Advertise on podcast: Cross Section

In this week's episode of Cross Section, Peter Lynas, Danny Webster and Alicia Edmund discuss the headlines. They begin with a news review that covers a worship event in a football stadium, the euthanasia of a one year old in the Netherlands and predictions for the upcoming series of Celebrity Traitors. Conversation then turns to all that is happening in Northern Ireland. Peter helpfully unpacks the context and history of the situation in Drumcree, what has been happening this week and how Christians can be praying. The episode concludes with a reaction to Andy Burnham's speech at the 2026 Labour party conference. What stood out? What will the implications be? Where will this leave the UK? This is an episode not to be missed.

On Cross Section this week, Peter Lynas, Alicia Edmund and Danny Webster discuss the theme of division and polarisation that spans across all the trending headlines. The team cover six political, cultural and religious stories, looking at how we can be good news people amidst the chaos. They cover Meryl Streep playing Aslan, the Ed Sheeran and Macklemore controversy, the village of Piddington wanting to leave the UK, a volunteer for Restore Britain being violently attacked, the Archbishop of Canterbury's u-turn, and the Green party's' thoughts on Zionism. This is an episode not to be missed. 0:00 Intro 1:52 Meryl Streep as Aslan in Narnia 7:13 Ed Sheeran and Macklemore: where politics meets music 14:30 Piddington, the village that voted to leave the UK 20:20 Green Party 'Zionism is racism' motion 24:20 Restore Britain volunteer assaulted 30:12 Archbishop of Canterbury's interfaith award controversy 38:30 Good news people in a polarized world 42:35 Closing

This week, the Evangelical Alliance has launched a landmark report 'Understanding UK Evangelicals' and in this  episode of Cross Section, Peter Lynas, Alicia Edmund and Danny Webster unpack the research. How many evangelical Christians are in the UK? What is the demographic makeup? Can we trust the findings?  The team also reflect on the fall of the assisted suicide bill, St Pauls cathedral being turned into a night club, Trump's comments about a united Ireland and Reform's finances. This is an episode not to be missed.  Understanding UK Evangelicals - Who are they? - Evangelical Alliance  Good news! The UK evangelical Church is growing | Opinion | Premier Christianity  Evangelicals are now 2 in 3 practising Christians across the UK  A deep dive into the evangelical church - Evangelical Alliance Chapters:  0:00 - Welcome 0:48 - Trump and AI 1:30 - St. Paul's Cathedral turned nightclub 4:08 - Reform UK donations 5:48 - Assisted suicide bill defeated 10:23 - The power of prayer 13:43 - Understanding UK Evangelicals 15:56 - Key findings 19:11 - Broad vs classic evangelicals 21:00 - Demographics: young and diverse 23:33 - Research methodology 27:38 - Why this report matters 31:01 - Phase 2 preview 32:39 - Outro and Tori Kelly encouragement

Peter Lynas, Alicia Edmund and Danny Webster return from the summer break to the same political upheaval as before. The team discuss the recent Channel 4 documentary revealing further questions regarding donations to Reform UK and apparent fractures in Nigel Farage's top team. How will this effect their electorate success and popularity?  They go on to explore the weekend headlines of Patriot Platform and masked men seeking to 'defend the Portsmouth' coastline whilst chanting 'Christ is King' and round up the conversation on the upcoming vote in Westminster on assisted suicide on Friday, 11 September. The theme of polarisation continues across our news and political stories. How can Christians engage and offer a different way of living and response? 0:00 — Welcome 0:43 — Summer catch-up 1:48 — Katie Taylor's song choice 2:40 — Reform party conference and scandals 6:51 — Are Reform self-destructing? 9:25 — Reform's faith dynamic 12:45 — Patriot Platform protests in Dover 18:32 — Andy Burnham: first six weeks 22:54 — Keir Starmer steps down 26:43 — Will Burnham call a general election? 30:26 — Assisted suicide vote preview 34:33 — Prayer and action

