Ruth Gledhill, b1959, was the eldest of the Rev Peter Gledhill’s five children. After being educated in one of the country’s first comprehensives, in the Midlands, she did an HND in journalism and business studies at what is now the London College of Communications, was indentured with The Birmingham Post and Mail, joined The Daily Mail and then in 1987 joined the staff of The Times.

She became religion correspondent about two years later. She has edited and co-authored a number of prayer and sermon books. She has also covered nearly all the main religious stories and debates of the last two decades as the subject has moved from the middle and back of the paper to the front of The Times and all other national media.

She does regular television and radio interviews, takes part in debates and visits schools and universities to talk to students, as well as frequently helping students on internships at The Times. She considers herself incredibly fortunate to be doing this particular job at this time in history.

Her new book To Believe or Not To Believe is in production now and expected to be published next year.