Alan Wilson

The Conservative Party does not govern – or even exist – by divine right

The Conservative Party is often referred to as "the natural party of government". Certainly, they dominated much of the 20th century – being in power for half of it, while the Liberals and Labour shared the other half – with…

The General Synod of the Church of England puts same-sex relations over youth evangelism

December 1, 2017
300 Comments

There is perhaps nothing more challenging in mission than the proclamation of the gospel to those who have never heard it, in a foreign land, in an unfamiliar culture, in…

Bishops damn church insurers Ecclesiastical Insurance Group (EIG) over ‘horse trading’ with child abuse survivors

October 15, 2017
207 Comments

Ecclesiastical Insurance Group (EIG) is the Church of England's insurance company. It was founded in 1887 to insure the Anglican church (...against acts of God?). Mark Hews, CEO, says: "We…

The Church of England should not tear itself apart over homosexuality and same-sex marriage

February 14, 2017
896 Comments

The General Synod of the Church of England is due to 'take note' (or not) of the Bishops' report ‘Marriage and Same Sex Relationships after the Shared Conversations.’ In the…

Shared conversations: some came to seek truth; others to conquer. Why can’t we just be kind?

February 5, 2017
584 Comments

Commenting on the Bishops' statement Marriage and Same Sex Relationships after the Shared Conversations ("a gamma minus piece of drafting if ever there was one"), Canon Professor Mark Chapman prophesies…

Is it wrong to judge a blog by the comments it attracts?

January 9, 2017
539 Comments

"I guess I find it hard to take that particular blog very seriously really," wrote the Rev'd Canon Andrew Godsall, ministry development adviser in the Diocese of Exeter, of the…

Gay marriage: Bishops can’t be bullied with demands for “greater clarity and consistency”

September 12, 2016
294 Comments

As the College of Bishops gathers in Oxford today, the world might be forgiven for thinking there was just one item on the agenda: the liturgical blessing of same-sex unions…

The revelation of Justin Welby's real father does not change nothing

April 10, 2016
143 Comments

"Justin Welby. What a bastard," wrote a communicant of this blog, in a rapidly degenerating comment thread of the sort the Bishop of Buckingham insists ought to be censored:…

Anglican Primates pronounce, but the Holy Spirit prevails

January 16, 2016
739 Comments

The media bulletins are full of 'Episcopal Church suspended from the Anglican Communion', with a list of prohibitions and fulminations about 'second class Anglicans', with Giles Fraser reminding us…

Assisted Dying: Canon Rosie Harper condemns "extreme and emotive claims" of "a certain section of believers"

September 11, 2015
409 Comments

The Archbishop of Canterbury couldn't be any clearer: 'MPs must not take risks with the lives of vulnerable people', he writes in the Evening Standard. He is unequivocal, too,…

Archbishops clash over crushing ISIS and right-to-die compassion

September 6, 2015
150 Comments

The Church of England is all over the place today. Indeed, one headline seems almost purposely designed to degrade the other. In the red corner we have Archbishop Justin…

Dignity in Dying tell clergy to promote assisted suicide this Sunday

September 5, 2015
73 Comments

According to the rules of etiquette, it is best not to discuss politics or religion in polite company. You can probably add the subject of death to that, too.…

Canon Rosie Harper on the "good girl guides" who have been consecrated bishop

July 23, 2015
292 Comments

"We haven't had anyone from left field," said the left-field Canon Rosie Harper to the left-field BBC, as two wonderful, gifted women were consecrated bishop by the Archbishop of Canterbury…

Christian power lists: fame, popularity, judgement and false humility

December 8, 2014
132 Comments

Nominations have now closed in the quest to discover the 'Top 100 UK Christians' for 2014. Hundreds have been nominated - some with sarcastic citations (Sir Cliff Richard -…

Nick Griffin votes Ukip? So what? 45% of British Satanists vote Conservative

December 1, 2014
89 Comments

"Is it true? Is Nick Griffin now a Ukipper?" tweeted staunch and loyal Tory Walaa Idris ‏(@WalaaIdris), aghast, disgusted and ever so slightly delighted dismayed by the smeary associational…

Steve Chalke, sexuality and the redemption of the Church

November 10, 2014
522 Comments

Over the last four decades of being a Christian there have been a handful of individuals who have significantly influenced and shaped my faith. My parents come out top…

Clampdown on Twitter Trolls who 'vigorously' express an opinion

October 20, 2014
119 Comments

Trolling used to have a clear definition. In the OED, it still does, and we're not talking about the leisure pursuits of cave-dwelling giants or the domestic dawdling of…

The political purpose of claiming 10% of bishops are gay

September 29, 2014
362 Comments

This is a guest post by the Rev'd Peter Ould - a Church of England priest, consultant statistician and former blogger with an interest in the topic of human sexuality…