Is Andy Burnham the new ‘TikTok PM’? The Cross Section summer break takes a temporary pause as the team reunite to discuss all that has happened since Andy Burnham became prime minister. The team cover his use of social media, his focus on cost of living and social care, lack of mention of immigration and touch on assisted suicide. What will the coming months look like? What will the challenges be? Most importantly, how can Christians pray effectively? The team also discuss the upcoming Clacton by-election, the new series of ‘The Chosen’ and ‘The Odyssey’. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - Andy Burnham's first week as PM 2:16 - Cost of living policy focus 8:22 - Immigration as a dividing line 11:48 - Assisted dying and palliative care debate 17:36 - Education reform 20:27 - Outlook for the coming months 24:47 - Challenges ahead for Burnham 26:20 - Prayer points for our leaders 30:01 - Get in touch 30:16 - Clacton by-election (Farage vs. Binface) 31:29 - ‘The Chosen’ and ‘The Odyssey’

For the season finale before the summer break, Peter Lynas, Alicia Edmund and Danny Webster share reflections from the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast in Westminster, President Trump's influence over a red card, the unfolding story surrounding Nigel Farage's relationship with a cryptocurrency convicted billionaire and the role of the UK church in embodying a message of hope at a time of national instability. National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast (YouTube link): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPvx1DHTleE   Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Cross Section 00:21 Prayer Breakfast Highlights 01:39 Hope Not Politics 02:39 Westminster Hall Atmosphere 03:09 Andy Burnham Buzz 04:15 Season Wrap and News Picks 04:47 Culture Spotlight Ezra Collective 06:08 Football and Media Frenzy 07:22 Trump vs FIFA Rules 09:46 Reform Party Under Scrutiny 11:30 Farage Donations Explained 13:01 Standards Probe and Recall Risk 14:02 Recall Petition Stakes 15:00 Have Reform Peaked 15:43 Farage Under Pressure 17:04 Electoral System Reality 17:56 Polls Momentum Shifts 19:48 Switching to Burnham 21:12 Burnham Honeymoon Risks 23:55 Devolution Versus Growth 26:00 Praying for Hope 26:56 Church as Stability 29:54 Polarization and Discipleship 32:57 Season Wrap and Farewell

In this week’s episode of Cross Section, Peter Lynas, Alicia Edmund and Danny Webster discuss the leading political and cultural headlines. The team begin with a conversation about King Charles’ announcement that he is redefining his role as monarch from “Defender of the Faith” to protecting “the space for faith within the multi-faith nation”. What are the implications for his role as the head of the Church of England? What does this show about the nature of religion in the UK today? They then consider Andy Burnham’s Catholic upbringing and ponder how he may engage with faith as he comes into Downing Street. Can Britain talk about religion well? Alicia briefly refers to the National Conversation campaign to rebuild social cohesion. The team then turn to the significant release last week of draft conversion practices legislation. This is an issue the Evangelical Alliance has engaged with since 2018 and this bill raises many concerns. Why are we worried about what is being proposed? What could be the impact of this legislation for parents and churches? What will happen next and how can Christians respond? This is an episode you do not want to miss. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:15 The King and multi-faith Britain 6:57 Faith in the public square 9:22 Andy Burnham and his Catholic upbringing 14:59 Manchesterism: standout moments 18:43 Rebuilding social cohesion: the national conversation 19:25 The draft conversion practices bill 33:38 How the Church should respond

