The UK Government has just tabled a bill placing restrictions on Local Authorities and universities that is extraordinary in many ways. The Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill states that central government (not Local Authorities or their constituents or the governing …
Peacemaking
Ukraine Invasion – One Year On
On the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, our church leaders have made statements on the continuing war and how we can respond. Baptists Together It is with tremendous sorrow that one year on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine there are few signs of the war coming to an end anytime …
Biden says nuclear risk is the highest since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis
Jo Biden told a meeting of Democrats yesterday that the risk of use of nuclear weapons is the highest since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.[1] The President warned that for the “First time since the Cuban missile crisis, we have a direct threat of the use nuclear weapon if in fact things continue …
Afghanistan and the UK – One Year On from the Fall Of Kabul
One year ago, it was reported that the President of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani, had fled the country. In April 2022, President Biden had announced his intention of fully withdrawing of US troops from Afghanistan. Subsequently, the Taliban’s attacks across the country intensified and a number of …
Public morality and private profit: the case of nuclear weapons
On 21st June governments and civil society representatives from across the globe assemble in Vienna for the first meeting of State Parties of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The event will see the gathering of State representatives (Ministers and Diplomats) alongside city …
How can we help Ukraine?
The tragic conflict in Ukraine has swiftly become a crisis on multiple levels. As well as the direct casualties of war, the humanitarian crisis within the country is escalating, as many are trapped in bunkers and underground stations without food and access to fresh water. Over one million people …
10 Minutes On… the invasion of Ukraine
10 Minutes On... the invasion of Ukraine Dave and Steve discuss Ukraine and Russia's recent history, the call to be peacemakers and how Christian leaders can lead people into prayer as the conflict unfolds. Other resources A liturgy for peace (Communion of Protestant Churches in …
“We affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.”
On Monday, Russia, United States, China, UK and France came together to state that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. The ‘Reagan Gorbachev principle’, as it has become known, may seem to be a fairly obvious truth. But this is the first time that these five nuclear weapons …
The UK’s arms sales to human rights abusers
The Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms fair is taking place in London this week. The 2021 DSEI event demonstrates the need for a complete reassessment and overhaul of the UK government’s support for the UK arms industry, similar to that of 2007/2008 when the Defence …
Afghanistan – what will the future hold?
It seems that the long-running 20 year military campaign in Afghanistan has come to an abrupt end, creating huge apprehension for what might come next. Those in Afghanistan who have been active in supporting the US/UK backed governments of Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani fear for the future of the …