Page 1 of 3

Faith in the Media Event Registration, July 2, 2025

Faith in the Media Event: Report reveals UK media representation of Christianity overlooks some of the most important stories in the church.

You are warmly invited to the inaugural Faith in the Media event being held in partnership by Refcemi and Jersey Road.

A report will be launched that reveals national media representation of Christianity does not reflect the reality of the fast-changing and diverse UK church.

We’ll be diving into the detail of an analysis of more than 5,000 media stories about Christianity over the past year that shows a disproportionate representation of some traditional denominations compared to newer UK denominations, like the fast-growing Pentecostal church which barely receives a mention, despite now representing 10 per cent of church attendance in the UK.

The analysis also shows that despite more than 380 million Christians around the world suffering high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith, stories about Christian

persecution are conspicuous by their absence, making up just two per cent of national media coverage.

But - particularly with many public figures speaking openly to the media about their faith - the report also reveals an openness to stories about the impact Christianity has on people’s

lives in the UK.

Hear from a panel of esteemed guests as they reflect on the research and discuss emerging stories of faith including:

Nims Obunge, Senior Pastor of Freedom’s Ark, CEO of The Peace Alliance and former Mayor candidate on the rapid growth of the Pentecostal church and its impact on communities.

Timothy Cho, a two-time escapee who endured imprisonment on four occasions in China and North Korea on the global persecuted church.

James Stinson, Associate Director for Alpha Youth on the growing openness to faith of Gen Z.

The event will be held at the iconic Saint Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe Church, in the heart of the City of London, once the parish church of Shakespeare.

‘The Sanctuary’ is the Diocesan ministry hub of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London. His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom, will host the event. Sumptuous Egyptian food will be provided as hospitality.

The event details are:

Location: The Sanctuary, Saint Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe Church, Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 5DE (next to Blackfriars tube and train station)

Date: Wednesday 2nd July

Time: 10:00 – 13:00

10:00-10:30 Refreshments and pastries

10:30 - 12:00 Research launch and panel discussion

12:00 - 13:00 Egyptian buffet lunch and opportunity for interviews