Much is Much is being said about the need for strong Government and strong leadership. What do these ideas mean for us? Whilst a strong Government may be desirable or even necessary, there are models around the world which rightly attract widespread condemnation. A “strong” Government is not in and …
Prayers for Manchester
Here we have compiled the prayers, statements and reflections from our Churches and Church Leaders for those affected by the horrific bombing at the Manchester Arena on the evening of May 22nd. From the Revd Phil Jump, Regional Minister for North Western Baptist Association North West Baptists …
This is a time… What (else) Matters?
Brexit is likely to be the dominant issue of this campaign, even though Article 50 has already been triggered and individual MPs will have little power to shape the eventual agreement. But there is a very real danger that Brexit becomes the only issue, and that other important concerns and …
This is a time… Disagreeing Well
What influences you? Sometimes we don’t even notice how ideas, events or opinions have an impact on what we believe or do. Media coverage can affect the way we see things. The tone of some political debates and headlines recently has been unpleasant and divisive, a trend which may continue as the …
Discernment in public issues at election times
The other day I was talking to a Catholic Priest friend of mine about secular politics and the role of the Church at election times. He was sharing something about the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola which resonated with me that might help us to avoid being co-opted unwittingly into …
Faith in Politics: the 2017 General Election
Every General Election presents an opportunity for citizens to participate critically and constructively in the democratic process. It may be a cliché to suggest that there has “never been so much at stake”, but there is an element of truth to this saying. We are living in an unprecedented political …
This is a time… you matter, we all matter
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 Christians believe the straightforward truth that to be human is to be made in God’s image …
Amidst the General Election coverage over the next few weeks and beyond, don’t let us forget…
There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28) Since the Prime Minister called a General Election two weeks ago, the country has been awash with news from the Campaign trail. MPs are …
This is a time… don’t give up
“Oh no! Not again!” Was this your response to the news of the election? Voter fatigue, suspicion of the motives behind the election, or fear for the future of our country has led many people to feel fed up with politics. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, …
So there’s going to be a General Election…
After the whirlwind year of 2016 it looks like 2017 is set to continue in the same vein. Over the last three years we have seen two referendums (yes that’s a word), one on Scottish Independence, the other on the UK’s membership of the European Union, a General Election and elections for the Scottish …