Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com A few weeks ago my neighbour’s only son died unexpectedly. He was in his 30s, without a job and there was no money to pay for the funeral. Amidst the shock and grief that followed for her I learned something else; that funeral’s are very expensive, and there is… Continue reading Funeral poverty: when there is nothing left to say goodbye – by Emma Tomlinson
A world in crisis…but pregnant with possibilities
Photo by Austin Garcia on Pexels.com It feels like we live in a world which is gripped by crisis, suffering and uncertainty. The horrors of IS in Iraq and Syria. The unending cycles of violence and retribution in Israel and Palestine. The human catastrophe of Ebola. Closer to home there is growing cynicism about the political process. Those… Continue reading A world in crisis…but pregnant with possibilities
Isolation and loneliness destroys lives…but we can do something about it – by Jeremy Sharpe
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com The film Castaway focuses on one man, Chuck Noland (played by Tom Hanks) who has been marooned alone on an uninhabited island. As well as his frantic efforts to find enough food, warmth and shelter to survive, the film also depicts his mental struggle with extreme isolation and loneliness. One of the… Continue reading Isolation and loneliness destroys lives…but we can do something about it – by Jeremy Sharpe
Food bank Britain and the three faces of poverty
A major report 'Emergency Use Only' was published yesterday by the Church of England, Oxfam and the Trussell Trust. It outlines the reality of Food bank Britain: Those receiving emergency food from food banks rose from 128,697 in 2011-12 to 913,138 in 2013-14. Many food bank users faced multiple challenges, including ill-health, relationship breakdown, mental health problems or substantial… Continue reading Food bank Britain and the three faces of poverty
Can you give 10 minutes a day for R&R’s Advent Challenge?
Advent is supposed to be a time of waiting and anticipation. A time to pause and prepare for the celebration of Christmas. If I am honest, for me it is far more likely to be a time smothered with extra busyness, more spending and an anxiety about getting more things done. To help people like me, I… Continue reading Can you give 10 minutes a day for R&R’s Advent Challenge?
Endurance inspired by hope: why churches remain at the heart of tackling poverty
Photo by Shayla on Pexels.com A while ago an atheist friend of mine who also works with homeless people said to me: ‘My motives are purer than yours. I do this work simply to help people, you do it so you can get into heaven.’ I did my best to explain that while I am motivated by my… Continue reading Endurance inspired by hope: why churches remain at the heart of tackling poverty
I don’t Vow To Thee My Country: the difference between patriotism and nationalism
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com This week a lot of people will sing the hymn ‘I Vow to Thee my Country’ at Remembrance services. The hymn, which combines the words of a poem by British Diplomat Sir Cecil Spring-Rice with a beautiful tune by Gustav Holst, is enormously popular. And having been sung at both… Continue reading I don’t Vow To Thee My Country: the difference between patriotism and nationalism
Would Jesus bomb IS? – by Claire Mathys
Photo by Torben Bu00fchl on Pexels.com Since the UK decided to join other Western countries in airstrikes against the so-called Islamic State (IS), many Christians have been wrestling with whether this decision was the right one. One question is whether bombing is morally justifiable. Another is whether it is strategically wise. Both sit against a… Continue reading Would Jesus bomb IS? – by Claire Mathys
Inequality is bad for EVERYBODY: its time to close the gap
Every day I am struck by the incredible inequality on display in the West End of London. I get off the bus outside Selfridge’s and see the £5,000+ designer handbags in the windows. I walk through Marylebone past the exclusive clubs and restaurants such as the Chiltern Firehouse with security guards and paparazzi outside. Every few minutes, Ferraris,… Continue reading Inequality is bad for EVERYBODY: its time to close the gap
Alan Henning: a ripple of hope in a world of injustice
"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls… Continue reading Alan Henning: a ripple of hope in a world of injustice
Grace + Truth 