Podcast
Irreverend: Faith and Current Affairs
Hosted by J.A. Franklin, T.J. Pelham, Daniel French · EN
Are you wondering how a Christian should respond to current events? What are we to think about a world that appears to be going absolutely mad? How are we to discern the signs of the times? In this podcast, featuring The Reverend Thomas Pelham, The Reverend Daniel French, The Reverend Doctor J.A. Franklin and the occasional guest, we attempt to give some answers. Email us at irreverendpod@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter @irreverendpod or on Telegram at https://t.me/irreverendpod. We also have a youtube channel which can be found by searching Irreverend: Faith and Current Affairs! If you would like to support the show, which can be done from £2.50 plus VAT per month, you can join our Patreon community. Please go to www.patreon.com/irreverend
36episodes
Episodes
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£11.6 Billion Church Fund While Parishes Face COLLAPSE | Marcus Walker on Save the Parish
1w ago01:16:25Tap to summarizeThe Church of England is sitting on an £11.6 billion endowment — yet parish churches are being closed, merged, and left without clergy or cash.In this hard-hitting episode, Jamie Franklin interviews the Rev. Marcus Walker, rector of St Bartholomew the Great in the City of London and one of the key voices behind the Save the Parish movement.They dig into:🔥 The extraordinary growth at St Bartholomew’s (from ~50 to 250+) and why young adults are flocking to traditional high-church worship💰 How historic parish money has been redirected while poorer churches struggle⛪ The controversial push for 10,000 new lay-led church plants📖 The Quiet Revival, the King James Bible, beauty, and why “relevance” often means the opposite of what people actually want⚔️ What ordinary Anglicans can do to fight backThis is one of the most important conversations about the future of the Church of England right now.Get involved:🔥 Join Save the Parish → https://www.savetheparish.com/join/🔥 Stand for General Synod → https://www.savetheparish.com/general-synod-manifesto-2026/#Support the show:🔥 Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/irreverend🔥 Substack → https://www.patreon.com/c/irreverend📧 Donate → irreverendpod@gmail.comPlease subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, and share if this episode hit home.Support the show
Transcribe →New PM Burnham’s SHOCKING Speech + Church of England’s BIZARRE New Festival
2w ago01:01:17Tap to summarizeJamie shares encouragement from listener feedback and reflects on the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price — the Kingdom of Heaven is worth selling everything for.This week’s topics:- World Cup wrap-up: Why true unity comes from Christ, not global sporting events- Andy Burnham’s speech as new Prime Minister — a return to 1970s economics?- The Assisted Suicide bill returns to Parliament. (Write to your MP: https://righttolife.org.uk/jnmv).- General Synod approves new “Festival of Creation in Christ” — theological renewal or net zero propaganda?- Church decline and the state of theological education- Free speech debate after a university employee’s arrest over vile posts celebrating Anne Widdecombe’s murderRaw, honest, and unflinching. Subscribe and support the show if this content matters to you.Support Irreverend:🔥 Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/irreverend🔥 Substack → https://irreverendpod.substack.com🔥 Buy Me a Coffee → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverendEmail: irreverendpod@gmail.comShare this episode with friends who need it. Support the show
Transcribe →The Church of England is in a MESS: £100M Reparations, Synod Chaos, & Anne Widdecombe Murder
3w ago01:18:45Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode of Irreverend: Faith and Current Affairs, Jamie Franklin opens with the Lord's Prayer and Jesus' Parable of the Weeds, reflecting on judgment, patience, and hope in dark times.Jamie addresses:- The murder of Anne Widdecombe and grim reactions from some public figures, including Peter Tatchell- England’s World Cup progress and the heated debate around nationalism and Jude Bellingham- Bernard Randall’s legal victory after years of being targeted for orthodox Christian teaching- The Church of England’s continued push for £100 million in slavery reparations (Project Spire) amid parish struggles- General Synod’s engagement with a controversial Palestinian Christian document on Israel- A narrow defeat of a motion undermining traditional marriage teachingHymn of the Week: "Just As I Am" by Charlotte Elliott.Raw, honest, and unflinching. Subscribe and support the show if this content matters to you.Support Irreverend:🔥 Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/irreverend🔥 Substack → https://irreverendpod.substack.com🔥 Buy Me a Coffee → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverendEmail: irreverendpod@gmail.comShare this episode with friends who need it. Come on England! ⚽Support the show
Transcribe →"3:11 Was a Civilizational Turning Point" – COVID Lab Leak, Censorship & Digital Control Exposed | with Sonia Elijah
