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Faith in Politics podcast

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This is an archive of our Faith in Politics podcast series, where our JPIT Parliamentary interns interview public figures who straddle the worlds of faith and politics.

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Season 5

FAITH IN POLITICS SEASON FINALE: JPIT Conference Special

The Season Finale looks back at the JPIT Conference, which took place on 11 June 2022.
Beth and Ryan share some of their highlights, with studio conversations and keynote speakers including Bishop Mike Royal, President of Churches Together England and Sienna Sexton of Just Love.

FAITH IN POLITICS WITH DAVID BURROWES 

In this episode Beth and Ryan speak to MP for Battersea Marsha de Cordova. They discuss finding your calling, the role of the Opposition and how to keep working for justice without losing hope.

COMPASSIONATE POLITICS WITH JENNIFER NADEL

This week Beth and Ryan spoke to Jennifer Nadel from Compassion in Politics.
They talk about her hopes for the future of politics, the dangers of tribalism and the cross-party work of Compassion in Politics to change the system for good.

FAITH IN POLITICS WITH DAVID LINDEN MP

Join Beth and Ryan this month as they chat to SNP MP, David Linden. They talk about whether Nationalist politics always has to be divisive, Harry Styles and what we mean when we talk about ‘distinctive Christian witness’.

‘WHY LOCAL POLITICS?’ WITH MAYOR ADRIAN NOTTINGHAM

This week we speak to the Mayor of Stockport, Adrian Nottingham! We chat about what it means to work for justice on a local level and how to foster constructive spaces in politics.

‘IS POVERTY INEVITABLE?’ WITH CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY

In the December episode, Ryan and Beth talk to Gareth from Christians Against Poverty. Hear their reflections on why we should care about eradicating poverty, the reality of life on a low income and why structural change is crucial to seeing an end to UK poverty.

Episode 1 ‘Is Honesty Dead?’ with Derek Thomas MP

In the first episode of a new season, new hosts Beth and Ryan chat with Conservative MP Derek Thomas about the JPIT values of listening, kindness and truthfulness! They discuss everything from the tastiness of olives to whether there is any integrity left in politics. In the first episode of season 5.

Season 4

Episode 9 ‘Building and Sustaining Community Relationships’ with Emma Hardy MP

In the last episode of Season 4, join Rodney as he interviews Labour MP Emma Hardy. Emma reflects on the important role faith has played in her political life and the lessons of Covid-19 for society and the Church. Rodney and Lucy muse on the idea of what community truly means and reflect on their favourite interviews within the last year.

Episode 8 ‘Freedom under the Rule of Law’ with Steve Baker MP

In the eighth episode of Season 4, Meg interviews Conservative MP Steve Baker about the influence of his faith on his private and political life, his liberal views and opposition to lockdown. Later Meg and Rodney reflect on Christian libertarianism and what is the role of the law in compelling people in order to achieve Christian aims?

Episode 7 ‘Living a Radical Life’ with Fleur Anderson MP

In the seventh episode of Season 4, Rodney interviews Labour MP Fleur Anderson about being an MP in a pandemic, the radical contribution faith groups can make to politics and her vision of Global Britain. Later Meg and Rodney reflect theologically on what radical living requires and how we can follow the example of the Early Church.

Episode 6 ‘Levelling Up Our Communities’ with Miriam Cates MP

In the sixth episode of Season 4, Meg interviews Conservative MP Miriam Cates about being a Christian in Westminster, the levelling up agenda and family policy in the UK. Rodney reflects theologically on the levelling up agenda and the role of the church in aiding social cohesion in communities and church-based social action.

Episode 5 ‘Looking globally, as a nation’ with Rachael Maskell MP

Join Meg and Rodney as they interview Labour MP Rachael Maskell. Rachel offers valuable insight into her political career, the role of her faith in politics and the contribution the UK can make by looking globally. Meg and Rodney muse on how looking globally ties in with the phrase ‘charity begins at home’ and whether it is compatible.

Episode 4: ‘Hope to share’ with Lord Alf Dubs

Join Meg and Rodney as they interview Labour peer, Lord Alf Dubs. Lord Dubs reflects on his personal story as a child refugee, the politicisation of the refugee crisis and the need for the UK to cooperate with other European countries to deal with this crisis. Meg and Rodney later reflect on the role of Christians in responding to the refugee crisis.

