Media

Click on a year for more details

• 2018

  • General

    Report on religion in schools ‘an attack on Catholicism’

    The Tablet reports on the launch of the new policy pamphlet by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead.

    Don’t use faith to decide who gets a school place, says new report

    The Church Times reports on the launch of the new policy pamphlet by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead.

    A cacophony of views on what to teach children about God

    The Economist reports on the launch of the new policy pamphlet by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead.

    Keeping faith with inclusive British schools

    The Financial Times reports on the launch of the new policy pamphlet by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead.

    CoE schools face calls to end faith-based admissions

    The TES reports on the launch of the new policy pamphlet by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead.

    The Guardian view on religious education: bring it up to date

    The Guardian’s editorial on religion and belief in schools, in support of Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead’s call for reform.

    RE should be renamed Religion, Beliefs and Values, says new Clarke/Woodhead report

    Schools Week reports on the launch of the new policy pamphlet by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead.

    Teachers force schools to stop ignoring religious education

    The Times reports on the launch of the new policy pamphlet by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead.

    Religious education needs overhaul to reflect UK, says report

    The Guardian reports on the launch of the new policy pamphlet by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead.

    Religious education ‘vital for diversity’

    The BBC reports on the launch of the new policy pamphlet by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead.

    More Stories

    • Parents should not be allowed to opt children out of RE classes, former Education Secretary says

      The Telegraph reports on the launch of the new policy pamphlet by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead.

    • Faith schools’ admission policy a ‘labyrinth’ for parents

      Professor Linda Woodhead’s research with Mairi Levitt on the admission process for Faith Schools is reported on in the Church Times.

    • Charles Clarke interviewed on the Sunday Programme

      Rt Hon Charles Clarke is interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Sunday Programme about Religious Education and the Government’s Integrated Communities Strategy.

    • Taking children out of RE lessons should be banned, Charles Clarke says

      Rt Hon Charles Clarke and Professor Linda Woodhead’s submission to the government consultation on Integrated Communities is covered in The Times newspaper.

    View all media

• 2017

  • General

    The Guardian view on politics at Easter: Jesus of platitudes

    Guardian Editorial referencing Linda Woodhead’s analysis of religious identity in Britain

    Resurrection did not happen, say quarter of Christians

    BBC article quotes Professor Linda Woodhead in article analysing results of a survey commissioned by BBC local radio for Palm Sunday

    The Church of England has reached a turning point on gay marriage

    An article by Linda Woodhead in Prospect magazine citing Westminster Faith Debates surveys

    Not all faith schools are the same: recognise the differences

    Charles Clarke writes an opinion piece on faith schools in the Church Times

• 2016

  • General

    Don’t fill schools with believers, Clarke warns

    Article on Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead’s response to the Government consultation ‘Schools that Work for Everyone’

    The making of May: her faith and father shaped British PM’s core

    Financial Times article quotes Linda Woodhead on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Church of England background

    The government’s changes to faith schools side with hardline religion

    Professor Linda Woodhead blogs for the London School of Economics on government plans to remove the 50% cap on selection by religion for faith-based free schools and academies

    Decline of religion in Britain ‘comes to a halt’ – major study suggests

    Daily Telegraph article includes comment and quotes by Professor Linda Woodhead

    Why “no religion” is the new religion

    Article by Linda Woodhead in Prospect magazine drawing on Westminster Faith Debates survey data

    The Duel: Should the Church of England be disestablished?

    Professor Linda Woodhead debates Rev Lucy Winkett on disestablishment in Prospect magazine

    Justin Welby’s immigration words may gain him unwanted friends

    Guardian article by Andrew Brown references research by Linda Woodhead

    Religious education is being squeezed off the timetable

    Economist article addresses provision for RE in schools, citing Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead’s policy pamphlet

    No religion is the new religion

    Article by Andrew Brown in the Guardian that cites surveys carried out by Linda Woodhead for the Westminster Faith Debates

    Britain is losing its religion, but nobody seems that bothered

    Melanie McDonagh writes in the Spectator about the state of religion in the UK, citing Linda Woodhead’s research

    More Stories

    • Is this the end of Christian Britain? Majority of white adults say they have no religion and the number is set to rise

      The Daily Mail reports on survey findings by the Westminster Faith Debates and a British Academy lecture by Linda Woodhead

    View all media

• 2015

  • General

    Signs of hope in a secular” land

    Article in the Church Times by Andrew Brown, 10.8.2015, quotes Professor Linda Woodhead

    Wales poised to scrap Religious Education lessons in schools

    Article in The Independent, 4.8.15, quotes Professor Linda Woodhead and Rt Hon Charles Clarke

    Wales’ new plans for RE: classes with less religion in them

    Article in The Guardian, 4.8.2015, quotes Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University.

