Photo by Tu00fcrker Burak TURGUT on Pexels.com The family of Kayla Mueller, a US aid worker who was being held by ISIS, have confirmed that she has been killed. Before she was captured, she told her hometown paper in Prescott, Arizona: “It’s important to stop and realize what we have, why we have it and how privileged we are.… Continue reading ‘I have come to see that there is good in every situation’ – Kayla Mueller’s hope in captivity
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.
The Church, gay relationships and the truth
Photo by Alexander Grey on Pexels.com All Christians have to grapple with the challenge of how the truth revealed in the Bible relates to the truth revealed in our experiences. Over the years truths that are accepted in previous eras are challenged and church practice evolves. For example, few Christians still believe that St Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians mean that women… Continue reading The Church, gay relationships and the truth
‘I just want to do God’s will’ – Martin Luther King’s final speech
Photo by Hugo Magalhaes on Pexels.com Every day around 100 homeless people come to the day centre run by the West London Mission for a hot breakfast, showers, clothing or to see our in-house doctor or nurse. Every Tuesday a Spirituality Discussion group takes place in the TV room led by our Chaplain. I love it… Continue reading ‘I just want to do God’s will’ – Martin Luther King’s final speech
The personal cost of injustice: review of ‘Selma’ (12A)
Few people have integrated activism, theology and personal commitment in such an inspiring way as Martin Luther King. ‘Selma’ is the first major feature film made about King. It focuses on his campaign in Selma, Alabama in 1965, where the restrictions and obstacles enforced on black people meant that, despite having a constitutional right to vote, hardly… Continue reading The personal cost of injustice: review of ‘Selma’ (12A)
The secularisation of Martin Luther King
Ahead of Martin Luther King day tomorrow in the US and the release of the film 'Selma' in the UK, I am re-posting this article from 2013.
A journey of radical humility: ‘Pope Francis: Untying the Knots’ by Paul Vallely [review]
Recently I was talking with someone who was brought up a Catholic but it now an atheist. Although he has rejected the church of his upbringing, he was fascinated and excited by the approach of Pope Francis. It was just one example of the impact that Jorge Bergoglio has had since becoming Pope in March 2013. His generosity,… Continue reading A journey of radical humility: ‘Pope Francis: Untying the Knots’ by Paul Vallely [review]
‘All Christians are political’ – putting our faith in the mixer
Photo by Stan Platt-Jones on Pexels.com 'All Christians are political, whether they realise it or not. But especially when they don't realise it' Kenneth Leech In football terminology, putting the ball ‘in the mixer’ means getting it into the penalty area right in front of the goal. It’s where there is often some jostling and controversy and where… Continue reading ‘All Christians are political’ – putting our faith in the mixer
We cannot pretend this violence has nothing to do with religion
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com My next door neighbour is a devout Muslim and he is the best neighbour that it is possible to have. He recently replaced the fence between our gardens. Not only did he refuse to accept any contribution from us for the cost of the new fence, but while we were away he came… Continue reading We cannot pretend this violence has nothing to do with religion
‘Back street theology’ and stories from the frontline
During 2014, the growing use of food banks across the country has been a major political story. A key reason is because the Trussell Trust, who coordinate the majority of the food banks in partnership with many churches, have been persistent and determined in communicating the crisis they see unfolding across the UK. They have told the stories from… Continue reading ‘Back street theology’ and stories from the frontline
The Queen’s Christmas message: a model of how to talk about faith in the public sphere
The Queen's message, broadcast on Christmas Day was viewed by almost 8 million people this year. This meant it topped the Christmas viewing charts. In recent years, the Queen has been increasingly open about her Christian faith. This quote particularly struck me this year: “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace, whose birth we… Continue reading The Queen’s Christmas message: a model of how to talk about faith in the public sphere
Grace + Truth 