All around us we see the new life of spring emerge from the darkness of winter. This new life reflects the Christian hope of Easter. Jesus suffered and died an unjust death. But then was dramatically resurrected. New life overturned death itself. This hope is at the heart of Christian faith. Its a living hope… Continue reading ‘It has been a rocky road but I know that I am loved and that I am never alone’
Category: Social action
What can students actually do about homelessness?
Adapted from a talk given to Just Love at Oxford University, 20/2/23 When I was a student in Hull in the early 1990s, I volunteered every week at a drop in centre for ‘homeless and rootless’ people called Dock House. It was organised through the student-run community action group, HUSSO, based in the Student Union… Continue reading What can students actually do about homelessness?
Imagine the world differently: a year with L’Arche – by Danny Kuhrt
In September 2021, I moved into a L’Arche community in Edinburgh for a gap year before starting University. It turned out to be the best year of my life. Throughout the year I laughed, cried, grew, found deep joy and I was able to make a real difference. I am writing this article because I… Continue reading Imagine the world differently: a year with L’Arche – by Danny Kuhrt
We need to dig deeper in our response to poverty – by Greg Smith
Jo Moore's recent article on Grace + Truth highlights a significant issue: that unconditional generosity can so easily lead to dependency for the recipient. Those of us who have been active in this kind of work recognize the sense of entitlement which easily develops in response to whatever welfare provision or charity that is offered.… Continue reading We need to dig deeper in our response to poverty – by Greg Smith
Feeding poverty: are we doing a dis-service to those in need? – by Jo Moore
A while ago, a lady came into the office of the charity I work in demanding a food parcel. I sat her down and gently told her I needed to find out a little more about why she needed the food. She was not happy with any questions being asked. I tried to explain there… Continue reading Feeding poverty: are we doing a dis-service to those in need? – by Jo Moore
What DID Jesus do? The clue to thriving ministry – by Gavin Howard
Over recent months, I have been reflecting on what enables Christian ministries to thrive. I am involved with a number of Christian charities and love to be inspired by work which is growing and blessing both church and society. There is a but coming... Floundering But time and again, I encounter Christian work which is… Continue reading What DID Jesus do? The clue to thriving ministry – by Gavin Howard
Mixed-blessings & semi-skimmed faith
Every week, church buildings across the country host thousands of community projects: food banks, lunch clubs, parent & toddler groups and a host of work for people affected by loneliness, homelessness and poverty. But of course, just because these projects are church-based, it does not mean that all the volunteers are committed Christians. A huge… Continue reading Mixed-blessings & semi-skimmed faith
‘Endurance inspired by hope’: strong roots for social action
A few years ago an atheist friend of mine who worked for a homelessness charity said to me: ‘My motives are purer than yours. I do this work simply to help people, you do it so you can get into heaven.’ I did my best to explain that while I am motivated by my faith, I have… Continue reading ‘Endurance inspired by hope’: strong roots for social action
Faith which puts Hope into Action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZSKiqr0iPk&t=48s I am excited to share that I have a new job. In January, I will be joining Hope into Action as their new Chief Executive. I have loved my work over the last 4 years, advising on how churches and faith groups respond to homelessness in the government’s Rough Sleeping Initiative. This period has seen… Continue reading Faith which puts Hope into Action
Reality bites: migration, kindness & truth – by Jonathan Thomas
The last 5 years I have been on a journey with migration and Christian faith. This has changed how I think about both of these things. And myself. My initial interest in migration came from a place of international law and metropolitan liberalism, not faith. At 48 I went back to university, to do an… Continue reading Reality bites: migration, kindness & truth – by Jonathan Thomas
Grace + Truth 