    Legal requirements for RE and worship in schools questioned

    Article in The Church Times, 19.6.2015, comments on policy proposal by Rt Hon Charles Clarke & Professor Linda Woodhead

    Chalk Talk: By celebrating the steamier side of science, we lure mo

    Article in The Independent, 18.6.2015, comments on New settlement for Religion & Belief in Schools policy proposal by Rt Hon Charles Clarke & Professor Linda Woodhead.

    It’s time to end compulsory daily worship in schools, says Clarke

    Article in The Telegraph, 16.6.15, comments on policy proposal by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead calling for reform to the settlement for religion and belief in schools. See document here https://faithdebates.org.uk/research/

    A new settlement for faith schools

    Article by Ekklesia,16th June 2015, comments on policy proposal by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead calling for reform to the settlement for religion and belief in schools. See document here https://faithdebates.org.uk/research/

    Call to overhaul religious education in schools

    Article in Financial Times, 14th June 2015, outlines policy proposal by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead calling for reform to the settlement for religion and belief in schools. See document here https://faithdebates.org.uk/research/

    The Guardian view on religious education in schools: don’t trash it, transform it

    Article in The Guardian Comment is Free, 14.6.15, comments on policy proposal by Charles Clarke and Linda Woodhead calling for reform to the settlement for religion and belief in schools. See document here https://faithdebates.org.uk/research/

    The authority of religious leaders has fallen – poll

    Article in Christian Today, 16.5.15, quotes YouGov poll commissioned by Prof Linda Woodhead, Lancaster University, on behlf of Westminster Faith Debates.

    More Stories

    • Church of England defends sale of assets for recruitment plan

      Article in The Church Times, 20.3.2015, quotes Professor Linda Woodhead.

    • Churchgoers keeping liberal views on homosexuality ‘secret’

      Article in The Telegraph, 24.3.2015, quotes Professor Linda Woodhead, Lancaster University.

    • Church of England’s £100m recruitment plan faces criticism

      Article in The Church Times, 20.3.15, quotes Professor Linda Woodhead, Lancaster University.

    • Church of England accused of asset raid to pay for recruitment

      Article in the Financial Times, 17.3.2015, refers to Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University.

    View all media

  • The Art of Ritual

    No media is currently available for this debate.

  • RE for Real: A consultation on religious education

    No media is currently available for this debate.

  • How far should concern with religious freedom shape foreign policy?

    No media is currently available for this debate.

  • Where’s the conscience of the nation?

    The Queen’s high moral authority is because she knows when to be silent – YouGov President

    Article by Ruth Gledhill in Christian Today, 13.3.2015, refers to Westminster Faith Debate and Professor Linda Woodhead

  • Women bishops – what difference does it make?

    Calls to refer to God as a woman as female bishops take up posts

    Article in The Telegraph, 31st May 2015, refers to Westminster Faith Debates.

    Church of England bans lobby groups from interfering over women Bishops

    Article in Christian Today, 5.6.2015, refers to Professor Linda Woodhead and Westminster Faith Debates.

    Is God a woman? To ask the question is to miss the point

    Article by Kate Bottley in The Guardian, 1st Jun 2015, refers to Women Bishops Westminster Faith Debate which was held on 26th May 2016.

    Let God be a ‘she’, says Church of England women’s group

    Article in The Guardian, 1.6.15, refers to Women Bishops Faith Debate which took place on 26th May 2015.

    Watch reignites debate on gender language and God

    Article in Church Times, 5.6.15, refers to Westminster Faith Debate held on 26th May 2015

    What difference will women bishops make? Quite a lot, it seems ….

    Article in Christian Today, 27.5.15, reporting on Women Bishops Faith Debate on 26th May. Refers to Westminster Faith Debates and Linda Woodhead.

    Women bishops: civilising, or ungovernable energy?

    Article in the Church Times, 29.5.15, reporting on the Women Bishops Faith Debate on 26th May 2015.

  • Social Cohesion – lessons from the Pennines

    No media is currently available for this debate.

