Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com The former Australian cricket coach Justin Langer spoke this week about a lunch he had with Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United football manager. Within two minutes of meeting Ferguson looked him directly in the eye and said: “Just remember son, truth works…always tell the truth” Langer was… Continue reading ‘Truth works’: a lesson for Boris Johnson (and everyone)
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.
Cheap grace & the lie of love without cost
Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com Why does an ordinary glass crack when boiling water is poured into it? Its because of the pressure caused by the difference in temperature between the inside and the outside. The structural integrity of the object cannot bear this scale of difference. It’s a good metaphor for the human… Continue reading Cheap grace & the lie of love without cost
Why you should watch ‘The Chosen’
In recent weeks I have loved watching the series The Chosen, a brilliantly produced series about Jesus and his core group of followers. Depth and quality I have always found dramatic adaptations of the Bible helpful. The gospel narratives are very lean and allow for plenty of imaginative speculation about people's back stories, motivations and… Continue reading Why you should watch ‘The Chosen’
The opposite of toxic masculinity
Carl Beech is the founder of Christian Vision for Men and Edge Ministries which builds Christian communities in areas of deprivation. I have been deeply struck by how Carl has shared news of his recent diagnosis of Early Onset Parkinson's disease. I have found his insights an inspirational example of how God's power is often… Continue reading The opposite of toxic masculinity
Burning disagreement: the Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
In the early 2000s, I worked for a large Christian charity where I organised an optional prayer meeting that started each working week. On one occasion, a colleague used a quote from Harry Potter as part of a reflection. As I recall it was Albus Dumbledore saying: ‘We are protected, in short, by our ability… Continue reading Burning disagreement: the Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
Inspiration v integrity
Photo by Suvan Chowdhury on Pexels.com The emerging allegations relating to the behaviour of Mike Pilavachi, church leader and founder of the Soul Survivor festival, have sent seismic shocks through the church. The accusations of coerced massages of young interns, along with bullying and an intense favouring-then-freezing-out of colleagues, sound similar to the behaviour of… Continue reading Inspiration v integrity
A crowning ambivalence
‘VIVAT REX EDUARDUS! They crowned a king this day, and there has been great rejoicing and elaborate tomfoolery, and I am perplexed and saddened… Thus wrote the American author Jack London who came to England in 1902 to write about poverty and homelessness. His visit coincided with the coronation of King Edward VII. The 1902… Continue reading A crowning ambivalence
A gateway to humanity’s deepest needs: security and purpose
Jesus used many ordinary and everyday illustrations to convey truth. But his sheep / shepherd metaphors are probably some of the most well-known. Sheep are vulnerable and need places to gather which provide safety and protection. They are also prone to panic and a herd mentality. They need experienced guides they trust to help… Continue reading A gateway to humanity’s deepest needs: security and purpose
Honour where it’s due: Neil Jameson & the difference between profile & real influence
I am re-posting this article from 2016 because I heard yesterday the tragic news that Neil Jameson, the founder of Citizens UK, has died. Neil's work and legacy is quite rightly receiving great praise and I wanted to re-post this blog with deep respect to all he achieved for community building and social justice. For… Continue reading Honour where it’s due: Neil Jameson & the difference between profile & real influence
Process, protocol & the problem with the Civil Service
Dominic Raab’s resignation as Secretary of State for Justice and Deputy Prime Minister has led to intense discussion about the relationship between Ministers and the Civil Service. This follows similar controversies around the conduct of Priti Patel when she was Home Secretary. In January this year, I completed a 4 year secondment into the Civil… Continue reading Process, protocol & the problem with the Civil Service
Grace + Truth 