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
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.
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
Unknowable love, unknowable power; revealed in vulnerability
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com From Bono on Bono: conversations with Michka Assayas: "I remember coming back from a very long tour...Got home for Christmas, very excited of being in Dublin. On Christmas Eve, I went to St Patrick's Cathedral...it's a kind of tradition on Christmas Eve to go but I had never been. I went… Continue reading Unknowable love, unknowable power; revealed in vulnerability
‘Do not be afraid’ is at the heart of the Christmas story
Nativity scene – Julius Garibaldi Melchers – 1891 All of us have many things that they can worry about - whether its money, work, family or tricky relationships. When I became a parent it hugely expanded the scope and range of things I could be fearful of. You could say that anxiety is the default setting for modern… Continue reading ‘Do not be afraid’ is at the heart of the Christmas story
‘The Great Reversal’ – a poem by Kester Brewin
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Walking with the crowds, Carried along by the pressing forward. Each one eager to get ahead, but each one starting the same – born as a baby and from then on struggling towards meaning, power and influence. Be someone, Be remembered, Make a big impression; leave some indelible mark in… Continue reading ‘The Great Reversal’ – a poem by Kester Brewin
Three reasons why everyone should watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ this Christmas
Victims of injustice or just bad cooks? Whose responsibility is food poverty?
On Monday I attended the launch of the report of the All Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Food Poverty in the UK. Over the last week, the whole issue has had an incredible amount of coverage in the media. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, opened the event and said that hunger is Britain is an… Continue reading Victims of injustice or just bad cooks? Whose responsibility is food poverty?
Why are churches ‘the best social melting pots in modern Britain’?
Love Streatham's Family Fun Day Today, the Daily Telegraph reports on the findings of research by the Social Integration Commission about the places where people from different backgrounds meet and mix with each other. The article, with the headline 'Churches are the best social melting pots in modern Britain', states: ‘Overall, it found that churches and other places of worship are more successful… Continue reading Why are churches ‘the best social melting pots in modern Britain’?
