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…
Compromise
The virtuous essence of Anglicanism
"An excellent time in Jordan with the Primates (senior Archbishops) of the worldwide Anglican Communion", tweeted the Archbishop of Canterbury. "A privilege to talk, worship, pray and share. We come from diverse churches, nations and traditions, walking together with each…
Bishop says Brexit is marred by politicians’ personal ambition, and calls for ‘strong, compelling and united vision of the future’
"My Lords, I always rise to speak in this Chamber with some fear and trepidation but never more so than today," confessed the Lord Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev'd…
Synod – Reasons to be Cheerful (Pt 1): the secret to a contented flock
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that the glass is half full, and I offer these thoughts on General Synod in the irrepressible spirit of the late Ian Dury, which…
Church spires to help spread pornography, blasphemy, gambling and fake news
And lo, the Church of England signed an accord with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to permit church spires and bell towers to be used to house…
The two opposed expressions of Anglicanism
There is a letter published in today's Telegraph signed by 23 conservative (/traditionalists/orthodox) Anglicans concerning the tensions in the Church over England (and wider Anglicanism) over same-sex marriage and other…
Michael Gove sugar-coats Jesus and preaches fake good news
This is a guest post by the Rev’d Dr Gavin Ashenden, former Chaplain to the Queen, who is presently in the (complicated) process of leaving the Church of England. ___________________________…
There is neither Leaver nor Remainer; for you are all one in Christ Jesus
Leavers are xenophobic, insular, narrow-minded, self-regarding, racist, confused, brainless, extremist, hateful, economically-illiterate, un-Christian little-Englanders and swivel-eyed conspiracy theorists. Remainers are sneering, aloof, arrogant, vicious, supercilious, evil, unhinged, hypocritical, ageist,…
Tim Farron 'clarifies' his Christian convictions in pursuit of LibDem leadership
There is no doubt that Christian representation in Parliament came out well in this General Election. A handful of prominent Christians including Simon Hughes, Douglas Alexander and Jim Murphy…
Cameron's good life is not unambiguous, but it is the best of the goods on offer
Everyone strives for the good, but no one ever quite possesses it. It is a future project of hope and value. It might even belong to the past, because…
Holy Monday: cleansing, anointing and indignation
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the…
'Those Who Show Up' – every church leader should read this book
Last week's Faith in Politics report by the Evangelical Alliance gave an interesting if somewhat predictable snapshot of Evangelical Christians' views on politics and their likely voting intentions. The…
Real Madrid and the offence of the cross
It was a really tiny cross. Honestly, it was barely noticeable in all that pearly pizzazz and gaudy gold. The Crown of Alfonso XII has been a sacred symbol of…
General Synod to be addressed by Muslim extremist …NOT
It is troubling that the first non-Christian to address the Church of England synod can be linked to extreme Islamist networks. By inviting Fuad Nahdi, the Church is lending…
Has Ukip sold its soul for €2million?
There is apparently a battle currently being waged for the soul of the Conservative Party, at least according to the Jerusalem Post: "..the natural home of British Jews, still…