A deepening relationship and a letter of support This week we are celebrating some of the stories of congregations from our churches who have taken up the challenge to meet their local MP. Each congregation was able to demonstrate their concerns for the local area, express their hopes and …
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Meet Your MP – Adventures in Asking & Action (Day 2)
“Our MP helped increase the places offered to Syrian refugees.” This week we are celebrating some of the stories of congregations from our churches who have taken up the challenge to meet their local MP. Each congregation was able to demonstrate their concerns for the local area, express …
Meet Your MP – Adventures in Asking & Action (Day 1)
“I’ll help serve breakfast!” This week we are celebrating some of the stories of congregations from our churches who have taken up the challenge to meet their local MP. Each congregation was able to demonstrate their concerns for the local area, express their hopes and dreams, and invite …
Flooding in Nabuna Village, Fiji
Julia Edwards writes from Nabuna Village, Fiji, as they respond to flooding risks increased by climate change. Naomi Navica-Soga, 37, is a lecturer at Tavua College and resident of Nabuna Village in Northern Vitilevu. She moved to Nabuna 16 years ago when she married and she now has five …
Universal Credit: what you won’t read in the DWP’s “Myth Busting” advertorials
Today there is a good news story about Universal Credit on the front page of newspapers. It is called “Universal Credit Uncovered” and despite the lack of branding it is advertising payed for by the Government to “Bust Myths” about Universal Credit. If you wish to feel happy and delude yourself that …
Turning up when it’s difficult
I have never approached the final few days of any election period without a clear idea in my head of how to vote. These European elections, taking place in such a particular and peculiar context, have proved challenging as we consider how we ought to engage. As Christians, how do we rise …
At last the Government is Rethinking Sanctions: Now let’s do it properly
This is a blog which contains joy and danger in equal measure. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has decided to stop imposing three year-long benefit sanctions as a punishment for not obeying the instructions of the Jobcentre. Such sanctions meant that people had no support for …
Climate Change: A farming view
Amanda Gordon, Coordinator of Cumbria Agricultural Chaplaincy, writes about her experience of climate change amongst rural communities. Rural communities are an inherent part of the land – not only do they live amongst it, but also often derive a livelihood from it. It is inevitable, …
Reflections on Living Lent
(or 'The joys of a naked cucumber') Naomi and her husband Luke took up the challenge to go ‘plastic-free’ during Lent. Here, Naomi reflects on what might happen next. Since Lent began, nothing in our kitchen has been quite what it seems. Cake tins are stuffed with fusilli, jam jars are …
50 Years of Continuous At Sea Deterrence: What is there to celebrate?
This month marks 50 years of our nuclear weapons submarines sailing out of Faslane, Scotland. Powered by silent nuclear reactors, the submarines are designed to be undetectable. The Ministry of Defence wants a national celebration of the undoubted technical achievements of our Continuous At Sea …