Is Britain ungovernable? This week on Cross Section, Alicia Edmund, Danny Webster and Zanna Meynell unpack a hugely significant week in British politics. Following Andy Burnham’s win in the Makerfield by-election last week, Monday saw Keir Starmer announce his resignation. What will this period of political limbo look like? How can we engage? And where can we put our hope when things are so unstable?  The team also reflect on the news that Jeffrey Donaldson (former DUP leader) has been found guilty of historic child sex offences. This heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the importance of bringing things to light and justice being served.   The episode ends with the encouraging story of the mass baptisms in Bournemouth last weekend.   Chapters:  0:00 - Introduction 1:06 - Makerfield by-election 1:53 - Keir Starmer resignation 2:48 - Andy Burnham's path to PM 6:50 - Keir Starmer's legacy 8:58 - 10 Years of Political churn since Brexit 14:48 - What should Andy Burnham do differently? 19:47 - Should there be an election? 21:50 - Christian engagement with politics 29:02 - Jeffrey Donaldson conviction 32:09 - 1,200 watch Bournemouth baptisms

On today's episode of Cross Section, Peter Lynas, Alicia Edmund and Danny Webster try to make sense of Lauren Edward's decision to reintroduce the assisted dying / suicide bill, t-up the political permutations ahead of Thursday's Makerfield by-election and discuss the government’s latest announcement about a social media ban for under 16 year olds.  https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Council/Voting-and-Elections/2026/Makerfield/Election-Agent-Notice-Makerfield-2026.pdf Chapters: 0:00 Introduction   0:49 Pharrell Williams' "The One"  2:35 World Cup prayer circle 3:35 Webinars: Christian Nationalism and Islam  5:41 US-Iran Ceasefire p  5:41 Assisted suicide bill returns  15:46 Makerfield by-election 22:48 Social Media ban for under-16s  33:03 Close

On today's episode, Peter Lynas, Alicia Edmund and Danny Webster cover a whole range of issues from calls to boycott HelloFresh, to a seven-minute standing ovation for the Pope in the Spanish parliament, what energy drink would Jesus drink? to the number of openly Christian players at this year's World Cup. It's becoming the new normal to see Christianity discussed in the cultural space, so the team discuss how as Christians we can speak confidently and compelling about Jesus. 00:00 Welcome and lineup 00:57 Christian energy drinks 03:07 Southampton aftermath 07:52 Cohabitation rights debate 10:11 Pope in Madrid 11:04 Profit before Pride 16:19 Free speech and gender 24:32 Subscribe and feedback 25:18 Football and faith 33:47 Final reflections

Peter Lynas, Alicia Edmund and Danny Webster return to Cross Section to review this week’s key news stories. They begin with a news roundup covering calls to withdraw mainstream media platforms from influencer Bonnie Blue, Tony Blair’s intervention on what has gone wrong in Britain and Alan Milburn’s warning about rising numbers of young people not in education, employment or training.   The main discussion focuses on Pope Leo XIV’s lengthy encyclical Magnifica Humanitas on safeguarding humanity in the ever-changing age of AI, drawing parallels with a previous encyclical Rerum Novarum and exploring dignity, work, agency. How do we use AI wisely as Christians? How can we grapple with the implications of A on human dignity and work?  The episode ends with a conversation about religious freedom following the sentencing of a Sikh man who killed Henry Nowak using a large kirpan, the ceremonial blade Sikhs are required by their faith to carry. How does this story tap into the wider theme of the freedom of religion and how as Christians can we respond?  https://www.regent-college.edu/resources/laing-lectures/2026-laing-lectures/ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome 01:20 Bonnie Blue platform debate 03:33 Tony Blair’s Britain diagnosis 06:29 Responding to the "lost generation" 10:07 Pope Leo on AI 18:27 AI's impact on dignity and work 25:32 Kirpan case and religious freedom 35:27 Final thoughts and encouragements