3w ago00:49:28Tap to summarizeIn this hard-hitting interview, Daniel speaks with investigative journalist Sonia Elijah about her new book 3:11 Viral Takeover.Sonia breaks down:The overwhelming evidence for a COVID lab leak and how top scientists knew it but pushed the natural origin storyHow fear was weaponised to enforce compliance and crush dissentThe deeply flawed PCR testing regime and rushed mRNA rolloutCoordinated censorship between governments, Big Tech, and legacy mediaThe shift from temporary emergency powers to permanent digital authoritarianismWith over 940 citations, this is a meticulously researched account of one of the most consequential events of our lifetime.If you want the truth behind the official COVID narrative — and what it means for the future — this episode is essential listening.Get Sonia’s book: 3:11 Viral Takeover https://amzn.to/4w2cHxgWhat do you believe really happened in 2020? Leave a comment or review!Support Irreverend:🔥 Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/irreverend🔥 Substack → https://irreverendpod.substack.comEmail: irreverendpod@gmail.comThanks for listening — please subscribe, rate, and share if you found this valuable.Support the show
Transcribe →Who is responsible for CRINGE World Cup Prayer? - Synod Demands Answers
4w ago00:11:46Tap to summarizeThe Church of England has released yet another howler — their official “Prayer for the World Cup.”In this episode Revd Dr Jamie Franklin dissects the theologically shallow, barely comprehensible prayer, its widespread mockery, the questions raised at General Synod, and the woeful response from the Bishop of Lichfield and the Liturgical Commission.Why is the institution doubling down instead of apologising? And who on earth signed this off?If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, and write a quick review — it really helps us reach more people!Support Irreverend:🔥 Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/irreverend🔥 Substack → https://irreverendpod.substack.com🔥 Buy Me a Coffee → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverendEmail: irreverendpod@gmail.comShare this episode with friends who need it. Come on England! ⚽Support the show
Transcribe →Trump’s FIFA Red Card Fix, Farage’s By-Election Chaos vs Count Binface & Clarkson’s Church Plan | Irreverend 266
4w ago01:11:49Tap to summarizeIn this week’s Irreverend, Jamie, Tom, and Daniel tackle the biggest stories with their usual mix of wit and insight.Trump personally intervenes with FIFA to delay a red card for the US team — genius gamesmanship or outright interference? The lads break down his hilarious press conference and what it says about “fair play.”Nigel Farage dramatically resigns his seat and forces a by-election in Clacton… but the major parties refuse to stand, leaving him facing Count Binface. Bold move or massive miscalculation?Plus:Jeremy Clarkson’s provocative plan to save the Church of England by deconsecrating empty churchesLatest developments in the Church of England’s LLF sagaKemi Badenoch, Andy Burnham, and the state of British politicsMedieval chainmail barbecues, Erling Haaland the Viking, hot weather rants, and a stirring hymn of the weekFunny, faithful, and fearlessly irreverent Christian commentary on faith, politics, sport, and culture.If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, and write a quick review — it really helps us reach more people!Support Irreverend:🔥 Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/irreverend🔥 Substack → https://irreverendpod.substack.com🔥 Buy Me a Coffee → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverendEmail: irreverendpod@gmail.comShare this episode with friends who need it. Come on England! ⚽#Irreverend #Trump #Farage #WorldCup #ChurchOfEnglandSupport the show
Transcribe →Irreverend LIVE! Starmer Resigns in DISGRACE | Andy Burnham Next PM? Bishops EXPOSED in Lords + Hymns & Q&A
Jun 2601:43:52Tap to summarizeRev. Jamie, Tom, and Daniel are back with a special live episode of Irreverent Faith and Current Affairs recorded in Winchester.They deliver a sharp, no-holds-barred Christian take on Keir Starmer’s dramatic resignation, the rise of “cultural Catholic” Andy Burnham as the next potential Labour leader, and why the Church of England’s bishops in the House of Lords are failing as a Christian voice.Jamie opens with a timely biblical reflection from Philippians 3 on heavenly citizenship amid earthly chaos, followed by a hard-hitting discussion on two-tier policing, immigration, assisted dying, Tommy Robinson, Bishop Kai Dewar, and 10 years since Brexit.Plus: plenty of banter, audience Q&A, organ sing-alongs, and a powerful Hymn of the Week.Raw faith meeting current affairs at its best.Timestamps:00:00 Intro Banter & Football06:00 Prayer + Philippians 3 (Citizenship in Heaven)15:00 Starmer Resigns: The 42 Failures28:00 Andy Burnham Next PM?40:00 Bishops in the House of Lords – What Use Are They?55:00 Live Q&A: Tommy Robinson, Assisted Dying, Brexit, Islam & the Left1:25:00 Hymns & Closing BlessingEmail the Show: irreverendpod@gmail.comSupport the Podcast & Get PerksYour support keeps Irreverend going and gets you early episodes, bonus content, monthly chats, and more:Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/irreverendSubstack → https://irreverendpod.substack.com/Buy Me a Coffee → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverendDirect donations or questions? Email: irreverendpod@gmail.comLike, subscribe, share with friends, and keep the faith! 🙏Support the show
