June 17, 2022
Natasha Hemmings has spent her career smashing stereotypes. Can you be a Christian and a Miss England star? Can you be a classically trained vocalist who makes pop music? The answer, it seems, is 'of course!'. Speaking to Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Natasha shares her testimony, which includes her never-before-told story of encountering "a warm glow" in her bedroom, which she knew to be the presence of Jesus. Natasha also shares honestly about her struggle to find her place in church and introduces her new single 'Invisible'.
Natasha is currently touring with Ronan Keating. Her new single 'Invisible' is out now, ahead of her forthcoming album I AM. For more information visit natashahemmings.com
June 3, 2022
As London Community Gospel Choir celebrates its 40th birthday, their founder explains why he’s still intent on making music for the masses. Rev Bazil Meade MBE is no ordinary septuagenarian. The 71-year-old co-founder of Europe’s leading gospel choir has played in front of some of the highest profile international audiences, and continues to perform with extraordinary energy, exuberance and flair. In this interview with Charmaine Noble-Mclean, the musician reflects on his early life and upbringing, as well as the state of Gospel music in the UK today.
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe to the UK's leading Christian magazine in print and online for just £4.95/month. http://premierchristianity.com/subscribe
![Anba Angaelos: The first Coptic Archbishop of London]()
May 27, 2022
The beheading of 21 Coptic Orthodox Christians in Libya by Islamic State in 2015 brought worldwide attention to a Church that has endured persecution throughout its 2,000- year history. The first Coptic (the word means ‘Egyptian’) Orthodox Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos, said he forgave the killers, and in the same year was awarded an OBE for his work as an advocate for religious freedom. Today, he continues that work, as well as overseeing the 35 Coptic Orthodox parishes in the UK. Abi Thomas met Archbishop Angaelos at the Cathedral of St George, part of the Coptic Orthodox Centre in Hertfordshire. The building, which was completed in 2006, contrasts many modern elements (including the large sports hall under the same roof) with an abundance of traditional Coptic icons dedicated to past saints. The pair spoke about a range of issues including Thy Kingdom Come, a prayer initiative begun by the Church of England but now supported by a range of denominations, including the Orthodox Church.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Enjoy full online access plus the print magazine delivered to your door for just £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
![*BONUS EPISODE* Franklin Graham on defying his critics]()
May 24, 2022
Franklin Graham is in good spirits when he meets Premier's head of news Marcus Jones in London's Hyde Park Corner. He's excited to be visiting Speaker's Corner, the place where many evangelists have preached and debated over the years. Many there have faced fierce opposition because of the message they preached, something Graham himself can sympathise with. The US based evangelist, whose father was the renowned Billy Graham, is in the UK for the God Loves You Tour. The tour was due to take place in 2020 but every venue he'd booked to preach in cancelled him after complaints were made about past comments he'd made about homosexuality and Islam. He would later take successful legal action against some of the venues, meaning the tour is back on, stopping off at Liverpool, Newport, Sheffield and London. Hear their conversation in full now on this special bonus episode of The Profile podcast.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe to the UK's leading Christian magazine in print and online for just £4.95/month. http://premierchristianity.com/subscribe
May 20, 2022
Ordained Baptist minister Rev Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana grew up in Nigeria in a polygamous family. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes he explains more about his 'tough' family background and the story of how he came to the UK to work as a reverse missionary. Israel also speaks about his role at the Evangelical Alliance, and why we need to keep talking about race within the UK Church.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Enjoy full online access plus the print magazine delivered to your door for just £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
![Churches Together’s Shermara Fletcher: Ministering on the margins]()
May 13, 2022
Shermara Fletcher might be the Principal Officer for Pentecostal, Charismatic and Multi-cultural Relations at Churches Together in England, but she's also learned to appreciate - and even embrace - other Christian traditions. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Shermara explains how Anglo-Catholic spirituality is nourishing her right now. She also opens up about her experience ministering alongside the homeless in Birmingham and London, and reflects on how her deeply Christian upbringing has shaped her life. Shermara, who has been invited to address politicians on the impact of Brexit on homeless women, says: "We don't worship politics, but the reality is policy governs and shapes our lives and the decisions we're able to make. The text talks about praying for leaders who are in charge, so I don't think we can detach from the political conversation. We should be pointing to morality and showing a different way, but not disengaging from the conversation altogether."
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Enjoy full online access plus the print magazine delivered to your door for just £1/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
April 22, 2022
Dami Okeke sits down with the popular singer and Gospel artist Mandisa to hear about her journey to faith. Mandisa first shot to fame after appearing on American Idol. Her new book is Out of the Dark: My journey through the shadows to find God's love
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