parliament at the Easter Westminster Hall debate

The gospel is proclaimed publicly in Parliament at the Easter Westminster Hall debate
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Last week in Westminster the gospel was clearly proclaimed; as we approached Easter, Nick Fletcher MP opening the Westminster Hall debate he had secured on Easter, Christian culture and heritage by speaking out John 3.16 and reminding his fellow MPs ‘we celebrate on Easter Sunday the resurrection of Christ, giving us not just a God, but a living God to believe in, to worship, to help us and to make us right with Him, with the promise of eternal life’.  

The Christian faith is woven into the very fabric of the Palace of Westminster; the tiled floor of the Central Lobby carries an inscription from Psalm 127 – ‘Except the Lord build the House, they labour in vain that build it.’ Despite this, while MPs and peers sometimes speak of their personal faith, our bishops in the Lords spiritual among them, it is uncommon to have a full debate devoted to the Christian faith, or to hear the gospel proclaimed so publicly in Parliament.  

A ‘friendship recession’?
culture watch

A ‘friendship recession’?
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

This February the phenomenon that is the streaming show The Chosen has hit cinemas again, with the first two episodes of Series Four showing us more of Jesus and His disciples.

Director Dallas Jenkins hopes that watching will be a shared experience for many of us, encouraging people to ‘get together during a time that’s very divisive’. This new series is a step up in many ways – more focused, more confident storytelling, and more compelling with its mix of light and dark, sorrow and humour, faith and frustration.

Bold but flawed
culture watch

Bold but flawed
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Which cinematic depiction of the devil most strikes home for you?

The silver screen has offered us myriad options, ranging from Wall Street banker Gabriel Byrne in The End of Days, to womanising Jack Nicholson in The Witches of Eastwick. Or, played by a woman, in The Passion of The Christ, or the classic Al Pacino performance in The Devil’s Advocate.

Holding leaders accountable

Holding leaders accountable
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Book Review NOT SO WITH YOU:

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Adam Anders: 'I stayed true to the vision God gave me'

Adam Anders: 'I stayed true to the vision God gave me'
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Adam Anders is a Swedish film, television and music producer who has sold more than 100 million albums and worked with  artists including Miley Cyrus and The Backstreet Boys. This November, he made his directorial debut with the film, Journey To Bethlehem, the first musical retelling of The Nativity Story. 

Journey To Bethlehem stars Fiona Palomo as Mary, Milo Manheim as Joseph, and features Oscar nominee Antonio Banderas as jealous King Herod. It is a live-action musical adventure for the whole family, which weaves classic Christmas melodies with humour, faith and new pop songs. Here, Adam speaks to en's Rebecca Chapman and honorary en journalist, her seven-year-old-son Benji!

Faithfulness in the public square

Faithfulness in the public square
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Review Covenant:  The New Politics of Home, Neighbourhood and Nation

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Thinking about men behaving badly

Thinking about men behaving badly
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Book Review THE TOXIC WAR ON MASCULINITY: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes

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God save the King

God save the King
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Book Review DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH: The British monarchy, religion and the next coronation

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A controversial book

A controversial book
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Book Review BEAUTIFUL UNION: How God’s vision for sex points us to the good, unlocks the true, and (sort of) explains everything

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Faith, politics, philosophy, Prue Leith & Canada’s conveyor belt of death

Faith, politics, philosophy, Prue Leith & Canada’s conveyor belt of death
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Danny Kruger MP is the Member of Parliament for Devizes and an evangelical Christian.

He has previously worked in journalism and in politics, having worked as a speechwriter for David Cameron, and as Political Secretary to Boris Johnson when he was Prime Minister. In 2006 he and his wife Emma founded Only Connect, a project working in prisons to stop criminals re-offending.

Reformed theology – and the coercive rhythms of today’s culture

Reformed theology – and the coercive rhythms of today’s culture
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

James K. A. Smith is professor of philosophy at Calvin University, Michigan, where he holds the Gary & Henrietta Byker Chair in Applied Reformed Theology and Worldview.

He trained as a philosopher with a focus on contemporary French thought, Smith has expanded on that scholarly platform to become an engaged public intellectual and cultural critic. An award-winning author and a widely-travelled speaker, he has emerged as a thought leader with a unique gift of translation, building bridges between the academy, society, and the church. His most recent book, How To Inhabit Time was reviewed in en last month.

Greater love

Greater love
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Church leaders, clergy, and pastoral workers have gathered for a day based around the Greater Love Declaration, reaffirming the historic Christian understanding of love as described in John 15:13 – ‘Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.’

The morning opened with Matthew Roberts unpacking Jesus’ definition of love, and its radical message for sex, family and society. Attendees then heard from Dr Julie Maxwell on how children are being harmed by early sexualisation, with schools teaching gender ideology, queer theory and sex positivity, and how these lead to harm. Two thought-provoking panel discussion offered practical tips on how to speak out. The day closed with Ian Paul examining the church’s consistency in its teaching on sex and marriage, with humour and fervour.

Bible stories remixed

Bible stories remixed
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Book Review WHISTLESTOP TALES: Around the Bible With 10 Extraordinary Children

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‘We protect our systems more than our sheep’

‘We protect our systems more than our sheep’
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

Dr. Diane Langberg is a practicing psychologist whose clinical expertise includes 50 years of working with trauma survivors and clergy. She speaks internationally on topics related to women, trauma, ministry and the Christian life. She spoke to en during her recent visit to the UK.

RC: How did you get going on your journey, your calling?
DL: I think it’s important to know that in 1972 when I first started out, 50 years ago, trauma wasn’t a word – it was not a part of the diagnostic categories or a word we learned.

UK in transition: ‘What we’re praying for the new King and PM’
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

How three Christians responded to the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the appointment of Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Mike Royal, the evangelical General Secretary of Churches Together in England (see en, December 2021):

Lambeth '22: Of principalities and powers

Lambeth '22: Of principalities and powers
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

There are significant unanswered questions about the use of power both during and since Lambeth, writes Rebecca Chapman.

The theme of the recent Lambeth Conference convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury was ‘God’s Church for God’s World’. As Christians we know that ‘whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him’. Indeed, power and how it is used has been a theme through much of what has been said by Archbishop Justin. Not a surprise perhaps, given one of his earliest memories is having tea while weeping with Winston Churchill. Memories of power are, well, powerful!

Keswick’s James Robson: ‘What we try and stand for is respect for everybody’

Keswick’s James Robson: ‘What we try and stand for is respect for everybody’
Rebecca Chapman
Rebecca Chapman

As final preparations for this summer’s Keswick Convention were being made, en spoke to its Ministry Director, the Revd Dr James Robson.

With the much-awaited Keswick Convention of 2022 almost upon us, James joined us on Zoom, from a light-filled room full of books. With all that is happening at Keswick, including the Derwent Project, there was certainly no shortage of things to be grateful to God for…

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