It’s been a busy few weeks in politics, to say the least. What’s happened? Well, Brexit, leadership elections on both sides, and a new Prime Minister, installed just yesterday, for good measure. Can you remember life before the referendum? It seems a long time ago now, and sometimes, it feels …
Reflection
After the Referendum – a recommitment to the Common Good
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) This week the people of the UK have made the significant decision to leave the European Union. Across our communities, including in …
Europe, Pentecost and the Round Table – A Reflection and Prayer
It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. At a time when so much of the debate about the EU referendum is based on personal and national self-interest, it’s well worth reflecting on the symbolism of the the EU flag. Whether its designers were aware of this or not, it taps into very ancient …
The refugees’ story – a reflection
For two days now we had hardly slept or eaten. We just kept on walking, following the refugee trail, seeking to put as much distance as we could between ourselves and those who wished us certain harm. Even now I fear every noise and every stranger; the images of heartless slaughter still etched into …
Download our Human Rights resource
Human rights legislation over the past 70 years has arguably resulted in some of the greatest advances for human society. People are able to seek protection against torture and discrimination, and are recognised to have rights to life, family relationships, freedom of religion and privacy. Yet at …
What does the Lord require of us?
Revd Phil Jump offers some reflections in response to the refugee crisis. Our faith identity is rooted in stories of migration. Abraham left his home in Ur in response to God’s call and promise – and the story of Moses and the Exodus remains a defining narrative for Jews and Christians alike. …
“If we claim to love our neighbour” – a new hymn inspired by our election 2015 resources
Andrew Pratt of the Manchester & Stockport Methodist District has written a powerful new hymn called “if we claim to love our neighbour”. He was inspired to do this by a presentation that our Team gave at March’s Synod meeting, based on our Love your neighbour: think, pray, vote resources, which …
Theology and other ways to waste time
In the second of this week’s blogs on child poverty, Nigel Varndell from The Children’s Society explains why they waste time on theology. According to the story, an American theologian once challenged his student class and his congregation to shout out the first word that came into their mind …
Truth and Lies About Poverty – Group Study Materials
We’ve had some requests for Bible study materials linked to the Truth and Lies campaign, so we have produced this introductory study guide for small groups. It links some of the main ideas in the report with biblical theme with questions, group activities and Bible reflection. The material is …
Sermon notes: What – are we blind too?
Read John 9 There is a pseudo-condition called Domestic Blindness. If you suffer from (usually male) Domestic Blindness you will be familiar with the experience of spending ages searching for an item in the house. When all options are exhausted, you have to ask for help – only to be told by your …