  • What should schools do about radicalisation?

    No media is currently available for this debate.

• 2014

  • General

    Rebranding Christmas: More public bodies are refusing to give festival its name for fear of causing offence

    Article in The Independent, 14th December 2014, refers to Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University.

    Better apart: why holding the Church of England together might not be a good idea

    Article on Christian Today website, 20th November 2014, refers to YouGov survey commissioned by Westminster Faith Debates, Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University.

    Does Church of England need to reform to stay relevant?

    Article on BBC News website, 19th November 2014, refers to survey carried out by Westminster Faith Debates, Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University

    More than half of British people believe religion does more harm than good, survey finds

    Article in The Independent, 6th November 2014, refers to Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University.

    ‘Toxic brand’: Britons say religion does more bad than good, atheists ‘more moral’ than believers

    Article on RT website, 6th November 2014, refers to Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University.

    ‘Religion is Harmful’ say over 50 percent of Brits

    Article on Christian Today website, 5th November 2014, refers to Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University

    Half of Brits say Religion Does More Harm Than Good, And Atheists Can be Just as Moral

    Article in the Huffington Post, 4th November 2014. Refers to Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University.

    Two per cent of Anglican priests don’t believe in God, survey finds

    Article in The Independent, 29th October 2014, refers to YouGov survey commissioned by Westminster Faith Debates.

    God may be just in our heads, say clergy

    Article in The Times, 29th October 2014, refers to YouGov survey, Westminster Faith Debates, Lancaster University, and Professor Linda Woodhead

    God isn’t ‘a magician with a magic wand’, according to the Pope, and there are non-believing vicars

    Article in The Independent 29th October 2014, refers to YouGov Poll

    More Stories

    • 2 percent of English ministers say humans invented God

      Article in The Washington Post, 28th October 2014, refers to YouGov survey and Westminster Faith Debates.

    • Is it time to drop the word ‘ethnic’ from our vocabulary?

      Article in The Telegraph, 26th October 2014, refers to Professor Linda Woodhead of Lancaster University

    • Anglicanism keeps muddling on – thank God

      Article in The Spectator Blog, 24th October 2014, refers to the YouGov survey commissioned by Professor Linda Woodhead for the Westminster Faith Debates.

    • A signal of what really matters

      Rituals, sacred and secular, are more prominent than every, argues Linda Woodhead Article in The Church Times, 26 September 2014, written by Linda Woodhead, Professor of Sociology of Religion at Lancaster University.

    View all media

  • Parishes – what future for the parochial system?

    Church parishes that can’t balance books don’t have a prayer

    Article in The Times, 10th October 2014, refers to Westminster Faith Debates.

    Linda Woodhead: The Church of England is on its last chance

    Article featured on Christian Today website, 8.10.14, refers to Professor Linda Woodhead, Lancaster University and the Future of the Church of England Faith Debates, which start on 9th October 2014.

    Lords debate the English parish church

    Article in the Church Times, 20.6.14, refers to Linda Woodhead and forthcoming series of Faith Debates in Oxford

    Survey finds C of E clergy wedded to the parish system

    Article in the Church Times, 10th October 2014, refers to Westminster Faith Debates, Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University

  • Heritage – how can buildings, endowments and pensions become assets not burdens?

    Church hosts debate on future of Diocese’s buildings

    Article in the Oxford mail about the Westminster Faith Debate held on 23rd October 2014.

  • People – how can Anglicans of all kinds be engaged in the Church of the future?

    Church of England management courses overlook God, say critics

    Article in the Financial Times, 17th December 2014, quotes Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster Univeristy

    Clergy are ‘more like Old Labour than New’

    Article in the Church Times by Professor Linda Woodhead

  • Diversity – what kind of unity is appropriate nationally and internationally, how can diversity become a strength?

    Four in ten Church of England clergy now support same-sex marriage

    Article on Pink News website, 26th October 2014, refers to YouGov poll for the Westminster Faith Debates and Professor Linda Woodhead

    Why female Bishops could be the Church of England’s saviour

    Article in The Telegraph, 21st December 2014, quotes Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University

  • What future for the Church of England?

    Anglican clergy support greater separation between church and state

    Article in The Telegraph, 3rd November 2014, refers to poll commissioned by Westminster Faith Debates, Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University

  • Religion and violence in the Arab spring

    Secretarian divisions and the Arab Spring Divide and Rule

    Article by Linda Woodhead in The Tablet, 22.2.2014. discussing the first Westminster Faith Debate, on religion and the Arab Spring.

