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Church Times
The front cover of the Church Times, on 10 January 2025, picturing Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury
TypeWeekly newspaper
FormatTabloid
Owner(s)Hymns Ancient and Modern
PublisherGJ Palmer & Sons Ltd,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Hymns Ancient and Modern
EditorSarah Meyrick
Founded7 February 1863; 162 years ago (1863-02-07)
Political alignmentChurch of England /
Anglican Communion
LanguageEnglish
HeadquartersInvicta House, 108–114 Golden Lane, London
ISSN0009-658X
Websitewww.churchtimes.co.uk

The Church Times, founded in 1863, is known for informed and independent reporting of church and world news in print, online, and on its app. Each issue includes lively opinion and detailed analysis on current affairs, wide-ranging features and interviews, insightful faith content, Bible commentary, cartoons, books and arts reviews, and more.

Its offices are based in London. The printed paper is published in the UK on Fridays.

The Church Times was a family concern until 1989, when ownership passed to Hymns Ancient & Modern, a Christian charitable trust. It has always been independent of the Church of England hierarchy.

Today

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The Church Times is available to read in print, online, and on the iOS/Android app. It has a broad readership of both laity and clergy across the traditions, and a print circulation of around 15,000 copies. Its website attracts about two million unique users a year.

Content includes daily national and international news stories and analysis on church, religious, and current affairs; cartoons, comment, and opinion from a broad range of voices across contexts and traditions; faith features, resources, how-to guides, and weekly reflections on the lectionary readings; film, books, and arts reviews from a faith perspective; and obituaries, retirements, and appointments.

The regular Church Times podcast includes news analysis, author interviews, and insights on theology, ministry, and mission.

The paper is also known for its comprehensive collation of the latest church and charity jobs.

Sarah Meyrick was appointed Editor in September 2024, succeeding Paul Handley, editor since 1995. In January 2025, the Church Times was redesigned under her headship, returning news to the front page and introducing new faith content, an expanded comment section, a monthly theology series, and podcast reviews[1].

History

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The Church Times was founded on 7 February 1863[2] by George Josiah Palmer, a printer. It fought for the Anglo-Catholic and high church cause in the Church of England at a time when priests were being harried and imprisoned over such matters as lighting candles on altars and wearing vestments, which brought them into conflict with the Public Worship Regulation Act 1874, intended to "put down" ritualism in the Church of England. The paper defended the spiritual independence of the Church of England in spite of the Church's Established status; many of the ceremonial and doctrinal matters that the paper championed are now accepted as part of mainstream Anglicanism. Its views were opposed by the Church of England Newspaper, which supported evangelical and low church positions.

It was previously (mainly among Anglo-Catholics in the 1970s and 1980s) nicknamed "Jezebel's Trumpet" (alluding to Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel in II Kings).[3]

The paper's sympathies have broadened since the mid-1950s, embracing the principle of diversity of practice in the worldwide Anglican Communion, and looking more favourably on other Christian denominations.

The paper has always been independent of the church hierarchy. From its foundation until 1989 it was owned by the Palmer family, ending with Bernard Palmer, who combined the tasks of owner and editor for the final 20 years. He sold it to the charity Hymns Ancient and Modern, then chaired by Henry Chadwick.

Throughout its life, it has scrutinised the actions of the church hierarchy, as well as covering the work of the parishes. It has provided extensive coverage of meetings of the Church of England's central bodies, including the Archbishops’ Council and the General Synod. Its published annual Indexes have always described it as an "ecclesiastical and general" newspaper, and it has always included world events in its coverage. This includes a comprehensive selection of book reviews, coverage of the arts, and more recently, TV, radio, and podcasts.

The paper's regular columnists include Paul Vallely, the former associate editor of The Independent, the poet and priest Malcolm Guite, and the priest and broadcaster Angela Tilby. Giles Fraser, the priest and media commentator, was a regular columnist from 2004 to 2013. The author Ronald Blythe wrote the "Word from Wormingford" column from 1993 to 2017.[4] Edward Heath was the paper's news editor from February 1948 to September 1949.[5]

From 1951 to 2019, the paper hosted an inter-diocesan cricket competition, the Church Times Cricket Cup.[6]

The paper was named Niche Newspaper of the Year at the 2009 at the national Newspaper Awards, and won the award for Best Use of Colour in 2010.[7]

In February 2013, the Church Times marked its 150th anniversary.[8]

In April 2014, the paper published an article by David Cameron. He wrote: "I am a member of the Church of England, and, I suspect, a rather classic one: not that regular in attendance, and a bit vague on some of the more difficult parts of the faith. But that doesn't mean the Church of England doesn't matter to me or people like me: it really does."[9]