Episode 3: ‘A prophetic voice in politics’ with Louise Davies

Join Meg and Rodney as they interview Louise Davies, Director of Christians on the Left.  Louise reflects on the influence of faith in her political journey and the contribution Christians can make to politics. Meg and Rodney consider what being a prophetic voice means and how this can be achieved in politics.

Episode 2: ‘We need to talk about race’ with Ben Lindsay

Join Meg and Rodney as they interview Ben Lindsay, CEO of Power the Fight and author of ‘We Need to Talk About Race’.  Ben reflects on the unique contribution of the Church can offer to ending youth violence, and its responsibility to confront its role in racial injustice. Meg and Rodney muse on the role of lament in the fight for racial justice.

Episode 1: ‘Political but non-partisan’ with Shane Claiborne

In the first episode of Season 4, join new hosts Meg and Rodney as they interview Shane Claiborne, co-founder of the Simple Way and author of Red Letter Christians. Shane reflects on the US election, and proposes a model of ‘politically engaged but non-partisan’ Christians in the politics sphere. Meg and Rodney muse on this idea, and what it really means to be ‘non-partisan’.

Season 3

Episode 12:  “Racism and Repentance” with Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP

This month features an interview with Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Streatham. We discuss racism in the UK and how Bell’s experiences led to her career in Parliament. She shared the challenges of being a new MP in 2020 and the need for the Church and Parliament to acknowledge their history. Cameron and Rosella muse, for the final time, on reparations in the UK and what they have in helping the Church in reconciliation.

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Episode 11: “A United Kingdom? Navigating Nationalism” with Dr Lisa Cameron MP

This month features Faith in Politics first SNP MP, Dr Lisa Cameron. They discuss Scottish independence and how Christians engage with nationalism as well as the disproportionate impact of lockdown on those with disabilities. Cameron and Rosella then muse on the historical implications of “Christian Nationalism” and question how our faith and understanding of nationalism interact.

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Episode 10: “Digitalising Democracy” with the Archbishop of York

“There’s only one world now- the digital world, how do we want to live in it?”
This episode Cameron and Rosella interview the new Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. He talks of how joining the Lords Communications Select Committee “radicalised” him to the importance of online regulation of the public space and how speaking out on issues of injustice is central to the gospel. Cameron and Rosella muse on internet regulation and how the Bible can speak into this seemingly modern issue.

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Episode 9: “Holy or full of holes? The values of our social safety net.” with Jonathan Reynolds MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Jonathan Reynolds, shares his thoughts on the furlough scheme, Universal Credit, Universal Basic Income and the future of social security in the UK. Cameron and Rosella muse on what the Bible and the Church may have to say on Universal Basic Income and what values should shape our social security system.

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Episode 8: ‘Shelter from the storm? Tackling homelessness amidst COVID-19’ with Baroness Hilary Armstrong and David Smith

Baroness Armstrong returns to the podcast to discuss homelessness and rough sleeping policy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and what needs to happen next. David Smith of Oasis Community Housing in Newcastle shares his experience of working with those in need of housing during the crisis and the challenges and opportunities this has presented. Cameron and Rosella muse on what a distinctively “Christian” approach to social action looks like and whether it’s really necessary?

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Episode 7: ‘Shaping a Post-pandemic economy’ with Paul Morrison

As the world fights a global pandemic attention is already turning to what happens next. Join Cameron Hume and Rosella Payne as they interview Paul Morrison, a leading expert on poverty in the UK and member of the JPIT team. This month’s monthly musing asks why should Christians care about macro economics?

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Episode 6: ‘Renewal and Rebellion’ with Barry Gardiner, Anthony Reddie and Christine Allen.

This month’s episode comes direct from the green room of the renewal and rebellion conference hosted by JPIT. It features a great set of conversations with Barry Gardiner MP, Professor Anthony Reddie and Christine Allen, director of CAFOD, discussing faith, the economy and the environment! Cameron and Rosella muse on the Christian case for civil disobedience in the face of the climate crisis.

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Episode 5: ‘Bishops on the Benches’ with Bishop Sarah Mullally.