    Sectarian violence in the wake of the Arab Spring

    Article in Christian Today, 13.2.2014, refers to Westminster Faith Debates, Linda Woodhead, Shuruq Naguib, and Politics, Philosophy & Religion Department at Lancaster University

  • Can Historic Churches retain global unity?

    Can historic global Churches maintain central authority or must they devolve?

    Report on Westminster Faith Debate, held 26th February 2014, in Christian Today, 27.2.2014.

  • Are attempts to promote worldwide religious freedom naive or necessary?

    Belief freedom ‘is necessity’

    Article in War Cry, 22.3.014, refers to Westminster Faith Debates.

    International “Religious Freedom” agenda will only embolden ISIS

    Article by Elizabeth Shakman Hurd on Religious Dispatches website, 10th November 2014, refers to Westminster Faith Debates.

    Is promoting global religious freedom naive or necessary?

    Article on Religious News Service website, 24.3.14, refers to Professor Linda Woodhead and Westminster Faith Debates.

    Limits of Freedom

    Article by Linda Woodhead in The Tablet, 22.3.2014, following the Westminster Faith Debate “Are attempts to promote worldwide freedom naive or necessary?” held on 26th March.

  • How should moderates deal with hardliners?

    Religion doesn’t cause conflict, fundamentalism does

    Article in Christian Today, 27.3.2014, refers to Westminster Faith Debates and Linda Woodhead

  • Do the benefits of engaging religion for development outweigh the dangers?

    No media is currently available for this debate.

  • How has religion become an agent in peace-building in conflict areas of the world?

    ‘The role of religion in conflict is exaggerated,’ says Blair’s chief of staff

    Article in Christian Today, 17th May 2014, refers to Westminster Faith Debates, Linda Woodhead, Lancaster University and Professor Ian Reader

    If religion doesn’t start wars, it’s clear it can make some conflicts harder to solve

    Article by Andrew Brown in The Guardian, 16th May 2014, refers to Westminster Faith Debates.

• 2013

  • General

    The year Pope Francis allowed Britain’s Catholics to break cover

    Article in The Guardian, 26th December 2013, references Linda Woodhead, Lancaster University and YouGov surveys.

    ‘None’ could be religion’s new normal in Britain, USA

    Blog on Religion News Service website, 23rd December 2013, references Westminster Faith Debates, Lancaster University Sociologist and YouGov Poll

    No religion ‘is the new establishment’

    Article in Christian Today, 23rd December 2013, references Prof Linda Woodhead, Lancaster University and YouGov survey.

    British Catholics’ Quandry

    Article in The New York Times, 16.12.2013, references Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University

    Scientology: church, cult or corporation?

    Article in The Telegraph, 12th December 2013, references Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University

    Poll finds that Church of England sexuality report is ‘out of touch with Anglicans’

    Article on Pink News website 29.11.2013, references Westminster Faith Debates, YouGov Poll, Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University

    Church faces fresh splits after report backs gay ‘blessings’

    Article in The Times, 29.11.2013, references Westminster Faith Debates, Professor Linda Woodhead and YouGov Poll.

    Survey shows gulf between RCs and Church teaching

    Article in Church Times, 22.11.2013, references YouGov Poll, Westminster Faith Debates and Professor Linda Woodhead

    Our research on CofE cited in House of Commons Debate

    The Second Church Estates Commissioner, Sir Tony Baldry, answered questions in the House of Commons yesterday on women bishops and was asked about WFD research on the decline of the CofE

    Our research on CofE cited in House of Lords Debate

    In a debate on the Church and social welfare, Lord Elton refers to WFD research on the decline of the Church of England.

    More Stories

    • The Church of England: A church that’s sick of itself

      Article by Andrew Brown in The Guardian Comment is free. 19th November 2013, refers to Professor Linda Woodhead, Westminster Faith Debates and Lancaster University

    • British Catholics defy the Vatican on sex liberation

      Article by Ruth Gledhill in The Times, 16th November 2013, about Catholic survey. Refers to Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University.

    • Pope’s unprecedented survey signals far-reaching reform

      Article on Catholic survey by Robert Piggot on BBC News website, 15.11.2013, refers to Westminster Faith Debates and Professor Linda Woodhead

    • Linda Woodhead on BBC 6 o’clock news reporting findings on Catholics

      Linda reports WFD finding that only 5% of Catholics obey Church teaching on personal morality

    View all media

  • Should we legislate to permit assisted dying?

