This November I'll be wearing two poppies - the regular red poppy and the white peace poppy. White Poppies White poppies were first distributed in 1933 by the Peace Pledge Union (PPU) and are intended as a challenge to the 'continuing drive to war'. In my recent post on Syria I quoted the founder of… Continue reading It’s a 2 poppy day
Now is the time for Christians on the Left
Next week, the Christian Socialist Movement will officially launch its new name: Christians on the Left. I was strongly in favour of a name-change -you can read my reasons in a previous R&R post. I think the launch of Christians on the Left is a significant moment in the history of faith-based political activism. Rather… Continue reading Now is the time for Christians on the Left
My night sleeping rough – by Olive Kuhrt (aged 72)
For most of my life I have experienced a soft comfortable bed to sleep in and a warm centrally heated bedroom. I have never considered it a luxury. However, a few weeks ago I decided to join my son and grandson as they were planning to sleep-out on the steps of Marylebone Parish Church. They… Continue reading My night sleeping rough – by Olive Kuhrt (aged 72)
10 Reasons why partnership working doesn’t happen
Everyone in government and charitable agencies is quick to say how committed to partnership working they are. Everyone agrees on the need to join up, work together and be smarter, but so often it doesn’t happen. Here’s my top ten reasons why: 1. We don’t do the arguing at the start Us British are not… Continue reading 10 Reasons why partnership working doesn’t happen
Our Addiction to Self-Promotion
A few years ago I was asked to speak at a conference for youth and community workers. The person who had invited me didn’t know me well but had been involved in an online campaign that I had helped start. I soon realised my host was under a misapprehension that I was a lot more well-known than… Continue reading Our Addiction to Self-Promotion
Why I am sleeping outdoors to help homeless people – by Tom Kuhrt (aged 8)
I think that homelessness is cruel. Shouldn’t all people have houses and bedrooms? (and of course TVs) When I am in London I see quite a few homeless people. I even saw some people living on the streets when I went to France. This is why I am doing a sleep-out to raise money for… Continue reading Why I am sleeping outdoors to help homeless people – by Tom Kuhrt (aged 8)
Honest to God – a Psalm written by homeless people
One of the most exciting areas of my work with the West London Mission has been the development of our Chaplaincy over the last year. Our Chaplain, Ruth, does a great job across our services, offering spiritual support and care to our residents and users whose lives are so affected by homelessness, offending and addictions.… Continue reading Honest to God – a Psalm written by homeless people
Please support me and Tom sleeping out to help homeless people!
I will be sleeping out, along with my son Tom, on Friday 18th October to raise money for the great work of the West London Day Centre (WLDC). The centre is one of the projects run by the West London Mission where I work. For over 40 years the WLDC has been at the cutting edge… Continue reading Please support me and Tom sleeping out to help homeless people!
How to get elected and hold onto your soul
Back in May I was elected to the County Council. In amongst all the congratulations from friends, people from church and colleagues I sensed a curious cognitive dissonance that went something like this: “You’re now a politician. All politicians are lying, power-grabbing such and suches in suits, but…well, we know you. You’re Jon with the… Continue reading How to get elected and hold onto your soul
Liberal Democrats Do God
It is incredibly easy to be cynical about politicians. They’re constantly slated by the press, and often with good reason. But I was struck by the impact this has a few years ago when I found myself at a wedding with a Christian MP and got talking with him and his wife about how the… Continue reading Liberal Democrats Do God
Grace + Truth 