This month’s Faith in Politics explores the role of Bishops in the House of Lords. The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally talks of her experience in the House and how her previous role as the Chief Nursing Officer shapes her ministry and politics. Cameron and Rosella muse on the role of Bishops in the House of Lords today considering how this convention sits within wider debates of reforming the House of Lords. Find more information on this month’s action ‘Living Lent’ at: livinglent.org/

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Episode 4: ‘Relief or Return: the Role of International Development’ with Sir Desmond Swayne MP.

Happy New Year! To kick off 2020, Cameron interviews Conservative MP and former International Development Minister Sir Desmond Swayne about being a Christian in Westminster, the purpose of International Development money, and how changes in Church of England law still have to go through Parliament! Rosella and Cameron reflect theologically on international aid, grace, colonialism and taxation.

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Episode 3: ‘A Church of Sanctuary’ with Inderjit Bhogal

Cameron and Rosella interview Inderjit Bhogal – recent recipient of the World Methodist Council Peace Award, about the Cities of Sanctuary movement, attitudes to immigration in Britain, and how peace-building and care for refugees go hand-in-hand. This month’s musing centres around how attitudes to refugees shouldn’t be separated from attitudes to difference and diversity more broadly.

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Episode 2: General Election Special

In the second episode of Season 3 of Faith in Politics, we chat General Election. Guests Paul Parker, Irene MacKinnon, Lucy Zwolinska and Tracey Hume challenge us to rethink the General Election and how we engage with it; talking about the Lobbying Act, hustings, listening to marginalised voices, and blessing our politicians. Your hosts, Cameron and Rosella, muse on what we can take from Jesus’s radical approach to truth.

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Episode 1: Andy Flannagan

In the first episode of Season 3, Cameron interviews Andy Flannagan, Director of Christians in Politics. Andy offers valuable reflection on how we can not only ‘listen well’ but ‘disagree well’ in turbulent times. Your new hosts, Cameron and Rosella, muse on how the Bible shapes our attitudes to political relationships.

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Season 2

Episode 10: Revd Dr Susan Henry Crowe

In this season finale of Faith in Politics, Bethan and Will interview Revd Dr Susan Henry-Crowe of the United Methodist Church about the role of the church in seeking truth and justice in divided political times. Will muses about the importance of peace in our relationships, and Bethan and Will offer their book recommendations.

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Episode 9: Steve Chalke

This month, Bethan and Will interview Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis Trust and leader of Oasis Church Waterloo. In a wide-ranging conversation Steve gives insight into his motivations for founding the Oasis Trust, the importance he puts in leading a politically active, justice focused Church and the vital role he believes churches can play in helping the vulnerable.

Our monthly musing comes from Methodist Minister Val Reid, in a reflection on the Good Samaritan that encourages us to rethink “who is our neighbour”. You can listen to an extended version of this episode, with Bethan’s full interview with Steve Chalke, here.

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Episode 8: Ross Greer MSP

Following Will’s recent trip to Scotland, this month’s podcast features a special Church of Scotland edition, featuring an interview with Ross Greer,  Green Party MSP. As one of Scotland’s youngest politicians, Ross discusses the challenges of representing younger generations, and how the relationship between faith and the environment affects his role in tackling the climate crisis. We also talk to Paul Williams about the practical role churches are playing to combat the climate crisis, and the importance of Christian stewardship in addressing environmental issues, and Irene MacKinnon, about “Meet Your MSP”, a campaign promoting dialogue between churches and politicians. As usual, Bethan and Will discuss the interviews, and add their book and podcast recommendations.

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Episode 7: Revd Jonathan Aitken

In this month’s episode of Faith in Politics, Bethan and Will interview Revd Jonathan Aitken, the former cabinet minister turned ordained minister. Jonathan reflects on his time in prison, public trust in politicians, and how God works through personal crises. Our monthly musing comes from the Methodist Church’s Director of Evangelism & Growth, Trey Hall, who encourages us all to rethink the way we shape our institutions by focusing on relationship building within the communities we live, work and worship in.

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Episode 6: Baroness Hilary Armstrong

This month, Bethan and Will interview Baroness Hilary Armstrong, a member of the House of Lords and a labour MP and Chief Whip in the Government of Tony Blair. Baroness Armstrong talks about how her faith has impacted her understanding of politics, and the way she has served in public life.

