Politics

Six reasons why Hillary lost it – by Lizzie Schofield

Oh, Hillary! This was your election to lose, girl! Want to know what happened? Let me make you some tea and share my wise, wise Briddish insights, because obviously if I ran for President of the USA I would do a way better job! Ready? Here's where it all went wrong (imho). 1. Mudslinging: yes… Continue reading Six reasons why Hillary lost it – by Lizzie Schofield

Theology

What’s more important, what the Church SAYS or what it DOES?

At Streatham Baptist Church last week, I had a debate with the senior Pastor, Phil Robinson about our mission as a church. Should we emphasise proclamation or social action?  What is more important - what the Church says or what it does? As a preacher, Phil insisted that proclamation and evangelism was the fundamental imperative - people need to hear clear… Continue reading What’s more important, what the Church SAYS or what it DOES?

Homelessness

Homelessness: personal tragedy & political failure

The annual service to commemorate homeless people who have died in the past year was held today at packed St Martins-in-the-Fields church, central London.   As part of the service, The Choir with No Name and Streetwise Opera performed songs and the names of 160 homeless people who have died in the past year were… Continue reading Homelessness: personal tragedy & political failure

Politics

Voting for Trump…or against something bigger? Globalism is the elephant in the room – by Renee McMullen

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com "The Powers That Be are more than just the people who run things. They are the systems themselves, the institutions and structures that weave society into an intricate fabric of power and relationships. The Powers surround us on every side. They are necessary. They are useful...but the Powers are… Continue reading Voting for Trump…or against something bigger? Globalism is the elephant in the room – by Renee McMullen

Social commentary

Hallow’een, Selfish G’een – by Lizzie Schofield

Nothing puts me in a bad mood like Hallow'een. Apart from the whole 'celebration of evil' thing, it’s so ubiquitous. Even Facebook won't let me do a 'sad face' anymore. Instead I get a Frankenstein head. For a start, this is belittling of Frankenstein, who faced complex issues. He was more 'tortured' than just 'sad'.… Continue reading Hallow’een, Selfish G’een – by Lizzie Schofield

Social commentary

Disagreeing well is good for us (far better than echo-chambers which just reinforce what we already believe)

It has been a fascinating seeing the reaction to the article written by my old school friend, Nick Miles' on why he is voting for Trump. One of my cousins texted me and said 'Oh Jon, what have you unleashed on Facebook?' as he saw my feed flooded with heated debate in response to the pro-Trump… Continue reading Disagreeing well is good for us (far better than echo-chambers which just reinforce what we already believe)

Ethics & Christian living

Cakes, prophets and freedom of belief – by Lizzie Schofield

Photo by Brent Keane on Pexels.com Ashers Baking Co. in Northern Ireland were taken to court for refusing to decorate a cake with the words "Support Gay Marriage" because it went against their Christian beliefs. The judge ruled this was discriminatory and Ashers lost. With this 'progressive' ruling passed, I'm off to Golders Green to get… Continue reading Cakes, prophets and freedom of belief – by Lizzie Schofield

Films & music, Poverty

The harrowing reality of UK poverty: ‘I, Daniel Blake’ [Review]

In 1967, Ken Loach's film Cathy Come Home was a seminal moment in the national consciousness about homelessness. The film led directly to the formation of the national housing charity Shelter. I, Daniel Blake is a Cathy Come Home for our times.  Loach has once again shone an unflinching spotlight on poverty in the UK today.  Its a film… Continue reading The harrowing reality of UK poverty: ‘I, Daniel Blake’ [Review]

Politics

As a Christian, this is why I am voting for Trump – by Nick Miles

Photo by Rosemary Ketchum on Pexels.com Although I’m an American Citizen, I was raised in the UK and have also lived in Europe and Asia. I do understand why many Brits and others struggle to understand Trump's popularity. I want to explain why people like me will be voting for him on November 8th. Crossroads As… Continue reading As a Christian, this is why I am voting for Trump – by Nick Miles

Homelessness

‘It has saved me from a whole heap of misery’: one night sleeping rough to help bring others in from the cold

On Friday night, 40 people slept outside on cardboard in the churchyard of St James' Church Piccadilly in central London.  I was there, along with my Mum (75), son (13), daughter (8), as well as my brother and two nieces. It was noisy and cold, and sightings of rats scurrying nearby did not exactly help any of us sleep… Continue reading ‘It has saved me from a whole heap of misery’: one night sleeping rough to help bring others in from the cold