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
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.
“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
The Polar(isation) Express: reflections on Tommy Robinson’s carol concert
My article on Tommy Robinson’s Christmas carol service created all kinds of responses. BBC Radio 4 and The Times Radio got in touch and the organisation Stand Up to Racism asked me to speak at their counter-demo on Whitehall held just before Tommy Robinson’s event. Criticism But as with any widely read article, I also… Continue reading The Polar(isation) Express: reflections on Tommy Robinson’s carol concert
Tommy Robinson’s Carol Concert: show naïve grace or face the ugly truth?
The far-right campaigner, Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, claims to have become a Christian in prison. And this Saturday, his Unite the Kingdom movement has organised a Christmas Carol service in Whitehall. John Clifton wrote thoughtful article about Robinson's challenge to the church about how it engages men. He did not approve of Robinson… Continue reading Tommy Robinson’s Carol Concert: show naïve grace or face the ugly truth?
‘I need money for a hostel bed’: how do we respond to such appeals?
Photo by Timur Weber on Pexels.com For many people living or working in towns and cities, being asked for money is an everyday experience. It can often cause feelings of distress, guilt and confusion - especially at this time of year. Last week I was on the underground platform at King's Cross in London and… Continue reading ‘I need money for a hostel bed’: how do we respond to such appeals?
Pain & happiness: the magnifying effect of Christmas
Last year the animated family film That Christmas written by Richard Curtis was released. A line in the film really struck me: “I always think that Christmas is a bit like an emotional magnifying glass. If you feel loved and happy, Christmas will make you feel even happier and more loved. But if you feel… Continue reading Pain & happiness: the magnifying effect of Christmas
Moral Revolution: Rutger Bregman’s ‘must-listen’ Reith lectures
Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian who is giving the BBC Reith Lectures this year. I listened to the first lecture of the series, A Time of Monsters this weekend, and I was deeply struck by Bregman's moral force, conviction and clarity. I would encourage all G+T readers to listen to the full 30 minute… Continue reading Moral Revolution: Rutger Bregman’s ‘must-listen’ Reith lectures
Resisting BS & telling a Better Story
Taken from talk given at Streatham Baptist Church 23/11/25. Full text here: A Better Story: grace & truth or watch below. 15 years ago I was driving in south London and as I stopped at traffic lights, my son, who was 5 at the time, said: ‘Dad, what’s a marital affair?’ I wondered what he… Continue reading Resisting BS & telling a Better Story
Roots & fruits: why so many homelessness charities were set up by churches
Clockwise: collecting the gleanings from the harvest, the good samaritan, the prodigal son In a recent article, I wrote about the old, battered bible I bought in 1993, the first year I started working with people who were homeless. It was an anecdotal and subjective piece focussed on how this book has been a companion… Continue reading Roots & fruits: why so many homelessness charities were set up by churches
Grace + Truth 