Search results for Danny Webster
Domestic abuse law hijacked by abortion amendments
UPDATE: The Speaker of the House of Commons has not selected the amendment to decriminalise abortion for debate and vote. MPs will however still vote on a proposed amendment to allow women in abusive relationships access to home abortion kits throughout the first 24 weeks of their pregnancy.
Danny Webster
Reopening churches: acting with confidence and wisdom
However, this year the return to normality is not at all like we're used to. It’s not a six-week break that we’re returning from, but a gradual and hesitant resumption of something akin to the usual after six months of very unusual times. Over the course of the coronavirus crisis, as a society, we…
Danny Webster
New lockdown rules: what does it mean for churches?
There are a number of places where more than six people can attend at the same time, and this includes places of worship. Therefore, church services can go ahead as long as they operate according to the Government’s guidance, with social distancing maintained and other hygiene measures in place.…
Danny Webster
Hope has a name, and its name is Jesus
The change in government guidelines and regulations that we’re seeing on a seemingly weekly basis exposes how vital hope is, and yet how easily we place our hope in the wrong things. We hope for a reduction in coronavirus cases to enable our lives to return to some semblance of normality. Better…
Danny Webster
Understanding the politics of lockdown
The system of individual local lockdowns in England has now been replaced with a three-tier set of restrictions, with every local authority placed in one of the three categories. At present only the wider Liverpool City Region is in the highest tier of restrictions, which sees the closure of many…
Danny Webster
Churches frustrated at forced closure
Schools, colleges and universities are asked to remain open but otherwise the restrictions are very similar to when the first lockdown was imposed in March. This means that churches and other places of worship are required to close for public services and are only allowed to reopen for limited…
Danny Webster
Evangelical Alliance calls the UK to pray
The Evangelical Alliance has called a UK day of prayer on 13 November to bring the country before God. The organisation is working with networks, denominations and churches to bring together Christians to pray for the UK amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The day of prayer highlights that,…
Hate crime bill needs stronger protection for freedom of speech
The Scottish Government has already acknowledged widespread criticisms of the original proposals and has suggested amendments that would require any crime to be intended and not just considered likely by the courts. The Evangelical Alliance joined with many other organisations, both from faith…
Danny Webster
Tell the Government how to improve its engagement with faith communities
People of faith from across the England are invited to respond to the review, which is already underway. The Government is particularly keen to hear from those with leadership roles within their faith community and individuals who work in the public sector, whether that is the civil service,…
Danny Webster
What would better government engagement with faith groups look like?
This wide-ranging review is an excellent opportunity to raise concerns about how efforts to support, understand and interact with faith communities have not always succeeded but to also highlight good practice and promote better long-term engagement. The Evangelical Alliance is responding to the…
Danny Webster
Churches can stay open under strict restrictions introduced throughout the UK
In a press conference on 19 December the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced that for London and large areas of the south-east of England households must now stay at home in a newly created Tier 4 that largely replicated the rules from November's lockdown. For the rest of England the Christmas…
Danny Webster
To meet or not to meet?
Churches across the UK have done an incredible job serving their communities during this pandemic. The church has not, and is not, closed. Indeed, many have found creative ways to continue regular public worship, to love our neighbours and to obey the governing authorities. Whilst the rules are…
Danny Webster
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
A roadmap for resuming in-person church meetings?
UPDATED 26 MARCH 2021
Danny Webster
A voice of hope, justice and leadership
The last five years have seen immense and tense political disagreement among evangelical Christians on both sides of the Atlantic over the presidency of Donald Trump; but even some of his closest allies found themselves, rightly, having to reject the violence that his words inspired. But somewhat…
Danny Webster
