In 1966, the BBC play Cathy Come Home was a key moment in public perceptions about the reality of homelessness. This week, we have seen the ITV drama Mr Bates v The Post Office have a similarly seismic public impact. Its a moving and inspiring 'David v Goliath' story of a group of ordinary people’s… Continue reading Dramatic impact & something bigger than justice
A modern Ecclesiastes: Matthew Perry & the Big Terrible reality of addiction
Matthew Perry’s memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is a poignant and moving book which is rendered tragic by the author’s death last year aged just 54. Matthew Perry had just about everything most men could dream of. He had ‘the best job in the world’ starring in the world's most popular TV… Continue reading A modern Ecclesiastes: Matthew Perry & the Big Terrible reality of addiction
Empowered: faith that makes a lasting difference, Conference 7th March 2024
I have been very encouraged by the response to my longer article Justice, Empowerment & Faith: the Future Direction of Christian Social Action. It has been read by over 4000 people so far and I have had a pile of emails and messages with lots of support and agreement as well as plenty of thoughtful critique… Continue reading Empowered: faith that makes a lasting difference, Conference 7th March 2024
Why ‘New Atheism’ grew old
Ten years ago, when I worked at the West London Mission, I invited an atheist sociologist to speak at our Annual Conference. His name was Carwyn Gravell and in a beautifully lyrical Welsh accent, he introduced himself: "I am an atheist, but I am not of the Richard Dawkins kind. I am not at the… Continue reading Why ‘New Atheism’ grew old
Fences or ambulances on the cliff-edge of poverty? – by Juli Thompson
Photo by Enrico Perini on Pexels.com I have worked for twenty years in Bradford tackling homelessness and food insecurity. Reading Grace+Truth over the years has helped me to reflect on the approach I have taken. Its good to be self-critical and I have always been challenged by the thought that our work might be part… Continue reading Fences or ambulances on the cliff-edge of poverty? – by Juli Thompson
Finding our ‘Why?’ and helping young people do the same…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyzWPiRbnl0&t=3 I first met Mike Palin thirty years ago when we were both leaders on a youth camp in Devon. Its no exaggeration to say that this youth camp changed our lives. It formed us as people by solidifying faith and helping us find purpose, meaning and a host of brilliant friendships. In the years since… Continue reading Finding our ‘Why?’ and helping young people do the same…
Justice, Empowerment & Faith: the future direction for Christian social action
This is a longer article written to provoke discussion about the key challenges and future direction for Christian social action in the UK. A PDF version can be downloaded at the bottom of the article. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for ancient paths, ask where the good way… Continue reading Justice, Empowerment & Faith: the future direction for Christian social action
Feeding the hunger for community – by Simon Dwight
Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com On the Friday before Christmas, I hurried from my office to our church's outreach meal. Over the past two decades, my work life has focused on ways to help people overcome homelessness. However, as my career and the issue of homelessness have become increasingly interconnected, I've naturally moved away… Continue reading Feeding the hunger for community – by Simon Dwight
‘I didn’t see how I could be loved by God’: a journey from homelessness to hope
Antonio's life had been the grip of an addiction which had taken his resources, destroyed his relationships and left him cold and alone on the streets. His identity lacked dignity and any positive self-worth. As he says: 'It turned me into a person I was never meant to me' Recovery But from this rock bottom,… Continue reading ‘I didn’t see how I could be loved by God’: a journey from homelessness to hope
Structural justice: we need to nationalise house building
Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS on Pexels.com In 1998 I bought a one-bed flat in Kings Cross. It cost me £62,000. The similar flat next door had been sold for £38,000 a few months before and I remember my new neighbour telling me I had been ‘diddled’. I only bought the flat because the estate where… Continue reading Structural justice: we need to nationalise house building
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