Transcribe →C of E’s Cringe World Cup Prayer + Starmer’s Social Media Ban
Jun 1901:08:49Tap to summarizeRev. Jamie Franklin is back with a no-holds-barred roundup of the biggest stories in church and state.He tears into the Church of England’s official “Prayer for the World Cup 2026” — calling it poorly written, theologically shallow, embarrassingly unserious, and a perfect symbol of the institution’s current woes.He also reacts to Keir Starmer’s plan to ban social media for under-16s, dissecting the authoritarian tone, questioning the real motives behind it, and exploring the deeper issues around parenting and technology and the spiritual battle of the internet, attention and addiction.Plus: Psalm 148, live event details, and a powerful Hymn of the Week — Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens, Adore Him set to Haydn’s majestic Austria.Note: We apologise for the loud audio spike during the Starmer clip — technical issues with the new setup!JOIN US FOR IRREVEREND LIVE!🎟️ Tuesday 23rd June, 7pm – Holy Trinity Church, WinchesterLink: Tickets hereEmail the Show: irreverendpod@gmail.comSupport the Podcast & Get PerksYour support keeps Irreverend going and gets you early episodes, bonus Uncollared podcasts, monthly chats with Jamie & Nick Dixon, and more:Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/irreverendSubstack → https://irreverendpod.substack.com/Buy Me a Coffee → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverendDirect donations or questions? Email: irreverendpod@gmail.comLike, subscribe, share with friends, and keep the faith!Come on England! ⚽Support the show
Transcribe →Britain on the Brink: Sudanese Migrant Beheading Attempt Sparks Chaos in Belfast
Jun 1201:01:43Tap to summarizeIn this hard-hitting episode of Irreverend: Faith and Current Affairs, Revs Jamie Franklin and Tom Pelham tackle the escalating crisis on Britain's streets.A brutal knife attack in North Belfast by a Sudanese migrant — with apparent attempts to behead his victim — has triggered major riots, burning houses, and intense public anger. Jamie and Tom break down the incident, the shocking police response, and draw uncomfortable parallels with the murder of Henry Novak and growing accusations of two-tier policing.Tom delivers a timely Bible reflection on Matthew 9:37-38 — "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few" — challenging the Church to rise to the moment with hope and action. The conversation covers:The failures of mass immigration and integrationLegacy media spin and gaslightingKier Starmer’s plans to restrict social media for under-18sThe Church of England’s response to the unrestWhy civic nationalism may be the only alternative to rising tensionsPlus: Listener emails, the Hymn of the Week ("The Church’s One Foundation") and much more.Raw, honest, and unfiltered Christian commentary on faith and current affairs in a nation under strain. If you’re tired of the mainstream narrative, this episode is essential listening.JOIN US FOR IRREVEREND LIVE!🎟️ Tuesday 23rd June, 7pm – Holy Trinity Church, WinchesterLink: Tickets hereEmail the Show: irreverendpod@gmail.comSupport the Podcast & Get PerksYour support keeps Irreverend going and gets you early episodes, bonus Uncollared podcasts, monthly chats with Jamie & Nick Dixon, and more:Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/irreverendSubstack → https://irreverendpod.substack.com/Buy Me a Coffee → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverendDirect donations or questions? Email: irreverendpod@gmail.comSupport the show
Transcribe →Why I HATED BBC's Dear England: The Woke Disaster That Cost England the Euros
Jun 1000:17:08Tap to summarizeThe BBC’s new docudrama Dear England is meant to celebrate Gareth Southgate’s England team but it’s actually infuriating propaganda that puts race, kneeling, and virtue signalling front and centre while ignoring real football.In this no-holds-barred review, Reverend Dr Jamie Franklin explains why he loved the original stage play but couldn’t stand the TV version. From the cringeworthy dressing room lectures to Harry Kane’s moralising and the obsession with George Floyd, taking the knee and Black Lives Matter, this drama turns England’s football story into a condescending sermon on racism that England fans never asked for.Franklin argues that England got so close to winning major trophies not because of systemic racism but because the team spent more energy on political gestures than on the fine margins that win tournaments.If you’re sick of football being politicised, this is the rant you’ve been waiting for.JOIN US FOR IRREVEREND LIVE!🎟️ Tuesday 23rd June, 7pm – Holy Trinity Church, WinchesterLink: Tickets hereEmail the Show: irreverendpod@gmail.comSupport the Podcast & Get PerksYour support keeps Irreverend going and gets you early episodes, bonus Uncollared podcasts, monthly chats with Jamie & Nick Dixon, and more:Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/irreverendSubstack → https://irreverendpod.substack.com/Buy Me a Coffee → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverendDirect donations or questions? Email: irreverendpod@gmail.comSupport the show
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