Matt Bird recently wrote an article titled Be for the poor, but not against the rich. According to Matt, God’s material riches of Solomon is evidence that ‘God is not opposed to wealth or the disparity of wealth’. He chastises a development charity for describing as ‘unacceptable’ the fact that the richest eight people in the… Continue reading Prophet warning: a response to Matt Bird – by Justin Thacker
Category: Poverty
Why Pope Francis is wrong about begging
This week I was at a church in central London, talking with the minister when a man came to the door asking for help. He explained that he was not from London but his wife had just been discharged from UCH (a London hospital) following an emergency operation. He said they had nowhere to stay… Continue reading Why Pope Francis is wrong about begging
Shannon Matthews and the three faces of poverty
Everyone who cares about poverty and community life in the UK should make sure they watch the BBC drama The Moorside. It is a thoroughly researched and brilliantly acted film about the tragic case of Shannon Matthews, a young girl from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. In 2008, Shannon was reported as missing by her mum, Karen Matthews.… Continue reading Shannon Matthews and the three faces of poverty
Poverty is many things…
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Poverty is not entertainment, it’s not noble or romantic.Poverty is... heavy.It’s heavy hearts and heavy legs.It’s sore skin and hollow eyes.It’s upset and downhearted.It’s hunger. Malnourishment. It’s always thinking about the next meal.Poverty is bailiffs, it’s food banks, it’s queues and lists,it’s never being told what you’re entitled to but… Continue reading Poverty is many things…
‘A thorn in the side of comfortable socialism’: an appreciation of Bob Holman (1936-2016) – by Dave Wiles
Photo by Ffion Scott on Pexels.com I first met Bob Holman in 1973. Following on from a turbulent adolescence I had experienced a radical conversion to Christianity. At the same time Bob was considering his future as Professor of Social Administration at Bath University. With an amazing sense of vocation from him and Annette, he… Continue reading ‘A thorn in the side of comfortable socialism’: an appreciation of Bob Holman (1936-2016) – by Dave Wiles
Wallowing in nostalgia or facing up to the challenges of today?
This week I was invited to an event at Parliament to mark the 50th anniversary of the famous film Cathy Come Home in the company of MPs and its director Ken Loach. In 1966, it was watched by over 12 million people and had a massive impact on people's views about homelessness. It led to the creation… Continue reading Wallowing in nostalgia or facing up to the challenges of today?
The harrowing reality of UK poverty: ‘I, Daniel Blake’ [Review]
In 1967, Ken Loach's film Cathy Come Home was a seminal moment in the national consciousness about homelessness. The film led directly to the formation of the national housing charity Shelter. I, Daniel Blake is a Cathy Come Home for our times. Loach has once again shone an unflinching spotlight on poverty in the UK today. Its a film… Continue reading The harrowing reality of UK poverty: ‘I, Daniel Blake’ [Review]
“In reaching out to the lost, I think I have found myself” – The Genius of the Poor [review]
“Somewhat ironically, my 12-month journey amongst the unlearned and unschooled has taught me more insights and life lessons than all my privileged education had achieved back home.” In 2012, Londoner Thomas Graham arrived in the Philippines expecting to stay one month. His assignment was to write an investment report on the Philippines, ‘one of the… Continue reading “In reaching out to the lost, I think I have found myself” – The Genius of the Poor [review]
We need Sport Relief from corporate injustice – by Andy Turner
So another Sport Relief has come and gone. An unrelenting mash up of fun, sporting heroics, comedy and conviction, highlighting poverty and raising money. The banter, unlikely competitions, silly stunts, and comedy sketches are fun. The heroic feats, especially Eddie Izzard's incredible 27 marathons in 27 days, are inspiring. The short, beautifully crafted films capture eye-watering poverty… Continue reading We need Sport Relief from corporate injustice – by Andy Turner
Fat Cat Tuesday: top bosses have already made more money by today than the typical UK worker will earn in a year
I work for a charity that helps homeless people in the West End of London. A few weeks ago I walked out of my office and saw this car parked outside - a gold Bentley. I am used to seeing flash cars in the area - like people sleeping rough, it's a hallmark of central London life.… Continue reading Fat Cat Tuesday: top bosses have already made more money by today than the typical UK worker will earn in a year
Grace + Truth 