Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Manchester United’s young Danish defender, openly acknowledges his Christian faith as the foundation of his life and career. For Dorgu, prayer is not a ritual but a rhythm - something he has practised since childhood and continues amid the pressures of elite sport. His faith keeps him grounded in both victory and disappointment, reminding him that his purpose lies beyond football. By embracing his full Igbo name, meaning ‘God answers prayers’, he is honouring his Nigerian roots and testifying to God’s faithfulness. Dorgu’s move to Old Trafford, which he believes was divinely arranged, reflects his conviction that God’s plan governs every step. His example shows how belief can guide ambition, humility and resilience in a world where success often overshadows spirituality.

Sister Albertine, a young French nun, has become a surprising yet powerful online evangelist. Through videos, social media posts and candid personal sharing, she invites many - especially younger people - to encounter Jesus. What makes her ministry effective is her authenticity: she speaks of her own struggles, questions and faith journey, and thereby becomes relatable. Her online presence challenges the stereotype of nuns as remote or rigid; instead, she shows a warm, accessible discipleship. By combining tradition with digital outreach, she bridges generational and cultural gaps. Her approach reminds us that God can use unexpected channels to draw hearts, and that faith expressed in vulnerability can reach places formal teaching sometimes cannot.

The decision to remove bursaries for trainee Religious Education (RE) teachers has sparked alarm among church and education leaders, who warn it will deepen an already severe recruitment crisis. The Government’s new funding guidance for 2026–27 excludes RE, English, music, and art and design from bursary eligibility. Last year, RE trainees received £10,000 in financial support - a measure credited with boosting applications by 40%. The RE Policy Unit, representing national teaching bodies, called the cut ‘devastating’, noting that current recruitment stands at just 54% of target. The CofE’s chief education officer, Rev Nigel Genders, said the decision threatens efforts to build ‘religious literacy’ and mutual understanding in an increasingly polarised society. RE is compulsory in all state schools, yet many lessons are taught by non-specialists due to shortages. Advocates argue that restoring bursaries is essential not only for education quality but also for social cohesion and informed citizenship.

The IMF has forecast that the UK will be the second-fastest-growing economy among the G7 nations this year - behind only the USA - despite ongoing global trade tensions. The IMF projects UK growth at a modest 1.3% in both 2025 and 2026, signaling resilience but also stagnation compared with past performance. Per capita growth, at less than 0.5%, remains the weakest in the G7. Inflation, however, continues to cloud the outlook: the UK is expected to record the highest price rises among advanced economies, driven by elevated energy and utility costs. The IMF anticipates inflation will ease to 2% by late next year, yet households still face financial strain. Rachel Reeves, attending the IMF’s Washington meetings, pledged to tackle what she called a ‘stuck’ economy, while the Bank of England urged caution on rate cuts. Amid geopolitical uncertainty and trade disruptions, Britain’s challenge is how to sustain growth without deepening inequality. Reeves has recently hinted that she may raise some taxes in the November budget: see