Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com A few years ago, I was on the south bank in London, near Waterloo station, and I got talking with a homeless man called Richard who had approached me asking for money. He was in a bad state. As we spoke, he rolled up his sleeves and trousers to… Continue reading If churches don’t help people with their spiritual needs, then who will?
Author: Jon Kuhrt
Jon Kuhrt has worked with people affected by homelessness for over 30 years. He is a former government adviser on how faith groups address rough sleeping and is now CEO of Hope into Action. He lives with his wife in Streatham, south London and they have 3 children. He likes football....but loves cricket.
Personal responsibility, families & nationhood: a Christian response to the Left
The edited text of a talk I gave at Christ Church New Malden on 8th February as part of a series on Christianity & Politics. A video of the talk is below. These bible readings were read by two people, one in a red top and the other in blue. These can be downloaded on… Continue reading Personal responsibility, families & nationhood: a Christian response to the Left
“Compelling, controversial & convincing…my vote for Christian book of the year”
Tough messages are not shared easily. It’s one of the key themes of this blog. If it doesn’t challenge you, then it doesn't change you. But, let’s be honest, we all prefer easy forms of grace than tough messages of truth. And if this is true for individuals, then it’s even more so for organisations.… Continue reading “Compelling, controversial & convincing…my vote for Christian book of the year”
Homelessness Ends in Community: relationships are vital to recovery
Homelessness and relationships Four years ago, my friend and former colleague Simon Dwight wrote a powerful article for Grace+Truth titled Homelessness Ends in Community. He shared a moving example of helping a man called James move from long-term street homelessness into accommodation. It sounds like a success story but actually it had a tragic outcome.… Continue reading Homelessness Ends in Community: relationships are vital to recovery
G+T: the book. How has grace and truth helped you?
Grace+Truth is almost 15 years old and I continue to be encouraged by the response and engagement with the articles I share. In December, the site had its 2 millionth visit. During these years, many different people have urged me to write a book which draws together the key thinking around grace and truth in… Continue reading G+T: the book. How has grace and truth helped you?
Old wisdom for a New Year: “Thankfulness is a soil in which pride does not easily grow”
Michael Ramsey was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1961-74. He wrote these Five Helps for the New Year for his clergy. I first read them about 10 years ago and was struck by their deep spiritual insight and good sense. I have them pinned above my desk. The line about thankfulness as an antidote to pride… Continue reading Old wisdom for a New Year: “Thankfulness is a soil in which pride does not easily grow”
Freely I have received: the grace of 150 nights of hospitality
Three years ago, I started a new job with Hope into Action, a Christian charity providing homes for people who have been homeless, based in Peterborough. There are always anxieties in taking on a new job, but one main concern I had was geographic: the charity is based nowhere near where I live in south… Continue reading Freely I have received: the grace of 150 nights of hospitality
Christmas is not cancelled: the Streatham Common crib controversy
The Nativity crib on Streatham Common, south London At every Christmas since 1956, a nativity scene has been on display in my local community, in Streatham Common, south London. The crib was the idea of Albert Steiert and John Taylor, both members of a local catholic church, who were concerned that the true meaning of Christmas… Continue reading Christmas is not cancelled: the Streatham Common crib controversy
“If you charge me, I’m going to bring 50 homeless people here to eat the meal I have paid for”
A few Christmases ago, when I was running a homeless charity in the West End of London, we took a phone call from a businessman that I will never forget. He was due to host a major Christmas event for 50 colleagues and clients in a prestigious local member’s club. A number of guests were… Continue reading “If you charge me, I’m going to bring 50 homeless people here to eat the meal I have paid for”
The blog in my own eye
"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" Jesus, Matthew's Gospel 7:3 If I blog with sparkling wit and powerful prose, but do not have love, I am just a blaring horn or a screech on a blackboard. If I… Continue reading The blog in my own eye
Grace + Truth 