In the first episode of Cross Section of the year, Alicia Edmund, Danny Webster and Peter Lynas discuss the stories that have dominated our headlines in the first two weeks of 2026.
The episode begins with a global focus. Unsurprisingly, the conversation focuses on Trump and the capturing of Venezuelan president Maduro. Where is the moral line in that situation? The team discuss the mixed reactions and responses, with Alicia sharing a more personal perspective having been in Trinidad when it happened.
This week has also seen Trump double down on his threats to take Greenland. The team discuss how the diplomatic stakes are much higher with Greenland and whether this is a leveraging tool. The final global story turns to Iran and the protests there. The team lament the huge loss of life as they consider some of the issues. What are the freedoms that we as Christians in the UK take for granted? How can we witness Christ in our context?
The episode then turns to more domestic stories. Why has Grok AI become so controversial? Does it all come down to the issue of consent? How as Christians can we respond to the issue of deepfake images?
Our final conversation looks at Philip Yancey’s admission of an affair. How do we process it when someone we have looked up to as a mentor sins in such a public way? It is a call for us all to look at our own lives and behaviours. The episode finishes with a conversation about the fact that Bible sales are increasing. In all the fragility and confusion, what an encouragement that is!