    Assisted dying is in danger of being driven through by populism and lazy-mindedness

    Ruth Dudley Edwards blog in The Telegraph, 16th July 2014. Refers to study by Professor Linda Woodhead.

    Assisted dying isn’t contested on religious grounds – it’s about power, paternalism and control

    Article in The New Statesman, 14.5.13, , references Westminster Faith Debate and YouGov Poll.

    Assisted dying supported by most believers despite opposition of church leaders

    Article in The Times, 16th July 2014, refers to a study commissioned by Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University

    Chief Rabbi Mirvis: assisted dying Bill is ‘dangerous’

    Article in The Jewish Chronicle, 18th July 2014, refers to poll commissioned by Professor Linda Woodhead of Lancaster University

    Family, not religion, will influence our attitude to assisted dying

    Andrew Brown’s blog in The Guardian, 18th July 2014, refers to a poll conducted by Professor Linda Woodhead

    I want to be a burden on my family as I die, and for them to be a burden on me

    Article in The Guardian Comment is Free, 3.5.13, by Giles Fraser speaker at Westminster Faith Debate, 2.5.13, references YouGov Poll.

    Lord Falconer begins parliamentary bid to legalise ‘assisted dying’

    Article in The Telegraph, 8.5.2013, references Westminster Faith Debate and YouGov Poll

    NHS fears fuelling support for assisted suicide, poll suggests

    Article in The Telegraph, 30.4.2013, references Prof Linda Woodhead, YouGov Poll and Westminster Faith Debate

    Right or duty to die?

    Article in The Tablet, 11.5.2013, by Prof Linda Woodhead and Professor Rob George who particpated in the Westminster Faith Debate on assisted dying.

    What you need to know about the Assisted Dying Bill

    Article on Christian Today website, 17th July 2014, refers to study conducted by Professor Linda Woodhead at Lancaster University.

    More Stories

    • Wide majorities of most UK faiths support assisted suicide

      Article in The Washington Post, 2.5.2013, references Westminster Faith Debate and YouGov Poll

    View all media

  • Do Christians really Oppose Gay Marriage?

    Church of England ‘may split’ over Gay marriage, warns Archbishop

    Article on Breitbart website, 26th November 2014, refers to Westminster Faith Debates, YouGov survey, Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University

    Gay marriage: I don’t dismiss bishops’ dishonest compromise out of hand

    Andrew Brown’s blog in The Guardian, Comment is Free, 16.2.2014. Refers to Westminster Faith Debates.

  • Do we need the family?

    Broad views on ‘family’

    Article in Church Times, 12.4.2013, references Westminster Faith Debate 27.3.2013, YouGov survey, Prof Linda Woodhead and Religion & Society Programme

    Disappointing Debate

    Article in The Church of England Newspaper, 7.4.2013 references Westminster Faith Debate 27.3.2013

    Families valued at debate

    Article in The War Cry, 13.4.2013, references Westminster Faith Debate and YouGov survey.

    New families, old values

    Article in The Tablet, 13.4.2013, references Westminster Faith Debate 27.3.2013, Prof Linda Woodhead, Lancaster University, The Arts & Humanities Research Council and the Economic & Social Research Council

  • Religion and gender equality

    Is it right for religions to treat men and women differently?

    Article in The Tablet, 23.3.2013, written by speakers at Westminster Faith Debate 14.3.2013.

    More Muslims than Anglicans back Church of England status quo

    Article in the Church Times, 08.03.2013, references YouGov data, quotes Prof Linda Woodhead and references 14 March Westminster Faith Debate

    RC’s approach to birth control with the ease of Anglicans

    Article in the Church Times, 08.03.2013, references YouGov data, quotes Prof Linda Woodhead and references 14 March Westminster Faith Debate

    Women and the Church

    Article in The Church of England newspaper, 24.3.2013, references Westminster Faith Debate, YouGov survey, Professor Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University 

    Women, know your place

    Article in Christian Research Research newsletter April 2013, references YouGov survey and Westminster Faith Debate 14.3.2013.

