Author: Stephen Evans
The ‘minister for faith’ shouldn’t be replaced
After the minister for faith's resignation, Stephen Evans says this unnecessary role enables the government to promote...
Prayers aren't appropriate in the public realm
As Brighton's new mayor comes under fire for abolishing prayers at council meetings, Stephen Evans argues that Britain's...
Sexual freedom and secularism have always gone hand in hand
Stephen Evans says religious concerns weren't a good reason to restrict understanding of birth control in Victorian...
Praying on the vulnerable
A ruling that a nurse was not wrongly dismissed for repeatedly evangelising was unsurprising, says Stephen Evans....
Britain needs to stand up for everyone’s religious freedom
The appalling attacks in Sri Lanka again highlight the growing global persecution of Christians. But there should...
Religion and public benefit – why it’s time to rethink charity law
The NSS's latest report calls for 'the advancement of religion' to be removed as a charitable purpose. Stephen Evans...
Religious dogma still clouds assisted dying debate
As the Royal College of Physicians consults its members over assisted dying, Stephen Evans says we should be aware...
Institutionalised prayer doesn't belong in parliament
As MPs launch a motion against parliamentary prayers, NSS CEO Stephen Evans says ending the anachronistic custom would...
Students should be free to excuse themselves from worship
After two students pushed the Welsh government for a response to a petition to remove schools' obligation to hold...
European ruling that ‘religious feelings’ trump free speech is a dangerous development
Just as Irish citizens strike a blow for the right to freedom of expression, the European Court has fundamentally...
The questionable ethics of evangelical debt advice
The good deeds of faith-based organisations shouldn't lead us to turn a blind eye to their more ethically dubious...
China's religious persecution is a secularist issue
China may be the most godless country in the world, but it is far from being a secular one. Stephen Evans says the...
Do burka bans do more harm than good?
As Denmark's ban on face coverings in public comes into force, Stephen Evans says standing up for fundamental rights...
Sectarian schooling is nothing to celebrate
Integrating schools isn't a magic bullet to end sectarianism, but no serious attempt to address the issue can ignore...
Ten years on from the abolition of blasphemy, free speech still needs defending
Marking ten years since the criminal offence of blasphemy was abolished in England and Wales, Stephen Evans argues...
Bishop Rachel’s prejudiced thinking highlights the problem of state-sponsored religion
The bishop of Gloucester is entitled to question whether atheists can truly have deep love or hope, writes Stephen...
The government's U-turn shows the tide is turning against faith schools
The decision not to allow more faith-based admissions to new free schools in England is a big win, says Stephen Evans....
The row over right of withdrawal highlights the need to reform RE
Teachers from the ATL union have voted to demand a clampdown on parents selectively withdrawing their children from...
Religious freedom isn't a licence to violate others’ rights
Increasing clashes between religious orthodoxy and secular liberalism highlight one of the most pressing challenges...
We can’t allow faith groups to hamper efforts to regulate supplementary schools
As a trial reveals the brainwashing of boys during evening classes at a mosque in Barking, Stephen Evans says the...
Religious bullies are on a roll. It’s time we all stood up to them
Amid a series of concessions to religious hardliners, Stephen Evans says those brave enough to resist their demands...
Will Anglicanism reign supreme at the next coronation?
As the BBC focuses on the Queen's coronation, Stephen Evans says the next initiation of the UK's head of state will...
The Minister for Faith went on a tour of Anglican cathedrals and all we got was a lousy report
Stephen Evans questions the point of a Minister for Faith and says his recent tour of all 42 of England's Anglican...
Secularism is a challenge to religion’s political power and privilege, not people of faith
Some Christians use the Christmas period to attack secularism for its challenge to their sense of entitlement. But...
Who controls religious education?
Necessary reforms of religious education are being frustrated by religion's lingering influence. It's time to liberate...