I’ve been doing Harvest assemblies and celebrations for 22 years. I think they’re much richer and more authentic now, and Foodbanks are partly responsible. Nostalgia and guilt Harvest celebrations used to be overshadowed by nostalgia and a vague guilt that we were losing connection to the land. People used to turn up at urban and… Continue reading Foodbanks have saved Harvest celebrations from nostalgic irrelevance – by Simon Cansdale
Unity in action: Movement Day is a glimpse of the future for the UK Church – by Matthew Rhodes
This weekend I spent at a conference in Westminster run by the British incarnation of the worldwide group Movement Day. Movement Day UK describes itself as a unity movement with “a passion to see our places transformed in every area of culture; transformation being characterised by spiritual, cultural and social change –[because] people and places matter to God.” More broadly it describes its values in… Continue reading Unity in action: Movement Day is a glimpse of the future for the UK Church – by Matthew Rhodes
Hope in action (even if you’re little you can do a lot)
'Pollen' by Hope. Inspired by a trip to Kew Gardens, London Recently I was contacted by a Mum whose 5 year old daughter wanted to do something to help homeless people. What struck me was that their family situation is not at all easy - the daughter has additional needs and the family don't have a… Continue reading Hope in action (even if you’re little you can do a lot)
Guns in America: religion is part of the problem but faith will be part of the answer
Photo by Connor McManus on Pexels.com As a Christian, I think its vital that we are honest about the way religion can often uphold and underpin injustice. Whilst its good to be inspired by the great faith-inspired social movements - like the battles against the slave trade, the civil rights movement or the fight against apartheid… Continue reading Guns in America: religion is part of the problem but faith will be part of the answer
Refugees – a poem by Brian Bilston
Photo by Ahmed akacha on Pexels.com They have no need of our helpSo do not tell meThese haggard faces could belong to you or meShould life have dealt a different handWe need to see them for who they really areChancers and scroungersLayabouts and loungersWith bombs up their sleevesCut-throats and thievesThey are notWelcome hereWe should make… Continue reading Refugees – a poem by Brian Bilston
How society and government policy facilitate sexual abuse – by Ruth Woodcraft
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Newcastle joined an infamous list of UK cities in August with the conviction of 17 men and one woman for rape, supplying drugs and conspiracy to incite prostitution. The media dissected events and the conclusions were critical of Northumbria Police. Early opportunities were missed to investigate the abuse, and thousands… Continue reading How society and government policy facilitate sexual abuse – by Ruth Woodcraft
White supremacy is America’s original sin – by Shawn Bawulski
This is the text of a speech given by Shawn Bawulski at the Phoenix Black Lives Matter rally against hate this week. It is re-produced with permission. I’m honoured to be speaking at this rally against hate. I speak today as a Christian theologian: God’s love is pure. God’s love is on us all. I love you… Continue reading White supremacy is America’s original sin – by Shawn Bawulski
Abuse, collusion and cover-up in the C of E – by Stephen Kuhrt
Photo by Kyle Miller on Pexels.com The Church of England and its senior leaders colluded with Peter Ball, the ex-Bishop of Lewes and Gloucester, rather than seeking to help those he had harmed or assuring itself of the safety of others. That is the damning conclusion of Dame Moira Gibb’s review of the church’s handling… Continue reading Abuse, collusion and cover-up in the C of E – by Stephen Kuhrt
Doing To or Being With? Re-thinking Christian social engagement
This year marks 130 years since the founding of the West London Mission. It was in October 1887 that WLM began its work to bring spiritual and practical hope to people affected by poverty. Back then in Victorian London we ran food depots, clothing stores, soup kitchens and even a job service for unemployed servants.… Continue reading Doing To or Being With? Re-thinking Christian social engagement
‘This is for Allah’: overcoming denial about the deadly power of religion
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Last night I was with a group of volunteers who have been running a night shelter for homeless people over the last eight months. They come from 13 different churches and a local synagogue in central London. As well as Christians and Jews, a significant number of volunteers are also… Continue reading ‘This is for Allah’: overcoming denial about the deadly power of religion
Grace + Truth 