The monthly musing is led by Jen Smith, Superintendent at Wesley’s Chapel Methodist Church, London.

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Episode 5: Lord Benjamin Mancroft

With Brexit just days away, Bethan and Will discuss the latest developments in Westminster, and David Mayne leads a reflection on how we might respond to the social and spiritual upheaval taking place around us. In the interview, Benjamin Mancroft, a hereditary peer, explains why he would legalise drugs, and the role of spiritual and physical healing in the rehabilitation process.

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Living Lent Special Episode

This year, JPIT are inviting supporters to respond to the call to climate action, by changing their lifestyle for the climate. In this special episode of Faith in Politics, hear about the Living Lent challenge from Rachel Lampard, and a discussion of environmental news from Hannah and Bethan. Hannah Brown leads the monthly musing, exploring climate themes.
You can find more information about Living Lent here. 

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Episode 4: Cat Smith MP

In this episode, Bethan and Will discuss the latest news, including the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, and, closer to home, universal credit and housing projects. Jasmine Yeboah, the Methodist Youth President, encourages us to be courageous in whatever we do, and in our interview, Labour MP Cat Smith talks about growing up in the church, being a new Mum, and why Jesus wouldn’t hang out with her in Westminster.

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Episode 3: Lord Paul Boateng

In this episode, Bethan and Will discuss institutional paralysis after the Brexit deal is rejected and the US government remains shut down. In the interview, Lord Boateng, the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the first ethnic minority Cabinet minister, reflects on New Labour’s legacy, his family’s escape from Ghana, and where he sees God at work in the world. Mark Harris from Christians in Parliament offers a timely musing about the nature of leadership.

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Episode 2: Michael Tomlinson MP

In this episode we have an Interview with MP Michael Tomlinson and a monthly musing from Simeon Mitchell. In the news, we will be discussing the Brexit deal and the recent UN report on poverty in the UK.

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Episode 1: Lord Griffiths

In this episode, Bethan and Will, the new hosts of the Faith in Politics Podcast introduce themselves. We also have an interview with Lord Leslie Griffiths in which he discusses his career in ministry and politics. Baptist JPIT member Beth Allison-Glenny joins us for the monthly musing.

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Season 1

Episode 8: Lord John Bird

In this season’s final episode, Helen and Rachel discuss his ‘Catholic Marxism,’ a former life of crime and ‘the boneheaded bunch of people who go on about austerity,’ with Big Issue founder, Lord Bird. Baptist Minister Jane Day joins us for the Monthly Musing.

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Episode Seven: The Revd. Canon Gareth Powell

In this season’s penultimate episode, Helen and Rachel interview Secretary of the Methodist Conference Gareth Powell about the future of the Church, its role in the political sphere and ‘the profound scandal of our disunity in Christ.’ Naomi Oates of the Conference Office joins us for the Monthly Musing.

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Episode Six: Grenfell Tower

In this episode Rachel and Helen interview Rev. Mike Long, Emma Dent Coad MP and Portia Thaxter about Grenfell Tower a year on. Rachel Lampard joins us for the monthly musing.

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Episode Five: Tim Farron

Episode five of ‘Faith in Politics’ features Tim Farron, ex-leader of the Liberal Democrats and Christian talking with Helen about his departure from leadership, the polarisation of politics and Joni Mitchell.

Martin Johnstone, Church of Scotland minister and secretary of the Church of Scotland’s Church & Society Council, offers the monthly musing on fragility.

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Episode Four: Baroness Warsi

In this episode Rachel interviews Baroness Sayeeda Warsi covering topics including terrorism and meeting the Pope. Julian Bond explores the meaning of St George’s Day in the monthly musing.

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Episode Three: Alan Milburn

This third episode features an interview with Alan Milburn and our monthly musing is from General Assembly Moderator for the URC, Alan Yates.

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Episode Two: Stephen Timms

In this episode there is an interview of the Labour MP for East Ham, Stephen Timms.

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Episode One: Jonathan Bartley

In this first episode, Helen and Rachel interview Jonathan Bartley, Co-Leader of the Green Party.

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