I've been impressed by the handling of the Royal Wedding by the C of E today. The Bishop of London's sermon seemed well suited to the occasion. For those who want to know what he said words here and video here While not a big fan of royal occasions, weddings are an occasion to celebrate... Continue Reading →
Yes or No2AV
Just over a week till the UK referendum of voting reform; should the UK move to use AV as the system for electing MP’s. Whilst it is not high on my list of important political issues overall I’m against the change. I’m not blogging about all the pros and cons of Yes2AV or No2AV because... Continue Reading →
In praise of Rowan Williams
I came across this blog yesterday which says a lot about the Archbishop of Canterbury. Here +Rowan is to be commended because I know that some people's experience of Christian leaders is less positive; they feel that they are remote, don't care or aren't interested. One might want to debate the Christology of explaining Jesus... Continue Reading →
Love, hatred and religious narrowmindedness
My understanding of Islam is not what it ought to be, my knowledge of Pakistan is deficient because it is entirely based on the British media. However Veena Malik's appearance on Pakistan's TV appears to show a feisty, passionate and courageous woman taking on the forces of conservative Islam. Which given recent events in that... Continue Reading →
Rob Bell: Love Wins
As mentioned in an earlier post Rob Bell's book is causing quite a stir. My Amazon order hasn't arrived yet and I will blog some thoughts when I've read the book (but not before). However, I note that some UK based comments are starting to emerge. This month's Christianity magazine has a brief book review... Continue Reading →
Religious Studies: A letter to Michael Gove
A number of petitions seem to be doing the rounds at present, encouraging the Government to include Religious Studies in the list of subjects included within the new English Baccalaureate qualification they are introducing. Rather than sign a petition I thought I would write my own letter which follows: Rt Hon Michael Gove MP... Continue Reading →
Grumpy old man
It is half term so the kids brought the High School’s latest newsletter home today. Usually we have a fun time checking and correcting the grammar. However, just for fun I have reproduced an extract from the front page written by the Head Teacher on the subject of the Government's proposed English Baccalaureate. "......Whilst it... Continue Reading →
Opinionated waffle
Weeks have flown by since I last got to blog though there has been no shortage of things to be opinionated about. And to prove it here are a few random thoughts: Big Society: David Cameron continues to push the Big Society agenda which asks some pertinent questions about the nature, size and reach of... Continue Reading →
Christmas chaos: it’s our own fault
TV news filled with pictures of long queues for the Eurostar, terminal overcrowding at Heathrow, slippery parking on motorways and snowbound railways. Clearly the weather has caused difficulties but many of these are a consequence of the way we seem to want to live the rest of the year. 1. The drive for low prices... Continue Reading →
The politics of church leadership
Reflecting on the Student Tuition Fee vote got me thinking about the connections between political parties and different styles of church leadership. The Lib Dems have found themselves an interesting position because they campaigned with lots of promise, enthusing people with a vision of what might be. Now in government they are finding the reality... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 