  • Sexualisation of Society

    Catholic ‘guilt’ over sex is a myth

    Article by Neal Colgrass in Newser, 02.03.2013, references YouGov data commissioned by WFD

    Catholic guilt is ‘a myth’ Poll finds

    Article in The Guardian, 26 February 2013, citing WFD, YouGov Poll on religious and secular attitudes to sex

    Catholic guilt is a myth – other religions feel far more shame

    Article by John Bingham in Irish Independent, 28.02.2013, references YouGov data commissioned by WFD and quotes Prof Linda Woodhead

    Catholic Guilt’ about sex is just a myth, poll says

    Matt Peckham article in TIME, 27.02.2013, references YouGov data and WFD

    Emotionally unprotected sex

    Jenny Taylor, Blog piece, Lapidomedia, 06.03.2013, references Westminster Faith Debates

    Guilt? Catholics are more sexually liberated than other faiths

    John Bingham article in The Daily Telegraph, 28th February 2013, quoting Professor Linda Woodhead and the Religion & Society Programme

    Katholiken haben wenig Probleme mit Verhütung oder vorehelichem Sex

    Article by Florian Rotzer, Telepolis, 28.02.2013, references YouGov data commissioned by WFD and Prof Linda Woodhead

    Religion and Sex: Catholic Guilt is a ‘Myth’ according to new poll

    Article by Felicity A Morse, The Huffington Post, 26 February 2013, citing WFD YouGov Poll on religious and secular attitudes to sex

    Sex rears its head

    Article in The Tablet, 23.2.2013, references 27 February WFD

    Survey yields surprising data

    Article in The Methodist Recorder, 08.03.2013, references YouGov survey, WFD and Prof Linda Woodhead

  • Abortion and the soul of the embryo

    Abortion and Other News

    Clive Field, British Religion in Numbers’, 12.02.2013, references data on abortion and WFD

    Anti Abortion Feelings Declining – Poll

    Article by Ben Quinn in The Guardian, 12 February 2013, citing WFD YouGov Poll on abortion

    Catholic and Islamic voices decry stem cell ‘bias’

    Article by Elizabeth Gibney, Times Higher Education, 21.02.2013, references 13 February WFD.

    First things first

    Article by Prof Linda Woodhead and Dr Gerard J Hughes in The Tablet, 9 February 2013, discussing abortion and 13 February WFD  

    New survey reveals that most religious people are not anti abortion (not even Catholics)

    National Secular Society, 15.02.2013, p4, references YouGov data on abortion and quotes Prof Linda Woodhead from an article in the Guardian

    New survey reveals that most religious people are not anti-abortion

    Press release to accompany debate ‘Stem cell research, abortion and the ‘soul of the embryo’?’WFD Abortion Press Release PDF

    New survey reveals that most religious people are not anti-abortion

    Arts & Humanities Research Council, 13.02.2013, references Prof Linda Woodhead, WFD and YouGov data on abortion

• 2012

  • General

    Linda Woodhead, ‘Thought for the Day’, BBC Radio 4

    Linda Woodhead, ‘Thought for the Day’, BBC Radio 4, broadcast 26 December 2012: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0138bn9

    Cole Moreton ‘What has the Church of England ever done for us?’

    Cole Moreton ‘What has the Church of England ever done for us?’, The Telegraph 23 December, featuring WFD & WFI organiser Linda Woodhead: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9762642/What-has-the-Church-of-England-ever-done-for-us.html

    What is the proper place of religion in Britain’s public life?

    Will Hutton and Richard Dawkins discuss in The Observer

    Charles Moore piece in The Telegraph

    Charles Moore piece in The Telegraph referencing the Westminster Faith Debates, Theos and Charles Clarke 17 February 2012

    British people view Christianity as a part of their culture, as well as a religion. But lack of strict faith doesn’t make us secularists

    Linda Woodhead wrote a piece for the Guardian Online responding to WFD speaker Richard Dawkins’ new poll of Christians,14 February 2012

    Fighting for the right to pray

    Cole Moreton, who is speaking at the Westminster Faith Debate on 2nd May, wrote a piece in The Telegraph on Sunday on 12 February drawing upon Kim Knott and Therese O’Toole’s Westminster Faith Debate presentations

    Faith’s role in civil society

    The Tablet  published 28 January 2012 featured articles by WFD organisers Professor Linda Woodhead and Charles Clarke.

