Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com My daughter and I have just got back from WLM's Sleep Out held last night in the grounds of St James’ Church, Piccadilly. It was an uplifting evening. 82 supporters gave up their bed for the night to sleep out and (so far) we have raised £35,000 for our work… Continue reading No one can take steps for others on the hard road of recovery
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.
Hope in action (even if you’re little you can do a lot)
'Pollen' by Hope. Inspired by a trip to Kew Gardens, London Recently I was contacted by a Mum whose 5 year old daughter wanted to do something to help homeless people. What struck me was that their family situation is not at all easy - the daughter has additional needs and the family don't have a… Continue reading Hope in action (even if you’re little you can do a lot)
Guns in America: religion is part of the problem but faith will be part of the answer
Photo by Connor McManus on Pexels.com As a Christian, I think its vital that we are honest about the way religion can often uphold and underpin injustice. Whilst its good to be inspired by the great faith-inspired social movements - like the battles against the slave trade, the civil rights movement or the fight against apartheid… Continue reading Guns in America: religion is part of the problem but faith will be part of the answer
Refugees – a poem by Brian Bilston
Photo by Ahmed akacha on Pexels.com They have no need of our helpSo do not tell meThese haggard faces could belong to you or meShould life have dealt a different handWe need to see them for who they really areChancers and scroungersLayabouts and loungersWith bombs up their sleevesCut-throats and thievesThey are notWelcome hereWe should make… Continue reading Refugees – a poem by Brian Bilston
Doing To or Being With? Re-thinking Christian social engagement
This year marks 130 years since the founding of the West London Mission. It was in October 1887 that WLM began its work to bring spiritual and practical hope to people affected by poverty. Back then in Victorian London we ran food depots, clothing stores, soup kitchens and even a job service for unemployed servants.… Continue reading Doing To or Being With? Re-thinking Christian social engagement
‘This is for Allah’: overcoming denial about the deadly power of religion
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Last night I was with a group of volunteers who have been running a night shelter for homeless people over the last eight months. They come from 13 different churches and a local synagogue in central London. As well as Christians and Jews, a significant number of volunteers are also… Continue reading ‘This is for Allah’: overcoming denial about the deadly power of religion
Re-discovering Narnia and rinsing out stale thinking about Christianity
I grew up in a Christian home as the son of a vicar. In retrospect it gave me loads of things that I am grateful for, but in many ways I disliked being the ‘vicar’s son’ in a large church. People treated you differently: Sunday school teachers really did say things like ‘I would have expected… Continue reading Re-discovering Narnia and rinsing out stale thinking about Christianity
Inspirational but OTT: review of ‘Dirty Glory’ by Pete Greig
The ambition to 'form a movement' is one I have heard expressed by many leaders over the years. Movements are perceived as exciting, purposeful expressions of collective will and spiritual energy. They often stand in contrast to the more mundane task of managing an organisation. Pete Greig is one of the few contemporary Christian leaders who can legitimately… Continue reading Inspirational but OTT: review of ‘Dirty Glory’ by Pete Greig
‘I am neither an optimist or a pessimist’ – the hope of Easter
"Mission begins with a kind of explosion of joy. The news that the rejected and crucified Jesus is alive is something that cannot possibly be suppressed. It must be told. Who could be silent about such a fact? The mission of the Church in the pages of the New Testament is more like the… Continue reading ‘I am neither an optimist or a pessimist’ – the hope of Easter
A soft-touch? Why Christians need to stop being doormats
My recent article on Why Pope Francis is wrong about begging was re-posted on the popular Christian blog Psephizo and a number of church leaders commented on the challenge that this issue poses for them. It again reminded me of how churches, vicarages and manses are at the front line of this issue because of… Continue reading A soft-touch? Why Christians need to stop being doormats
Grace + Truth 