In the run-up to the 2017 general election, the leaders of the three main political parties wrote for the paper on the importance of international development.[10]

It has published many interviews with high-profile figures, inside and outside the Church, including Nick Cave[11], Philippe Sands[12], Lemn Sissay[13], Horatio Clare[14], Stephen Cottrell[15][16], Justin Welby,[17] Terry Waite[18] Jeremy Vine,[19] Marilynne Robinson,[20] Francis Spufford,[21] Derren Brown,[22] Rhidian Brook,[23] Jon McGregor,[24] Joan Bakewell,[25] Sarah Perry and Tom Holland.[26]

A weekly podcast was launched in March 2017.[27][28] Interviewees have included Diarmaid MacCulloch, Guli Francis-Dehqani, Elizabeth Oldfield, Marilynne Robinson, Richard Harries, Vicky Beeching,[29] Rob Bell,[30] John Gray (philosopher).,[31] Neil MacGregor,[32] N.T. Wright[33] and Sarah Perry.

In November 2017, the paper's then deputy news and features editor, Madeleine Davies, received an award from the Awareness Foundation for "her extraordinary work in the Christian media; her great courage and integrity as a source of inspiration and encouragement to people of faith everywhere."[34] The award was presented by Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Previous winners have included the BBC's Middle East Editor, Jeremy Bowen and Baroness Berridge.

In April 2018, the Archbishop of Canterbury awarded the paper's former Education Correspondent, Margaret Holness, the Canterbury Cross for Services to the Church of England, "for sustained excellence as Education Correspondent of the Church Times for over twenty years".[35]

In 2025, the paper’s staff writer Francis Martin was jointly awarded Young Journalist of the Year by the Religion Media Centre for his investigative report[36] which challenged the conclusion of the Makin review about the responses of the diocese of Ely, and of Lambeth Palace, to the abuse perpetrated by John Smyth.

The Church Times also holds several festivals and events. This includes the now annual Church Times Festival of Faith and Literature,[37] the Church Times Festival of Poetry,[38] and the Church Times Festival of Preaching[39]. It also organises the Church Times Green Health Awards[34]  and hosts regular webinars on key topics of debate with the Church. More recently this has included: Independent Safeguarding[40]; Can a ‘good death’ be assisted?[41]; Church growth under the microscope[42]; and Keeping Faith in Journalism: Why it matters[43].

In 2024, Paul Handley retired after 29 years as Editor.

Sarah Meyrick, a former features editor at the paper and latterly assistant editor in charge of events, was appointed his successor in September 2024[44]. She is only the second woman to edit the paper, after Rosamund Essex (1950-60).

Meyrick first joined the staff of the Church Times in 1995 as a reporter, and went on to be its first ever web editor, and, later, features editor. She left in 2003 but remained a frequent contributor to the paper. She rejoined the staff of the Church Times in January 2022 as assistant editor with a brief for public engagement.

Editors

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  • George J. Palmer (1863–1887)
  • Henry J. Palmer (1887–1914)
  • E. Hermitage Day (1915–24)
  • Sidney Dark (1924–41)
  • Leonard Prestige (1941–47)
  • Humphry Beevor (1947–50; later Bishop of Lebombo)
  • Rosamund Essex (1950–60))
  • Roger L. Roberts (1960–68)
  • Bernard Palmer (1969–89)
  • John Whale (1989–95; former BBC head of religious programmes and Sunday Times writer)[45]
  • Paul Handley (1995–2024)
  • Sarah Meyrick (2024–present)

Contemporary contributors

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Past contributors

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Cartoonists

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  • Noel Ford
  • Dave Walker
  • Ron Wood
  • Dave Gaskill
  • Pete Dredge
  • Bill Caldwell
  • Kathryn Lamb

Historical

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The hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers" was first published in the Church Times (15 October 1864).

Edward Heath, the future British Prime Minister, was news editor of the Church Times from February 1948 to September 1949. His work was "a mixture of administration, reporting, and sub-editing".[66] His assignments for the paper included covering the 1948 Anglo-Catholic Congress and Wand's Mission to London.[67]

N. T. Wright (Tom Wright) was a weekly devotional columnist (Sunday's Readings) from 1995 to 2000. He has said that writing the columns gave him the "courage" to embark upon his popular For Everyone (SPCK) series of commentaries on New Testament books.[68]