    Faith is the force that binds communities together

    The Evening Standard featured a comment piece by Westminster Faith Debate chair Charles Clarke on Monday 23 January 2012

  • Faith Interviews: Delia Smith

    Campbell does God and bothers about honesty

    Article in The Evening Standard, 6th December 2012, references Westminster Faith Interview with Alastair Campbell and Delia Smith

    Delia Smith & Alastair Campbell do God

    Blog post, 8th December 2012, about the Westminster Faith Interview with Alastair Campbell and Delia Smith

  • Faith Interviews: Shirley Williams

    It’s believing in the common good…

    Linda Woodhead article in Modern Believing piece on the 20th November 2012. General Synod vote on women bishops also discussed at the Westminster Faith Interview with Baroness Shirley Williams

    Why the Roman Catholic Church is a better home for women than the Church of England

    Blog piece by Linda Woodhead in the Tablet, 21st November 2012, following on from Westminster Faith Interview with Baroness Shirley Williams & Clifford Longley

  • Faith Interviews: John Sulston

    Humanism is an impossible dream

    Andrew Brown   blog piece in the Guardian, 25th October 2012, featuring advert for 7th November Westminster Faith Interview in which Andrew is interviewing John Sulston

    Sir John Sulston @ Westminster Faith Interview

    Blog piece about the Westminster Faith Interview on 7th November 2012

    The dictionary is wrong – science can be a religion too

    Andrew Brown in Guardian Comment is Free blog piece, 15th November 2012, about his interview with John Sulston for Westminster Faith Interview

  • Religion in Public Life?

    Blair and a curious case of morality

    Article in the Evening Standard, 25th July, about the Westminster Faith Debate (scroll down page)

    Blair in staff prayer admission

    Article in The Belfast Telegraph, 24th July 2012, write up of the Westminster Faith Debate

    Blair in staff prayer admission

    Press Association article, 25th July 2012, write up of the Westminster Faith Debate

    Blair in staff prayer admission

    Article in Burton Mail, 25th July 2012, references Westminster Faith Debate 

    Blair to join debate on religion

    Kuwait News Agency article on 24th July 2012, about the Westminster Faith Debate – Religion in Public Life

    Der er plads til religionen i det offentlige rum

    Article in Danish newspaper, Kristeligt Dagblad, 27th July 2012, write up of the Westminster Faith Debate

    God can look after himself

    Article in the Church Times, 26th July 2012, write up of the Westminster Faith Debate

    No comeback, Tony promises party faithful

    Article in the London Evening Standard, 25th July 2012, referencing the Westminster Faith Debate and the Telegraph interview between speakers Charles Moore and Tony Blair

    Religious differences are reinforced by misguided enthusiasts like Tony Blair

    Comment piece on the National Secular Society website 27th July 2012 about the Westminster Faith Debate

    The West is asleep on the issue of Islamist extremism

    • Article in The Daily Telegraph, 24th Jul 2012, front page feature about the Westminster Faith Debate featuring Tony Blair and Charles Moore

    More Stories

    • Tony Blair denies praying with George Bush

      Article in The Guardian, 25th July 2012,  write up of the Westminster Faith Debate

    • Tony Blair says Christians should “speak up and speak out”

      Article in the The Daily Telegraph, 25th July 2012, write up of the Westminster Faith Debate

    • Tony Blair, Former Prime Minister, Did Order Number 10 Staff To Pray

      Article in the Huffington Post, 24th July 2012, about Westminster Faith Debate

    • Tony Blair: People shouldn’t be embarrassed about faith

      Article in Christian Today, 25th July 2012, write up of the Westminster Faith Debate

    View all media

  • What Are The Main Trends in Religion and Values in Britain?

    This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this what?

    Article in the Financial Times, 13th June 2013, refers to Linda Woodhead and Lancaster University.

  • What Limits To Religious Freedom?

    Christianity does not sit in opposition to progressive equality legislation

    Maria Exall comment in The Guardian Comment is Free Belief posted on 21st April 2012 following the Westminster Faith Debate on religious freedom

    Lovgivning er ikke vejen til religionsfrihed

    Bjarne Nørum article in Danish newspaper Kristeligt Dagblad, 1st May 2012, about the Westminster Faith Debate on religious freedom

    Stating the obvious

    Jonathan Rayner blog post in the Law Society Gazette referencing the Westminster Faith Debate on religious freedom

    Westminster Faith Debate: What Limits to Religious Freedom?

