The extremist Muslim terrorist organisation Islamic State (formerly ISIS) recently captured Nineveh in northern Iraq. The atrocities they have since committed there led me to revisit this ancient story... The word of Yahweh came to Jonah the Jew. "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because the stench of its wickedness… Continue reading Jonah and Islamic State – by Matt Valler
Category: Politics
Why I support the strikers – by Jonathan Chilvers
Today I have been out supporting the Public Sector strikers in Warwickshire. Some passers-by came up to the picket line to show their support. However, listening on the radio, a number of people have been hostile towards strikers. There have been three points people have made against the strikes: 1) "There’s no money" The 'cuts' mantra has been… Continue reading Why I support the strikers – by Jonathan Chilvers
‘The Bible is a blueprint for Marxism’: the theology of Jeremy Clarkson
Photo by John-Mark Smith on Pexels.com It has been an important week for issues of faith and social justice. On Tuesday, the Christians on the Left Summit debated how the church’s social action, such as Foodbanks and homeless shelters, connects to campaigning for social justice. To use Desmond Tutu’s phrase, as well as pulling people out… Continue reading ‘The Bible is a blueprint for Marxism’: the theology of Jeremy Clarkson
Democracy in action…or not
Warwickshire County Council has just gone through a 6 month process to slash 26% from a budget over 4 years that had already been cut by a similar amount since 2010. Up and down the UK the picture is the same: older peoples' care, firefighters, road maintenance and libraries all under threat. As we approached… Continue reading Democracy in action…or not
On trial tomorrow: Christian activists who blocked an arms fair displaying torture equipment
Last September, a group of Christians knelt in prayer to block the entrance to the London arms fair - known as Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEi). The protestors sang hymns, prayed together and prevented arms dealers from entering the fair for nearly an hour.On that same day as the protest, two companies were thrown… Continue reading On trial tomorrow: Christian activists who blocked an arms fair displaying torture equipment
The Summit of faith, social action and politics – by Andy Flannagan
Regular readers of R&R may already know about the re-launch of Christians on the Left. I wanted to grab a few moments of your time to tell you about a great event we are hosting for everyone interested in faith, social action and politics. I believe this is a hugely significant time both for… Continue reading The Summit of faith, social action and politics – by Andy Flannagan
Foodbank politics: faith, community action and social justice
The Labour government of the late 1970s will always be associated with economic failure, public sector strikes and the ‘winter of discontent’ when (as legend has it) the rubbish went uncollected and the dead unburied. When we see documentaries about the 1970s, they often include scenes of refuse piled up and picket lines accompanied by background… Continue reading Foodbank politics: faith, community action and social justice
‘They came expecting fireworks’: the launch of Christians on the Left
Christians on the Left, the new name for the Christian Socialist Movement, was formally launched in a packed room at the Houses of Parliament on November 5th. It was quite a night to be in that famous old building. Drawing inspiration from the most famous anti-parliamentary activism of all time, an anarchist demonstration was noisily… Continue reading ‘They came expecting fireworks’: the launch of Christians on the Left
Now is the time for Christians on the Left
Next week, the Christian Socialist Movement will officially launch its new name: Christians on the Left. I was strongly in favour of a name-change -you can read my reasons in a previous R&R post. I think the launch of Christians on the Left is a significant moment in the history of faith-based political activism. Rather… Continue reading Now is the time for Christians on the Left
How to get elected and hold onto your soul
Back in May I was elected to the County Council. In amongst all the congratulations from friends, people from church and colleagues I sensed a curious cognitive dissonance that went something like this: “You’re now a politician. All politicians are lying, power-grabbing such and suches in suits, but…well, we know you. You’re Jon with the… Continue reading How to get elected and hold onto your soul
Grace + Truth 