References

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  1. ^ "A message from the Editor". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  2. ^ Lewis, Robyn (6 December 2006). "Media Analysis: Christian mags in lifestyle change". PR Week. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
  3. ^ "The 50 most influential figures in the Anglican Church: 40-31". The Telegraph. 10 July 2008. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  4. ^ Handley, Paul (12 May 2017). "Last word". Church Times. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  5. ^ Palmer, Bernard. Gadfly for God. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1991, p. 197
  6. ^ "Cricket: Bristol to challenge London dominance in Church Times Cricket Cup final". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  7. ^ "Church Times wins another award". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  8. ^ 'Church Times marks 150th anniversary', BBC News, 10 February 2013
  9. ^ "My faith in the Church of England". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  10. ^ "Exclusive: A joint commitment to our neighbours overseas". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  11. ^ "God is in the house — and so, now, is Nick Cave". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  12. ^ "Philippe Sands: Law is 'our common language'". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  13. ^ "Lemn Sissay: Imprisoned in the care system". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  14. ^ "Interview with Horatio Clare on his new book We Came By Sea". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  15. ^ "Archbishop of York: 'I believe I should be held accountable'". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  16. ^ "Interview with the Archbishop of York on his new book, Dear England". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  17. ^ "To bless and not to bless: Archbishop Welby in conversation". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  18. ^ "Fed by grit and the Prayer Book". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  19. ^ "Interview: Jeremy Vine, broadcaster and presenter". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  20. ^ "A minister of the word". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  21. ^ "Interview: Francis Spufford, writer and lecturer". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  22. ^ "An illusion of miracles". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  23. ^ "Learning the language of calling". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  24. ^ "Awarded for literary bravery". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  25. ^ "Joan Bakewell journalist and broadcaster". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  26. ^ "Tom Holland interview: 'We swim in Christian waters'".
  27. ^ "The Church Times Podcast". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  28. ^ "The Church Times Podcast". SoundCloud.
  29. ^ "Vicky Beeching on her new book Undivided: Coming Out, Becoming Whole, and Living Free From Shame".
  30. ^ "Rob Bell on life after Love Wins, preaching and comedy, Trump – and more".
  31. ^ "John Gray talks to Nick Spencer about Seven Types of Atheism".
  32. ^ "Podcast: Neil MacGregor and Sam Wells in conversation about Living with the Gods". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  33. ^ "Tom Wright – Paul: a biography (Ep 49). Prof N. T. Wright talks on the podcast about his new book".
  34. ^ "Anglican journalist receives award from the Countess of Wessex". www.anglicannews.org.
  35. ^ "Margaret Holness receives Lambeth award". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  36. ^ "Makin was wrong, retired senior police officers say". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  37. ^ "Church Times Festival of Faith and Literature". bloxhamfaithandliterature.hymnsam.co.uk.
  38. ^ "Church Times Festival of Poetry". churchtimespoetry.hymnsam.co.uk.
  39. ^ "Festival of Preaching". festivalofpreaching.hymnsam.co.uk.
  40. ^ "Independent Safeguarding: A Church Times Webinar". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  41. ^ "Can a 'Good Death' be Assisted?: A Church Times Webinar". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  42. ^ "Church growth under the microscope: a Church Times & Modern Church webinar". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  43. ^ "Keeping Faith in Journalism: A Church Times webinar". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  44. ^ "Sarah Meyrick appointed editor of the Church Times". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  45. ^ Obituary: John Wale, The Guardian, 18 June 2008
  46. ^ "Paul Vallely". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  47. ^ "Malcolm Guite". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  48. ^ "Andrew Brown". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  49. ^ "Angela Tilby". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  50. ^ "Angus Ritchie". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  51. ^ "Eve Poole". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  52. ^ "Mark Oakley". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  53. ^ "A compelling story of transforming grace". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  54. ^ "Paula Gooder". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  55. ^ "Mark Vernon". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  56. ^ "Lucy Winkett". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  57. ^ "Nick Spencer". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  58. ^ "Malcolm Doney". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  59. ^ "Andrew Davison". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  60. ^ "Sam Wells". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  61. ^ "Not putting it all down to experience". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  62. ^ "After the Fire: Finding words for Grenfell, by Alan Everett". www.churchtimes.co.uk.
  63. ^ Handley, Paul (12 May 2017). "Last word". Church Times. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  64. ^ Palmer, Bernard, Gadfly for God, p34
  65. ^ Scenes from a Clerical Life, A Vidler, p121
  66. ^ Palmer, Bernard, Gadfly for God, p199
  67. ^ Palmer, Bernard, Gadfly for God, p198
  68. ^ Thornton, Ed (22 July 2011). "Wright has 'J. K. Rowling-plus' appeal, says SPCK". Church Times. No. 7740. p. 4. ISSN 0009-658X. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
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