Andy Burnham, 'Unite the Kingdom' and intergenerational divides

In this week’s episode of Cross Section, Danny Webster and Zanna Meynell are joined by Mark Gilmore, policy advisor at the Evangelical Alliance. The episode begins with a conversation about Eurovision, with Croatia’s performance having particularly caught the eye. They also discuss a recent report about parents praying with their children and a dad’s Britain’s Got Talent performance in which his spoken word encouraged his sons to find their refuge and strength in Jesus.  

Conversation then turns to the damp squib that was the King’s Speech . It serves as a reminder that we cannot place all our hopes in politics. The team discuss the implications of potential conversion practices legislation and the significance of that for Christians. From Andy Burnham to Keir Starmer, the team weigh in on what has happened with the Labour leadership race and the continuing chaos surrounding this political moment. 

As last Saturday saw another ​‘Unite the Kingdom’ march, the team examine the continuing conversation around Christian nationalism in the UK. Do check out the briefing events that are coming up in June, which will help us engage in conversations around Islam and Christian nationalism. 

The episode ends with a conversation about intergenerational divides following a BBC article about boomers being the luckiest generation alive. With high rates of unemployment, student loans rocketing and struggles to get on the property ladder, how are young people feeling? How can the church bring hope into these struggles? The team finish by reflecting on the blessing of church family and intergenerational friendships in church life.