#PastoralLetter (2): Visions, dreams and nebulous notions of detachment
Having responded to the Preface of the Pastoral Letter from the House of Bishops "to the people and parishes of the Church of England for the General Election 2015",…
State
Non-Christian faith schools are "straining the State educational system to breaking point"
In his Lyndwood Lecture delivered to the Ecclesiastical Law Society last December, former Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC MP made a potent case for the continuing Establishment of the Church of England, observing its deep commitment to social action…
Why do bishops flaunt their Socialism but shroud their Conservatism?
When the Archbishop of York was giving media interviews recently to promote his book On Rock or Sand?, he made clear that "the theology of where I am coming…
"Tory fury" over Church of England letter is a confected Tory tantrum
Each day when Parliament is sitting, the Duty Bishop in the House of Lords prays that the House should “Lay aside all private interests, prejudices and partial affections”, so…
Charles confirms he will be anointed and crowned 'Defender of the Faith'
There has been considerable and worthwhile coverage of 'Building Bridges' - The Sunday Hour interview with The Prince of Wales on the subject of Islamic extremism, radicalisation and the…
What are 'fundamental British values'?
In a context of fractious social division and increasing religious tension, the Government is on a quest for national identity, and education is the means by which it will…
The martyrdom of Thomas Becket
On this day in 1170 Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered by the knights of King Henry II in Canterbury Cathedral. It was muddled politics and religion -…
Christianity is the key to foodbank success – it must not be suppressed
It's been interesting reading through many of the media articles following the parliamentary launch of Feeding Britain. There have been plenty of them, that's for sure; the Church of…
The blessing of the Nativity of the European Parliament
The Crib has been solemnly blessed in the European Parliament - that Brussels temple dedicated to the cause of ever closer secularity now has a discordant Nativity scene located…
The myth of the undeserving poor
Unlike most Christian initiatives, this week's Feeding Britain report on poverty and foodbank use has whipped up a media storm filling up plenty of column inches and broadcast minutes. And it…
This is what a feminist theology looks like
Is this really what a feminist looks like? A feminist politician, perhaps. The men in particular feel compelled to humour this particular cause of equality, and so they don…
Christianity versus Communism: Hong Kong's battle for liberty and democracy
No matter what issues of religion and politics have occupied us over the past week, there has been a feeling that we ought to be following the umbrellas, black T-shirts…
God bless America: Obama pledges to "degrade, and ultimately destroy" Islamic State
13 years ago today.. We remember. Almost in commemoration of the image of that apocalypse, President Obama has made the speech he really ought to have made two years ago.…
Church Times bars Tory cricket umpire because his great-great grandfather was a bishop
Michael Claughton is a dedicated member (and, indeed, the current President) of Bethersden Cricket Club, near Ashford in Kent. He is, by all accounts, a fair, professional and gentlemanly umpire…