I am re-posting this article from 2016 because I heard yesterday the tragic news that Neil Jameson, the founder of Citizens UK, has died. Neil's work and legacy is quite rightly receiving great praise and I wanted to re-post this blog with deep respect to all he achieved for community building and social justice. For… Continue reading Honour where it’s due: Neil Jameson & the difference between profile & real influence
Category: Ethics & Christian living
‘I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty’
"I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security. I do not want a Church concerned with being at the centre and which then ends by being caught up… Continue reading ‘I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty’
An insurgency against individualism – by Jenny Sinclair
There is much being said about the decline of the West. Those who say it is exaggerated may prefer to avert their eyes, but the decay is real and things are likely to get worse. Lent is typically a time of reflection, repentance and spiritual growth: this year it calls us to reflect and repent… Continue reading An insurgency against individualism – by Jenny Sinclair
Empowering change: carrying the burdens of others so each can carry their own load
I sat in a church listening to a woman tell me about the horrific domestic violence that she had experienced from her former partner. It had left her so scared that even when she had moved out she slept in the wardrobe of her new room to try to feel safe. But she then told… Continue reading Empowering change: carrying the burdens of others so each can carry their own load
Doing is a tricky thing – by Alan Carson
St Francis may have said “You do not know, what you have not practiced” I say may because I can only find it referenced in the writings of Dorothy Day but if it’s only her quote that’s still good enough for me. By the standards of St Francis, or at the very least Ms Day,… Continue reading Doing is a tricky thing – by Alan Carson
‘Guard your heart: the wellspring of life’
Photo by Thomas P on Pexels.com “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”… Continue reading ‘Guard your heart: the wellspring of life’
Lent: giving up ‘malicious talk and the pointing finger’
I see Lent as an opportunity to realign ourselves. A time to re-commit to an integrity between who we are on the outside and who we are on the inside. To seek a wholeness between the person that we present for the world to see, and the person we are when no one sees. Whilst booze… Continue reading Lent: giving up ‘malicious talk and the pointing finger’
A spirituality for reality: saying what we mean and meaning what we say
Adapted from a talk at ‘Beer and Theology’ at the Angel Pub, Rotherhithe on 17/2/23 I like both beer and theology. Whilst I have seen plenty of problems associated with alcohol addiction, I have always appreciated the good things that beer can bring. A few drinks can give us ‘Dutch courage’ to be more real… Continue reading A spirituality for reality: saying what we mean and meaning what we say
Kindness, compassion & forgiveness
In my church, we are in the middle of a 40 Days of Prayer which has involved daily 3 minute videos done by different members of the church and posted on YouTube every morning. Its the kind of project that would have been really complicated a few years back but now is made relatively straightforward… Continue reading Kindness, compassion & forgiveness
Hope doesn’t house people. Action does.
The New Testament book of James challenges the idea that Christianity is chiefly about what is going on inside of our heads: our thoughts, beliefs and feelings. Faith is easily turned into an intellectual exercise, a doctrinal debate or an emotional experience. But abstract thoughts, beliefs and feelings cost us little and don't change… Continue reading Hope doesn’t house people. Action does.
Grace + Truth 