The Benefit Cap – a cap placed on the amount of benefit a family can receive – is an extraordinarily difficult policy to argue against. This is not because it has merits – it is in almost every respect terrible – but because it so beautifully taps into negative beliefs about the benefits system and …
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Prayer Update: Asia Bibi case postponed
Asia Bibi has been on death row in Pakistan since 2010 for allegedly breaking the country’s strict blasphemy laws. Bibi denies the allegations. Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are heavily criticised for their use to persecute minority faiths. Although the majority of convictions have been against …
It’s been a tough year in politics; our Politicians need our prayers.
Over the weekend, MPs, party members, charities and lobbyists have been gathering in Birmingham ahead of Conservative Party Conference, which started yesterday. As with the Labour Party Conference, JPIT denominations will be part of a wider faith leader’s delegation, joining Salvation Army and …
Are you #WithRefugees? Sign the petition today
Today the World Council of Churches have issued an appeal for everyone to sign the #WithRefugees petition, which will be handed in to the United Nations Headquarters before the UN General Assembly meets on 19 September. Sign the petition, to stand #WithRefugees JPIT have produced resources on …
Reflection for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
Thursday 1 September is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The annual event is an ecumenical initiative called for by Pope Francis marking the start of Creation Time, a tradition of the Orthodox Church started in 1989, which sees churches hold special reflections on creation for …
Have we already forgotten about the refugee crisis?
It’s been a busy few weeks in politics, to say the least. What’s happened? Well, Brexit, leadership elections on both sides, and a new Prime Minister, installed just yesterday, for good measure. Can you remember life before the referendum? It seems a long time ago now, and sometimes, it feels …
After the Referendum – a recommitment to the Common Good
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) This week the people of the UK have made the significant decision to leave the European Union. Across our communities, including in …
We are made for goodness
The world feels a bit more fragile today. The news of the murder of Jo Cox MP, coming after the massacre at the gay club in Orlando, feels like a body blow. Jo Cox was about my age, with children slightly younger than mine. Friends of mine knew her. She was obviously a much admired MP, …
Europe, Pentecost and the Round Table – A Reflection and Prayer
It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. At a time when so much of the debate about the EU referendum is based on personal and national self-interest, it’s well worth reflecting on the symbolism of the the EU flag. Whether its designers were aware of this or not, it taps into very ancient …
After Iain Duncan Smith’s Resignation
Iain Duncan Smith has resigned. There have been celebrations in some places and tears in others. The media is full of political analysis about how this will affect the internals of the Government and there appears to be a fight underway about how the man will be remembered. Although I have a view I …