The internet is full of reports of the riots in English cities over the last few nights, as well as more reports about the dire state of western economies after the US downgrade and the Euro debt crisis. But maybe there is a link here? No doubt the analysis of the riots will point to... Continue Reading →
Media storm virtue and risk
Not much blogging recently due to various factors. But to prove I'm still alive and watching the news.... The TV and internet are full of stuff about News International and the allegations of criminal wrongdoing. There is clearly a desire to ‘get Murdoch’ which recent events have now unleashed. But before we loose perspective we... Continue Reading →
Big Society and local Church
Last night we hosted a local Churches Together event where we invited our local MP (the Conservative David Rutley) to talk about the ‘Big Society’ and discuss the part that churches play in it. I thought the evening went well. It was a good opportunity for dialogue as well as questions, and I’m sure there... Continue Reading →
Associate Minister: aiming for success
Life as a minister is one long learning curve. These last few weeks have included adjusting to a new ministerial colleague. She is only the second person to join the staff since I came five years ago and is the first to arrive only having had the search process to get to know the church.... Continue Reading →
Good thinking +Rowan but poor politics
The Archbishop of Canterbury has caused a political stir today with his guest editorial in the New Statesman (text here). Some will argue that he should keep his opinions to himself but I disagree. As a bishop it is right that he should speak about issues which concern wider society; one of the few reasons... Continue Reading →
Why we should support Cameron’s commitment to development aid.
Elements of the media (Mail) have the government’s aid budget in their sights (though not all see Telegraph here). Why at a time of reducing government spending should we ring fence International Aid? The answer is we should do it because it is the right thing to do and, in addition, it is Britain’s national... Continue Reading →
Disappointed, depressed, distressed?
My attention was drawn to a blog (HT Rob Petrini ) by 9marks ‘Don’t make your pastor a statistic’ which suggested the majority of US Pastors were not content in their roles: 70% feel underpaid 70% fight depression 50% feel unable to meet the demands of the job 90% work between 55-75 hours a week.... Continue Reading →
Super injunctions – the law is an ass
Today Sir Fred Goodwin (former head of the Royal Bank of Scotland before the crash) has been named as one of the people who has a super injunction to prevent details about his life been discussed in the media; though anyone who uses the internet as a source for news has known about it for... Continue Reading →
Baptist Times and the internet age
English Baptist readers will know that the Baptist Times has found the last few years hard work financially. The fact they are still here and publishing (with no signs of stopping) is testament to the hard work of the BT team and the benefits they bring to Baptist life. However, athough they have a loyal... Continue Reading →
Politics: I love it
After Thursday's local elections, devolved assembly / parliament elections and the AV referendum it is time to reflect on the political tea-leaves. How will the Liberal Democrats respond to such a bad week? The only option is to keep calm and carry on. They built a record in local government through focusing on doing a... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 