Photo by Kamil Zubrzycki on Pexels.com Vincent Donovan was a Catholic missionary who worked among the Masai tribes-people in Tanzania in the 1960s. He became increasingly concerned about the state of missionary work. Donovan observed that after a 100 years of missionary activity in East Africa, the Catholic Church was very busy, running several schools,… Continue reading Is the Church just ‘an NGO with a pointy roof’?
‘For Good: The Church and the Future of Welfare’ – Samuel Wells with Russell Rook & David Barclay [review]
In the 1990s, I used to buy just about every book I could find on Christian social action. Around the turn of the century though, I had to become more selective. One reason was because the number of books published on the subject increased so much. But also I had a nagging guilt about spending too… Continue reading ‘For Good: The Church and the Future of Welfare’ – Samuel Wells with Russell Rook & David Barclay [review]
A little bit of hope can go a long way – review of ‘Hector’ (15)
Hector is a gritty and moving road-movie about a homeless man travelling from Scotland to London for Christmas. It is tough to watch in parts, but is also heart-warming and brilliantly acted. It avoids sentimentalising the characters or the subject matter. Peter Mullan’s acting is gentle and under-stated in the title-role. As the film unfolds… Continue reading A little bit of hope can go a long way – review of ‘Hector’ (15)
Faith and homelessness: the further back you look, the further forward you can see…
Almost all homeless charities in the UK have their roots in the Church. Some are obvious, such as The Salvation Army, West London Mission, Cardinal Hume Centre, Providence Row, Emmaus, The Church Army and many others. Less people are aware that organisations like Shelter, the YMCA and Centrepoint were also established by church leaders and… Continue reading Faith and homelessness: the further back you look, the further forward you can see…
Lives on a knife-edge
Photo by Lum3n on Pexels.com This week I was in my local park with my youth football club. One of the kids found something left next to a tree and called me over. He had found a weapon. It was a jagged knife blade which had been bound with gaffer tape to a foot-long handle.… Continue reading Lives on a knife-edge
Why the Church needs these Alpha males
In her memoir of her journey into (and then out of) church leadership, theologian Barbara Brown Taylor writes about young people leaving her congregation: ‘One way or the other, most of the children had left by the time they were thirteen. Twelve was the traditional age for confirmation...it was their turn to decide, we told… Continue reading Why the Church needs these Alpha males
Confidence in the difference faith makes
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com I read this in the Christmas Eve edition of The Times' newspaper earlier this week - written by a journalist who is not a regular church-goer: 'Come with me...to the schools, hospices and care homes where thousands of Christians do good work every day. Seek out the grittiest, grimiest… Continue reading Confidence in the difference faith makes
Faith in addressing homelessness: reflections on leaving WLM
Photo by Taufiq Klinkenborg on Pexels.com This coming week is my last at the West London Mission (WLM) after 8½ years leading their work with people affected by homelessness, poverty and trauma. It has been a deeply rewarding job. I have worked alongside many brilliant people and WLM has travelled a long way. In term… Continue reading Faith in addressing homelessness: reflections on leaving WLM
Does everyone need a saviour?
Artwork at St Martin's service by Don Pollard We sing a song at my church with the words: ‘Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a saviour’. Most people today acknowledge the importance of kindness. Even atheists often respect the church for running food banks and night shelters. Being kind is generally appreciated. But the idea… Continue reading Does everyone need a saviour?
‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ – a film by Peter Jackson [review]
I will never forget talking with an old school friend in the pub after he got back from the first Gulf War in 1991. He had left school at 16 and joined the army just as I went into the Sixth Form. In the Gulf he served as an officer in a tank regiment. At… Continue reading ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ – a film by Peter Jackson [review]
Grace + Truth 