    Graham Goldsmith ‘: What Limits to Religious Freedom?’ blog post on God & Politics UK website, 14th May 2012, about the Westminster Faith Debate on religious freedom

  • Religion and Welfare

    Aggressive secularists don’t want to know this, but the roots of charity lie in Christian doctrine

    Article in The Telegraph 21st March 2012 prompted by the Westminster Faith Debate

    Amen to faith groups

    Blunkett says amen to faith groups’, report of the Westminster Faith Debate in The War Cry 31st March 2012

    Faith groups prevented from doing vital community work by anti-religious prejudice

    Article in The Daily Telegraph, 21st March 2012, about Adam Dinham and Sarah Johnsen’s research findings presented at the Westminster Faith Debate  

    Sarah Newton MP blog post

    Sarah Newton MP recommends paying attention to Westminster Faith Debate

    Secular bias hits funding for faith groups

    Article by The Christian Institute about the Westminster Faith Debate

    You can trust us to run welfare services, say religious groups — but for how long?

    National Secular Society comment on Adam Dinham and Sarah Johnsen’s research findings presented at the Westminster Faith Debate

  • What Have We Learned About Radicalisation?

    Religion and radicalisation

    Listen to a discussion on Iain Dale’s show on LBC with Westminster Faith Debate speakers Mehdi Hasan and Ed Hussain

    Sæt ikke lighedstegn mellem religion og radikalisering

    Bjarne Nørum in Danish newspaper Kristeligt Dagblad about the Westminster Faith Debate on radicalisation

    The lesson of the New Muslims

    Marat Shterin article on guardian.co.uk re his research presented at the Westminster Faith Debate

  • What’s the Place of Faith in Schools?

    A good week for the smiting of the ungodly

    Janet Daley Telegraph piece, 18th February 2012, with dismissal of Trevor Phillips’ Westminster Faith Debate contribution

    Ambivalence’ towards RE, but not in Scottish Catholic school

    Scottish Catholic Observer article on 22 February 2012 about Professor Conroy’s Westminster Faith Debate paper.

    Call You and Yours

    Listen to BBC Radio 4 programme   asking what part Christianity plays in British life featuring Westminster Faith Debate speaker Professor Conroy alongside Mona Siddiqui & others broadcast 12 noon 21 Feb (1 hr).

    Less than £1 per pupil spent on RE resources

    Blog by Cathryn Clarke about the Westminster Faith Debate on guardian.co.uk

    Lessons in RE are vital

    Article in The Oxford Times quotes Bishop of Oxford John Pritchard’s contribution to the Westminster Faith Debate

    My baby’s not a Christian or a Muslim. She’s a Guardian reade

    Charlotte Simpson article on guardian.co.uk arising from her comment at the Westminter Faith Debate

    Role of Religion in education discussed in public debate

    Article by Accord of the Westminster Faith Debate

    Schools should teach morality for the here and now – not for any life to come

    Article on guardian.co.uk website on topic of Westminster Faith Debate

    Schools spend just £1 per pupil on religious lessons as subject falls victim to squeeze on time and money

      Article in Daily Mail, 22nd February 2012, about Prof Conroy’s research & the Westminster Faith Debate on the same date

    State school RE under-resourced and overlooked – study

    BBC News piece about the Westminster Faith Debate 22nd February 2012

    More Stories

    • The whole world in their hands

      Article in The Tablet mentioning the disagreement between James Conroy and Richard Dawkins about indoctrination at the Westminster Faith Debate

    View all media

  • Religious Identity in ‘Superdiverse’ Societies

    A good week for the smiting of the ungodly

    Janet Daley Telegraph piece, 18th February 2012, with dismissal of Trevor Phillips’ Westminster Faith Debate contribution

    Christians are not above the law warns Phillips

    Richard Garner’s piece for The Independent, 17th February 2012,  about the new RE all-party parliamentary group quoting Trevor Phillips from the first Westminster Faith Debate

    Christians aren’t above the law says equalities chief Trevor Phillips

    The Daily Telegraph front page on 17 February 2012 attacking Trevor Phillips’ talk at the first Westminster Faith Debate

    Equalities Chief Trevor Phillips accuses Christians of trying to impose their own form of ‘Sharia’ law

    Daily Mail article also attacking Trevor Phillips’ WFD talk 17 February 2012

    Equality activists, not Christians, are imposing their beliefs on others – whatever Trevor Philips says

    Ed West’s Telegraph blog referencing Trevor Phillips’ WFD talk 17 February 2012

    Trevor Phillips ‘Sharia Law’ row: what he really said

    Article in The Week, 17 February 2012, citing Trevor’s Westminster Faith Debate contribution