People
At just 17 years old, Max Stenner is believed to be the youngest person ever to found and lead a political think tank in the United Kingdom. In 2025, he launched Christian Democracy UK, dedicated to renewing Britain’s political and cultural life through Christian principles, traditionalist conservatism, and the social teachings of the Church.
Max first entered the political arena at the age of 15, when he successfully managed six campaigns in the 2024 General Election, demonstrating both leadership and strategic ability well beyond his years. A practicing Evangelical Christian, born-again in 2019, he has since devoted himself to articulating a vision that unites traditionalist conservatism with economic distributism, communitarian principles, and the wider tradition of Christian social thought.
Alongside his political work, Max is a two-time award-winning public speaker with Rotary International, having been named Dorset Youth Speaker of the Year in both 2022 and 2024. His public speaking combines intellectual seriousness with moral conviction, seeking to inspire audiences to think anew about Britain’s future.
He is also active in the New Culture Forum think tank and a member of Reform UK. Through Christian Democracy UK, he hopes to build a new movement rooted in faith, justice, and the common good.
Max Stenner - Chair
Ken Petrie was born in Romford, Essex, and has dedicated his life to the service of both faith and community. With technical qualifications in Electronics, Radio and Television, and Digital Electronics, alongside a BA (Hons) in Theological Studies, Ken brings together a unique blend of practical skill and theological insight.
His career has been diverse, spanning retail, Christian charity work, call centres, radio and TV maintenance, and web design, before retiring. Alongside his professional life, Ken has been a committed writer and editor, publishing for EvenAs.org, an organisation dedicated to Christian unity, as well as running the Diverse Diversity Campaign and his personal blog Pulling Together.
Ken’s church service within the Church of England has been extensive. He has served faithfully on Parochial Church Councils, Deanery and Diocesan Synods, and was a Bishop’s Councillor from 2001 to 2015. He now serves as Churchwarden at St Andrew’s Hartcliffe in Bristol, continuing his longstanding commitment to parish life and lay leadership.
Ken Petrie - Deputy Chair
Joseph Hart is the Campaign Lead for Christian Democracy UK, where he works to articulate a vision of politics rooted in human dignity, social justice, and the common good. A Roman Catholic, Joseph draws deeply on the Christian democratic tradition, combining moral conviction with a practical commitment to democratic participation and civic responsibility. His work focuses on building bridges between faith, ethics, and public life.
Alongside his role at Christian Democracy UK, Joseph identifies as a Democratic Socialist and is an active member of the Labour Party. His approach to politics emphasises cooperation over division, seeking policies that balance personal responsibility with collective care, and tradition with meaningful reform.
Joseph is currently studying law in the North West of England, an academic pursuit that complements his political work by deepening his understanding of justice, rights, and the rule of law. His legal studies inform his campaigning, particularly in areas concerning social equity, constitutional principles, and the protection of the vulnerable. Through both his studies and his public engagement, Joseph is committed to contributing to a political culture that is principled, compassionate, and oriented towards the long-term flourishing of society.
Joseph Hart - Campaign Lead
Samuel Turner - Editor
Samuel Turner is the Editor of the Christian Democracy UK blog, Faith in Freedom.
He is currently studying for an MA in Newspaper Journalism and works as a freelance writer. A committed Christian and member of Reform UK, Samuel brings both political insight and media experience to the team.
He is also a contributor to Spiked magazine, where he writes on culture, politics, and society.
Maxim Shelmerdine - Deputy Editor
Maxim Shelmerdine is the Deputy Editor for Christian Democracy. He is a home-schooled writer and aspiring conservative activist.
He has an interest in architecture, music, and human psychology, notably how physical fitness, beautiful environments, and artwork affect the human brain, and how individual self-improvement could improve the collective morality, fairness, and general well-being of society as a whole.