Dear Tony Hall, Director General of the BBC, So next week you have got to decide what you’re going to do about Jeremy Clarkson. On the one hand, you want him to continue heading up one of the BBC’s most successful shows which is loved (and hated) the world over and raking in millions of pounds each… Continue reading How do you solve a problem like Jeremy Clarkson? A positive proposal to the BBC – by Jonathan Chilvers
‘Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference’
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com At the church where my work is based, over 200 people come into the building every day for 12 Step fellowship groups. The most famous of these is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) but there is also Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Over-eaters Anonymous (OA), Debtors Anonymous (DA) and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA). … Continue reading ‘Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference’
This could Welby ‘the best decision anyone can ever make’
Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com Last week I went to a lecture given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at Lambeth Palace. Since becoming the C of E’s top man, Welby has caught the public’s imagination and headlines through his attacks on pay day lenders, his concern for food poverty and his willingness… Continue reading This could Welby ‘the best decision anyone can ever make’
Low pay or Living Wage: does the Church practice what it preaches?
Some Christians might be delighted that today’s front page headline in Britain’s most popular newspaper is a direct quote from Paul’s Letter to the Romans. But the article titled ‘Wages of Sin’ highlights the Church of England’s inconsistency in simultaneously calling for the Living Wage but not paying this to all of its staff. True… Continue reading Low pay or Living Wage: does the Church practice what it preaches?
Left-wing Bishops? The real problem is Jesus himself – by Harry S.B. Chomley
Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels.com Quite rightly, there has been an outcry over the latest bit of propaganda issued by the Guardian-readers-at-prayer otherwise known as the Church of England Bishops. Their 'pastoral letter' issued yesterday ahead of the election was a thinly-veiled support for the left-wing parties. I am not much of a believer, but… Continue reading Left-wing Bishops? The real problem is Jesus himself – by Harry S.B. Chomley
Fifty Shades: Testing our Grey matter – by Mandy Marshall
By now you may be a bit sick of hearing all the news and views about Fifty Shades of Grey. Is it erotic mummy porn? Is it abusive? Is bondage domination sadism and masochism (BDSM) compatible with a healthy relationship? The film based on the books is being released tomorrow - Valentine's Day – but,… Continue reading Fifty Shades: Testing our Grey matter – by Mandy Marshall
For God’s Sake Make a Difference
It cannot be disputed that Churches are very good at establishing social action projects. Recent years have seen a huge growth in projects such as Foodbanks, Night Shelters and a wide range of other initiatives. The big challenge is how these projects maintain their Christian ethos and integrate this alongside their high quality practical service. I know… Continue reading For God’s Sake Make a Difference
‘I have come to see that there is good in every situation’ – Kayla Mueller’s hope in captivity
Photo by Tu00fcrker Burak TURGUT on Pexels.com The family of Kayla Mueller, a US aid worker who was being held by ISIS, have confirmed that she has been killed. Before she was captured, she told her hometown paper in Prescott, Arizona: “It’s important to stop and realize what we have, why we have it and how privileged we are.… Continue reading ‘I have come to see that there is good in every situation’ – Kayla Mueller’s hope in captivity
The Church, gay relationships and the truth
Photo by Alexander Grey on Pexels.com All Christians have to grapple with the challenge of how the truth revealed in the Bible relates to the truth revealed in our experiences. Over the years truths that are accepted in previous eras are challenged and church practice evolves. For example, few Christians still believe that St Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians mean that women… Continue reading The Church, gay relationships and the truth
How to help someone with an eating disorder – by Emily Norris
Photo by NEOSiAM 2024+ on Pexels.com Today is 'Time to Talk' day, where people are asked to take 5 minutes out of your day to talk about...(bring on the scary taboo topic)..MENTAL ILLNESS. I haven't told many people this, but I was officially diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa seven years ago. I was confused, ashamed and therefore… Continue reading How to help someone with an eating disorder – by Emily Norris
Grace + Truth 