The report into the conditions at Napier Barracks, a former army base where asylum seekers are now detained, makes appalling reading. The Government’s own inspectors set out how asylum seekers are still being forced into unsafe, unclean and unfit accommodation. It documents how that has led to …
Reaction to the Budget
In this Budget, the Chancellor faced the difficult task of setting financial and economic priorities at a time when unprecedented support has been needed, and continues to be needed, to help the country get through the pandemic. As well as setting out plans for the extension of that support, he had …
An introduction to the 2021 elections
There are elections happening across England, Wales and Scotland on Thursday 6 May. What are the Churches doing? In terms of the number of eligible voters it will be the biggest expression of democratic opinion outside a UK General Election. However, the elections happening in …
Prioritise vaccination of all vulnerable people ‘wherever they are in the world’
Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, convener of the Faith Impact Forum, asks whether the UK, which has a population of 68.2 million people, should be doing more to ensure that developing countries are able to properly protect vulnerable people and stop the spread of the virus. After a year of upheaval, …
How could the government support families weighed down by debt on 3rd March?
In the upcoming budget, the Chancellor will set out a the UK’s financial path. This will be an opportunity to offer support for those hit hardest by the pandemic, including businesses, workers and families. In the budget, the Chancellor has the opportunity to do this by taking on the burden of …
A tale of two spaces
A reflection exploring how we respond when our spaces are disrupted and subverted by people with a different set of values and world views. By Simon Jay. Every time I walk into any space, whether it is a church, restaurant, park etc, I ask the question: Who has constructed this space? Who is …
A collection of Lent resources
Lent is fast approaching. Ash Wednesday is 16th February, after which we head towards Easter on 4th April. In this season, Christians remind themselves of Christ’s journey through the wilderness. It’s often used as a period to grow our personal discipleship through self-discipline: giving …
A Fair Deal
A few years ago, I had the privilege of travelling to India. The cultural and culinary differences between the UK and India are plain to see, but I was struck by the sight of large shopping malls full of familiar, Western brands. The Indian people were buying their own products, made in India, but …
The expansion of the voluntary returns scheme and the EUSS
In the last week, it was revealed that the UK’s voluntary returns scheme has been expanded to include EU citizens. What does this mean for the EU Settlement Scheme? The government’s voluntary returns scheme was expanded at the start of this year to include EU citizens. On this scheme, …
Repentance ground: an authentic lament
We need to be intentional about understanding the reality, the history and facts about racial injustice if we are to address it. By Charmaine Mhlanga. Micah 6:8 (Amplified)He has told you, O man, what is good;And what does the Lord require of youExcept to be just, and to love [and to …