Theology

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’

Ethics & Christian living

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?

Politics

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

Films & music

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

Social action

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

Ethics & Christian living

‘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

Ethics & Christian living

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

Social commentary

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

Ethics & Christian living

‘I just want to do God’s will’ – Martin Luther King’s final speech

Photo by Hugo Magalhaes on Pexels.com Every day around 100 homeless people come to the day centre run by the West London Mission for a hot breakfast, showers, clothing or to see our in-house doctor or nurse. Every Tuesday a Spirituality Discussion group takes place in the TV room led by our Chaplain.  I love it… Continue reading ‘I just want to do God’s will’ – Martin Luther King’s final speech

Social commentary

Remembering the holocaust means fighting anti-semitism today – by Alan Bolchover

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com This week marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Many of my Jewish friends are sharing their own family experiences of the holocaust. Nearly all of us have them. Before the Second World War, my grandfather Elio lived in a village called Lubcz in Belorussia,… Continue reading Remembering the holocaust means fighting anti-semitism today – by Alan Bolchover