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
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.
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
‘I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty’
"I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security. I do not want a Church concerned with being at the centre and which then ends by being caught up… Continue reading ‘I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty’
The power of personal conviction
I have just read For the Glory, a biography of Eric Liddell by the brilliant sports writer, Duncan Hamilton. Eric Liddell was the Scottish sprinter who famously refused to run in the 100m in the 1924 Olympics because the heats were on a Sunday. Liddell was subject to severe ridicule for his stance from some… Continue reading The power of personal conviction
‘It has been a rocky road but I know that I am loved and that I am never alone’
Photo by Egor Kamelev on Pexels.com All around us we see the new life of spring emerge from the darkness of winter. This new life reflects the Christian hope of Easter. Jesus suffered and died an unjust death. But then was dramatically resurrected. New life overturned death itself. This hope is at the heart of… Continue reading ‘It has been a rocky road but I know that I am loved and that I am never alone’
Empowering change: carrying the burdens of others so each can carry their own load
I sat in a church listening to a woman tell me about the horrific domestic violence that she had experienced from her former partner. It had left her so scared that even when she had moved out she slept in the wardrobe of her new room to try to feel safe. But she then told… Continue reading Empowering change: carrying the burdens of others so each can carry their own load
Grace + Truth 