The Summer 2026 edition of the Social Issues Bulletin is available

The Value of Young Life

The latest Social Issues Bulletin (Issue 61, Summer 2026), published by Affinity’s Social Issues Team,
explores some of the issues connected with how we value children.

James Mildred’s article (p. 5) details why and how abortion happens, as well as its consequences for  those immediately involved and for society as a whole. He reflects on the biblical value for all human life and the importance of both recognising abortion as a deeply serious sin and ensuring that we engage with the topic with gospel grace. James also suggests ways in which we, as individuals and the church, should respond.

Fran Kirby’s article (p. 11) on the value of children introduces the topic by exploring how the Bible portrays God’s kingdom as one in which children play an intrinsic part. She then presents 22 children’s responses to the question ‘What do you think it means that children (0-18s) have value?’ and reflects on what we can learn from their reflections.

Lizzie Harewood’s article (p. 15) explores the UK’s decling birth rates and the worsening wellbeing (psychologically, developmentally and behaviourally) of the UK’s children. She considers the different ways in which British culture sees parenting in contrast to how the Bible understands it – and how the church can and should respond.

Jeremy Peckham’s article (p. 21) reflects on the consequences when technology is overused by children, particularly in relation to education. He reflects on the rise of ChatGPT and how it and its competitors are designed to affirm their users’ beliefs and behaviours, which has led to increasing demand for companion chatbots in order to avoid the messiness of real relationships. Jeremy goes on to explore how we decide whether technology can truly be neutral – and how Christians (and particularly parents, pastors and teachers) model an appropriate engagement with AI.

Alongside these four articles, we also include Dr Calum MacKellar’s latest review of current bioethics issues (covering November 2025 – February 2026). This includes the UK clinical trial into puberty blockers being put on hold; eugenic selection of embryos taking place in the UK; a Danish sperm bank requiring donors to have a certain IQ as well as police clearance; a UK petition to inform patients if a vaccine was developed from aborted human foetus cell lines; and abortion numbers reaching a record high of 299,614 across the UK.

Download the Social Issues Bulletin, packed with analysis and practical implications – a must-read for Christians seeking to engage boldly yet wisely in today’s world.