I read today of the death of Nora Forster. I have to admit her name meant nothing to me but I learnt that she was the wife of John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten), lead singer of the infamous 1970s punk band the Sex Pistols. Although she was 14 years his senior, Lydon declared it was… Continue reading A Sex Pistol’s example of true love – by Anne O’Connor
The power of personal conviction
I have just read For the Glory, a biography of Eric Liddell by the brilliant sports writer, Duncan Hamilton. Eric Liddell was the Scottish sprinter who famously refused to run in the 100m in the 1924 Olympics because the heats were on a Sunday. Liddell was subject to severe ridicule for his stance from some… Continue reading The power of personal conviction
‘It has been a rocky road but I know that I am loved and that I am never alone’
Photo by Egor Kamelev on Pexels.com 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… Continue reading ‘It has been a rocky road but I know that I am loved and that I am never alone’
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’
Lineker & refugees: politics, punditry & polarisation
Popular communication today thrives on polarisation. Social media channels are not neutral carriers of unbiased opinion, they are shaped to stoke strong opinions which fuel the shallow politics of our age. The current controversy surrounding Gary Lineker, the BBC and his social media comments on the government’s refugee policies is a perfect example. The government… Continue reading Lineker & refugees: politics, punditry & polarisation
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?
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’
Grace + Truth 