Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I was deeply troubled by the news of the killings of journalists at Charlie Hebdo, France’s beloved satirical newspaper, by two French Muslim brothers of Algerian descent, Chérif and Saïd Kouachi. I’ve been haunted by footage I saw of these gunmen’s shooting of a police officer in cold blood on… Continue reading I am Not Charlie: a Christian response to the killings in Paris – by Bob Ekblad
Category: Ethics & Christian living
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
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
‘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
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?
Grace + Truth 