A ‘Church for England’, but whose understanding of Englishness?
Much has been written about the Archbishop of York's article in the Telegraph, in which he set out his vision for England woven with his preferred themes of Englishness, calling…
England
Our Platinum Queen — the happiness of the United Kingdom
When we think or speak of the Elizabethan era, our minds turn naturally to the 16th century; to the golden age of peace and prosperity, of art and culture, of global endeavour and naval victories, of Renaissance, Shakespeare, Gloriana, and…
The Church of Englishness
Upon reading Archbishop Stephen Cotterell’s remarks on English identity in the Telegraph, I was reminded of the time I was reading the Law Society Gazette whilst waiting for a court…
Three Lions — a Psalm of England
Three Lions — a Psalm of England It's coming home It's coming home It's coming Football's coming home (we'll go getting bad results) It's coming home It's coming home It's…
From Lament To Action: the report of the Archbishops’ Anti-Racism Taskforce
The Archbishops' Anti-Racism Taskforce have published their report 'From Lament to Action', which proposes a raft of changes designed to bring about a change of culture in the life of…
Communal worship banned in England
From 5th November, it will be illegal to gather for communal worship in England. The Government has decreed that church buildings may open for private prayer, but not for praying…
Brexit: open letter reveals Bishops split 60:40 on Government’s approach
The open letter on Brexit published yesterday by a group of Diocesan Bishops is interesting on a number of levels, not least of which is the fact that it is…
Our Lady of Brexit? Why not consecrate the UK to the Immaculate Heart of Mary?
It has been announced that Scotland is to be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary "for the first time". It is believed that the act will set Scotland apart…
Primates' Meeting 2016: separating the Eloi from the Morlocks
Primates’ Meeting, Canterbury: stardate 2016. These are the continuing prophetic voyages of Justin Welby. His continuing mission: to explore strange new reconciliations; to seek out new wine and new…
Christian legal challenge to outlaw gendercide abortion begins today
The Green Party in Northern Ireland called it ‘a momentous moment for women’, the British Humanist Association described it as an ‘enormous breakthrough’, whereas the British Pregnancy Advisory Service…
Songs of Praise and the cardboard church of Calais
"The Lord is here," intones the vicar at thousands of services of Holy Communion week after week. Except He's not: His Spirit might be brooding in the chocolate-box parishes…
Magna Carta – Archbishop Stephen Langton settled more than 40 Barons
800 years ago to the day – on 15th June 1215 – when rebellion was endemic and conspiracy rife, King John was forced to sign Magna Carta at Runnymede,…
Competence over chaos: Britain votes for a new moral vision
The choice was between "competence or chaos", as David Cameron kept on saying. All the predictions talked about a knife-edge vote, and all the personalities sank into morass of…
The only Church mentioned by 'Judæo-Christian' Ukip is prefixed with Winston
For those who favour the secession of the United Kingdom from the European Union - and there are many millions who do, cutting right across the mainstream of political…
Trident is the price we pay for peace and national security
In their Pastoral Letter (remember that?) “to the people and parishes of the Church of England for the General Election 2015″, the House of Bishops called for a "real…
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…
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…
Canon Andrew White ordered home with $57m bounty on his head
"It's the end for Iraqi Christians," writes Josh Glancy in The Sunday Times, as he recounts the appalling horrors, heartbreaks and sheer despair of Iraq's Christians, many thousands of…
What role for the Church of England in English devolution?
"Sanity transcends political differences", tweeted the Bishop of Willesden when it appeared there was some cross-party agreement on the pressing need for English devolution following the Prime Minister's 'vow' of…
God who made thee mighty?
Doe wee not remember, that this Kingdome [England] was divided into seven little Kingdomes, besides Wales? And is it not now the stronger by their Union? And hath not the…