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When you feed the least of these, you feed me
Christmas is acknowledged worldwide, and everything points to a positive, happy time – a season to look forward to. It’s not surprising then that most people associate Christmas with family, friends, exchanging gifts and enjoying a festive meal together. But, for some people, this is not the…
Tinuke Akinbulumo
Boundless and unlimited
Lockdown has shown me that our vision to be whole-life disciples has never been more important, and that church, discipleship and worship must be able to continue from home. It’s been challenging at times, and this whole experience has reminded me that we’re made to be in community; we need those…
Rachel Cooney
NOW CLOSED: Responding to the Law Commission’s review of wedding ceremonies
Among the principle changes proposed is to allow religious organisations other than the Church of England and the Church in Wales to nominate officiants who can legally conduct ceremonies. The Evangelical Alliance sees the shift from the venue being registered for weddings, to the officiant from an…
January lockdown: Scottish Government update
Speaking to the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister announced the need for new tighter restrictions in a bid to combat the fast-spreading new strain of the virus. All of mainland Scotland will remain under these new restrictions for the duration of January, with an initial review scheduled…
Being Human S2E05
What does it mean to live in relationship? Culture today governs our relationships through the ideas of choice, consent and contracts. As individuals, we relate to ours on our own terms and break relationships when they fail to meet our needs. We see these stories bubble up in marriages,…
Open Doors UK World Watch List 2021: a proactive and prayerful response
Some of the facts revealed in this year’s report This year, for the first time ever, all top 50 countries score levels of at least very high persecution, while the top 12 score extreme levels of persecution;there was a 60 per cent increase over the previous year in the number of Christians killed…
Jo Evans
Ethical foreign policy and recognising genocide
When the Labour Party swept to power in 1997, their foreign secretary, Robin Cook, took just two weeks to announce a major shift in how the government would approach foreign policy. After nearly two decades out of power, he said: “Our foreign policy must have an ethical dimension and must support…
Danny Webster
Respond to the Government’s consultation on early medical abortion
Last March, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary legislation was introduced to allow abortions to take place at home. Early medical abortion (EMA) consists of the administration of two sets of pills within the first 10 weeks of gestation. The first medication (Mifepristone) prevents…
Being Human S2E06
Are all of our disagreements about justice in the world simply power struggles? Our global and neighborhood communities seem to constantly clash over imbalances and injustices. It seems as if we are watching a stage play where different actors constantly switch the roles of victim and oppressor.…
Your connection is unstable: why our friendships need nurturing and treasuring more than ever
During that time there had rarely been a day when it had not adorned my finger and, having lost it, I genuinely felt its absence on an almost hourly basis. I would wring my hands longingly, my eyes scanning every shelf and surface for a glimpse of burnished jewellery. I must have searched under the…
Phil Knox
Sea shanties: a new song for your city?
The TikTok trend at the start of 2021, according to American late night host Stephen Colbert, is the Sea Shanty. In our fragmented and divided age, who would have thought that maritime folk songs from 19th century sailors would bring together teenagers from Tokyo to Tulsa? What in the world is…
Ryan Shelton
Reading our times while being human
And since we’re in the podcast business these days, it’s only fair for us showcase one of our favourites. Spencer hosts some smart humans on the show who are writing interesting and influential books that shape our public conversations. In fact, if you were listening to Being Human alongside…
Ryan Shelton
What's in your hands?
In a time of ongoing change, we know it can be hard to discern the best way to continue your ministries and maximise the gifts of your church members. Lots of people who previously served on teams are no longer able to do so, and it's important that we make sure they know they are still valued even…
Rachel Bourner
Cancel culture, de-platforming and freedom of speech
Freedom of speech is a vital hallmark of a democratic society. It thrives not on laws and regulation but on a culture of civility and what the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks called “the dignity of difference”. The Government has recently confirmed that it is to appoint a ‘free-speech champion’ for…
Danny Webster
Being Human S2E10
How we think our story is going to end has massive implications on the lives we live today. Is the outcome certain or left contingent on the rises and falls of social opinions and actions? On the right and left we face stories of utopia and dystopia with no clear vision of a bright and beautiful…
