Chine McDonald

I have loved seeing my words on the page since I got my first byline in the school magazine, aged six years old. Born in Nigeria, I moved to the UK at the age of four. I read theology & religious studies at Cambridge University before training as a newspaper journalist and over the years have written for several regional and national publications.

I’m a regular contributor to BBC Religion & Ethics programmes, including Thought for the Day on Radio 4’s Today programme, the Daily Service, and Prayer for the Day. My first book ‘Am I Beautiful?’ – explored body image among women of faith.

In my spare time, I sit on a number of charity boards, including Greenbelt Festival, where I’m vice-chair, and Christian Aid.

I’m lucky enough to say my day job is also a dream job – I’m director of Theos, the religion and society think tank. Previously, I headed up community fundraising and public engagement at international development charity Christian Aid. I live in south-east London and am wife to Mark and mum to an energetic toddler.

My second book God Is Not a White Man? was published by Hodder & Stoughton in May 2021. My upcoming book Unmaking Mary: The Myth of Divine Motherhood, will be published in February 2025.