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
Category: Ethics & Christian living
One female bishop is not enough: the Church must behave more like Jesus – by Hannah Martin
As the incarnation of progressive politics, Christ would be taking a stand against every evil, from the arms trade to Ukip. The Church of England needs to do the same The Church of England has just announced that Libby Lane is to be the first female bishop – 22 years after the General Synod decided… Continue reading One female bishop is not enough: the Church must behave more like Jesus – by Hannah Martin
‘He was a nuisance then and he’s a nuisance now’
'He was a nuisance then' said Braddock 'and he's a nuisance now. He won't let you work out cosy little systems and call 'em "churches", and he won't let you get away with having four meetings a week to discuss what you're going to do in next week's meetings. If that's what you want, you'll find… Continue reading ‘He was a nuisance then and he’s a nuisance now’
A world in crisis…but pregnant with possibilities
Photo by Austin Garcia on Pexels.com It feels like we live in a world which is gripped by crisis, suffering and uncertainty. The horrors of IS in Iraq and Syria. The unending cycles of violence and retribution in Israel and Palestine. The human catastrophe of Ebola. Closer to home there is growing cynicism about the political process. Those… Continue reading A world in crisis…but pregnant with possibilities
Can you give 10 minutes a day for R&R’s Advent Challenge?
Advent is supposed to be a time of waiting and anticipation. A time to pause and prepare for the celebration of Christmas. If I am honest, for me it is far more likely to be a time smothered with extra busyness, more spending and an anxiety about getting more things done. To help people like me, I… Continue reading Can you give 10 minutes a day for R&R’s Advent Challenge?
‘The Book of Forgiving’ by Desmond & Mpho Tutu [Review]
"Forgiveness is not easy, but it is the path to healing. It was not easy for Nelson Mandela to spend twenty-seven years in prison, but when people say to me what a waste it was, I say no, it was not a waste. It took twenty-seven years for him to be transformed from an angry, unforgiving… Continue reading ‘The Book of Forgiving’ by Desmond & Mpho Tutu [Review]
How should our faith affect the way we live?
This morning I listened to a short reflection* about how small actions can make a big difference. The example used was how significant it was for Desmond Tutu when as a young boy he saw a white priest doff his hat in courtesy to his mother who was a domestic worker. Growing up under apartheid in South Africa… Continue reading How should our faith affect the way we live?
Psalm 23 Antithesis
Photo by JESHOOTS.com on Pexels.com The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest. It makes me lie down only when exhausted. It leads me into deep depression. It hounds my soul. It leads me in circles of frenzy, for activities sake. Even though I run frantically from task to task, I will never get it all… Continue reading Psalm 23 Antithesis
National Day of Fasting, April 4th: spiritual resources for justice
Photo by jamie he on Pexels.com Friday 4th April is the National Day of Fasting. I want to encourage anyone who is reading this to join the fast and stand with those experiencing hunger in the UK today. In the last few weeks, End Hunger Fast has achieved an incredible amount for a truly grassroots… Continue reading National Day of Fasting, April 4th: spiritual resources for justice
What would you include if you could write your own obituary?
What do you really want to be remembered for? What legacy do you truly want to leave? Actually sitting down and writing your own obituary is one of the exercises recommended at the end of the first chapter of the book God of Surprises. I am currently re-reading it for Lent. The author, Gerard Hughes explains:… Continue reading What would you include if you could write your own obituary?
Grace + Truth 