Many in the Church have been rocked by the confirmations of serious and sustained sexual abuse which have emerged from the investigation into the Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. An independent report laid bare decades of his coercive and abusive behaviour which have caused untold damage to victims. There have been similar reactions to the disclosures… Continue reading Hero-worship & our need of humility
Author: Jon Kuhrt
Jon Kuhrt has worked with people affected by homelessness and poverty for 25 years. He is a former CEO of West London Mission and is now a government adviser focusing on how faith and community groups address rough sleeping. He lives with his wife and three children in Streatham, south London. He likes football...but loves cricket.
Men and the menopause (and other period-dramas)
I will never forget a trip to the supermarket with my Mum when I was about 12. As we unpacked the trolley, I held up one item and said quite loudly ‘What kind of towels are these? They’re tiny!’ The cashier suppressed a laugh and my Mum looked a bit embarrassed. ‘I’ll tell you about… Continue reading Men and the menopause (and other period-dramas)
20 years on: how faith has changed
In 1996 I started attending an inner city church which had been planted by the Church of England into a former pub. The congregation was mainly people in a similar stage of life and the church had a vibrancy and authenticity I really appreciated. I attended the evening services each week with expectation and excitement… Continue reading 20 years on: how faith has changed
‘The Hill We Climb’: a new expression of an ancient message
In the past few months various high-profile ‘Christian Prophets’ confidently predicted a Trump win. Some have apologised, some cling to conspiracies which they believe prove they were actually right. All of this nonsense does the Church no credit. But God works in mysterious ways. And in the heart of the inauguration ceremony, we witnessed a… Continue reading ‘The Hill We Climb’: a new expression of an ancient message
Possessed by a cult of ‘Christian’ nationalism
For many people the Christian support for Donald Trump is one of the most mystifying and worrying aspects of US politics. It was no surprise to see Jesus banners amongst those carried by those who stormed the Capitol building. Four years ago, an old school friend, Nick Miles, wrote a guest post on why he,… Continue reading Possessed by a cult of ‘Christian’ nationalism
How HUSSO volunteering changed my life
HUSSO 1994: launch of a new football coaching project. Jon Kuhrt is next to Mo Cookson (front left) I arrived at Hull University in the Autumn of 1991 to study Social Policy and Social Work. I signed up to join HUSSO, the student community action group, at the Freshers’ Fair after hearing the Chair, Martin… Continue reading How HUSSO volunteering changed my life
Standing at the Crossroads of a New Year
The New Year can be a focus for hope and change: a time of decision, to choose certain paths and resist others. In Jeremiah 6:16 it says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your… Continue reading Standing at the Crossroads of a New Year
The Queen gives us a model of how to talk about faith publicly
Over the last 10 years the Queen has been increasingly open about her Christian faith in her Christmas Day message. This quote particularly struck me from her speech this year: "The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light." Whatever your views on the Royal family, I think everyone can learn from the way that the Queen speaks… Continue reading The Queen gives us a model of how to talk about faith publicly
Zuzu’s petals and the pandemic: reminders of what is most important
In the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, the main character George Bailey faces bankruptcy and scandal. After a life of service and sacrifice, someone else’s negligence takes him to the brink of ruin. On Christmas Eve, in the midst of his angst and desperation, George goes home and sees his family. His young daughter, Zuzu,… Continue reading Zuzu’s petals and the pandemic: reminders of what is most important
Fishin’ 4 Religion: the Arrested Development of faith
Way back in 1993 when I was a student, the band Arrested Development released their first album 3 years, 5 months and 2 days in the Life of... It sold 4 million copies and was pretty much the only hip hop album I ever bought. Part of what I liked was how spiritual many of… Continue reading Fishin’ 4 Religion: the Arrested Development of faith
