Theology

Greenbelt needs to rediscover it’s spiritual confidence

For some people the annual Greenbelt festival, with its blend of music, arts, justice and spirituality, is an article of their faith.  It provokes a fierce devotion in those who would never dream of being anywhere else on the August Bank Holiday weekend. But as the trustees of the festival have made clear, Greenbelt faces serious challenges.… Continue reading Greenbelt needs to rediscover it’s spiritual confidence

Ethics & Christian living

Devon, Balcombe and Greenbelt: a fracking good summer – by Hannah Martin

I have just had a great summer. From a youth camp in Devon, to the anti-fracking protest camp at Balcombe and then onto the Greenbelt festival I participated in three very different communities.  It wasn’t a relaxing holiday, more the body-aching-wood-smoke-smelling-when-will-I-see-hot-water-again kind. But I think I was hoping to be uncomfortable.  I wanted to be… Continue reading Devon, Balcombe and Greenbelt: a fracking good summer – by Hannah Martin

Theology

Are Christian festivals the new denominations?

I got an email the other day from a good friend who I have not seen for a while asking me about my summer.  He is not a Christian but he knows a lot of people who are, and he asked me a question that got me thinking: "So what's your poison: new wine, greenbelt, spring harvest?… Continue reading Are Christian festivals the new denominations?

Theology

The joys of a dirty weekend away: Greenbelt 2012

If you were in the Cheltenham area on Saturday then you would have witnessed a downpour of rain which was almost Old Testament in its proportions. The racecourse with its 20,000 campers was almost submerged; Greenbelt became Mud-belt and the stewards and organisers did an amazing job to keep the whole thing going. The rain… Continue reading The joys of a dirty weekend away: Greenbelt 2012

Homelessness

10 second poll: Do you give money to people who are begging?

I am at the Greenbelt festival this weekend and I am speaking in a debate on the following motion: 'This house believes that giving money to people begging does more harm than good'. I'll let you guess whether I am speaking for or against the motion (for clues see this article) but to help could you… Continue reading 10 second poll: Do you give money to people who are begging?