In this week’s episode of Cross Section, Danny Webster and Zanna Meynell are joined by Mark Gilmore, policy advisor at the Evangelical Alliance. Conversation turns to the damp squib that was the King’s Speech . It serves as a reminder that we cannot place all our hopes in politics. The team discuss the implications of potential conversion practices legislation and the significance of that for Christians. From Andy Burnham to Keir Starmer, the team weigh in on what has happened with the Labour leadership race and the continuing chaos surrounding this political moment. As last Saturday saw another ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march, the team examine the continuing conversation around Christian nationalism in the UK. Do check out the briefing events that are coming up in June, which will help us engage in conversations around Islam and Christian nationalism. The episode ends with a conversation about intergenerational divides following a BBC article about boomers being the luckiest generation alive. https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/events/islam-challenges-questions-and-gospel-opportunities https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/events/politics-briefing-flag-faith-and-kingdom-engaging-with-christian-nationalism Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:42 Eurovision highlights 2:30 Praying with children 4:03 Britain's Got Talent golden buzzer act 5:29 The King's Speech review 10:37 UK political leadership race 13:58 Conversion therapy ban update 24:41 ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march 26:19 Intergenerational wealth gap 32:15 Falling birth rates 35:30 The church as an intergenerational family

In this week's episode of Cross Section, the team discuss the conviction of Clive Johnston after he preached John 3:16 in a buffer zone, deep dive the election results and Keir Starmer's fragility as Prime Minister. How as Christians can we respond to this chaos? What are our freedoms and where can we turn when the world feels so fractured? Chapters: 00:00 Welcome 01:19 Abortion buffer zone case 08:05 Gospel freedom and tactics 11:26 Prayer in council meetings 16:25 Banned speakers and marches 22:02 Election results roundup 28:38 Keir Starmer's leadership crisis 36:32 Political fatigue and hope 40:15 Closing thoughts

In this week’s episode of Cross Section, Peter Lynas, Danny Webster and Alicia Edmund sit down to discuss the latest headlines. The episode begins with some light-hearted stories: Peter reviews the Devil Wears Prada 2, and the rest of the panel discuss the Met Gala outfits that caught their eye.   Conversation turns to the sad news that broke yesterday around Sam Allberry being stepped down from leadership at Immanuel Nashville. They reference the helpful statement that Living Out have put out, encouraging us to think about this prayerfully, with compassion.    The main discussion focuses on the Liberal Democrats admitting they unlawfully discriminated against former BBC journalist and prospective candidate David Campanale because of his Christian beliefs. In this polarised climate, with pressures and fear of cancel-culture, it can be hard to know how to talk about faith. The panel encourage us in speaking openly about Christianity, pointing to our resources that help us do so.  The episode concludes with a conversation on the recent attacks against the UK’s Jewish community. How can we respond as Christians to rising antisemitism, security fears, political responses and the wider impact of protests on community safety?    Chapters:  00:00 Welcome and agenda 01:21 Met Gala banter 02:54 Sam Allberry steps down 08:31 Lib Dems admit discrimination 18:21 Faith at work and moral leadership 27:12 Attacks on UK Jews 34:48 Polarisation and closing thoughts

In this week’s episode of Cross Section, the team discuss the stopped assisted suicide bill. How has this happened? Could a similar bill come into the next parliamentary session? The team discuss the likelihood of assisted suicide returning and the fact that even if it doesn't return as a political conversation, it is still a cultural one. They also reflect on the church's role in talking about the value of life. The conversation then widens to political polarisation, governance and social cohesion. How can Christians engage and speak into our fractured, political climate? This leads into a chat about street preaching and two cases that have hit the headlines – an abortion buffer zone case in Northern Ireland and the Bread of Life Church in Essex. The episode ends with a news roundup including Russell Brand’s viral interview with Piers Morgan in which he struggled to find Isaiah and reflections on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. https://open.substack.com/pub/zannameynell/p/from-the-femosphere-to-raye-navigating?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/is-the-assisted-suicide-bill-finished   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Why the bill ran out of time 03:12 Democracy and drafting legislation 09:00 Will it return? 13:17 Church response and cultural impact 17:10 Polarisation and political health 21:00 Street preaching legal cases 28:48 Gospel freedom and wise witness 31:19 News roundup 35:42 Closing encouragement