This is the text of a speech given by Shawn Bawulski at the Phoenix Black Lives Matter rally against hate this week. It is re-produced with permission. I’m honoured to be speaking at this rally against hate. I speak today as a Christian theologian: God’s love is pure. God’s love is on us all. I love you… Continue reading White supremacy is America’s original sin – by Shawn Bawulski
Tag: Jim Wallis
A world in crisis…but pregnant with possibilities
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 who spread fear and division are more… Continue reading A world in crisis…but pregnant with possibilities
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
Seven months on: what were the reasons behind the August riots?
One of the key investigations into the causes of the Summer riots is due to publish it's findings tomorrow. The report of The Riots, Communities and Victims Panel is important as its remit was to give a voice to the communities and victims directly affected by the August riots. As ever, those closest to the issues often speak the most sense.… Continue reading Seven months on: what were the reasons behind the August riots?
The unpredicted tinderbox: 3 factors which fuelled the riots
It’s very difficult talking about the reasons for riots during or immediately after they have happened. People who blame things like poverty, racism, alienation, or the classic ‘there is nothing for the kids to do around here’ sound like they are giving easy excuses for terrible behaviour. Most people are simply expressing their anger and… Continue reading The unpredicted tinderbox: 3 factors which fuelled the riots
When Two Become One (tribalism in the church part 2)
Despite the continuing power of the theological tribalism within the Church (see When Two Tribes Go to War) something exciting is happening which is subverting and challenging these divisions. In my work alongside a wide range of different Christian traditions, I am conscious every week of a growing synthesis that is emerging which is not confined by the tribal… Continue reading When Two Become One (tribalism in the church part 2)
When Two Tribes Go To War
Over the last 10 years, through both my work with homeless people and in community development, I have worked with a wide range of different churches and with Christians who hold very different theological perspectives. Despite some encouraging signs around Christian unity, there remains a significant tribalism at work in the Church between conservative and liberal emphases. We… Continue reading When Two Tribes Go To War