As we continue to see the ramifications of last week’s English local and devolved Scottish and Welsh elections, Westminster will – in theory – go back to usual on Wednesday with the state opening of parliament. The King will give a government-written speech laying out their priorities for the next …
Faith
Statement on “earned settlement” proposals
We are deeply concerned by Home Office plans to establish a so-called “earned settlement” scheme that would judge those with a higher salary, better education and from a more fortunate background as more worthy of living settled, secure lives in the UK. This is contrary to our understanding of the …
Scapegoating refugees won’t fix inequality – letter
Over 100 organisations, including the Methodist, Baptist, and United Reformed Churches, have sent a letter to the new Home Secretary, expressing concern about recent announcements about immigration and asylum policy. It calls for the government to stop contributing to the politics of division which …
Faith and Politics
Why should Churches engage with politics? The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu once famously observed, “When people say that religion and politics don't mix, I wonder which Bible it is they are reading.” The Bible tells the story of God’s intimate concern with how human societies are ordered and …
Season of Creation 2024
Creationtide, Creation Time or the Season of Creation is the name given to the period from 1 September to 4 October each year. During this time, churches are encouraged to have a focus on creation, with all the joys and responsibilities that being part of God’s creation brings to us. Below are a …
Preparing for the 2024 General Election: Praying and Preaching
“How you doin’?” This famous line from Joey, played by Matt LeBlanc in the late 90s and early 2000s American sitcom Friends, often brings a smile to those who recall the antics that would entail. When we are asked this simple question, our programmed responses are usually, "I’m fine, thanks. How …
The Illegal Migration Bill becomes law
Early this morning, the government’s Illegal Migration Bill passed its final parliamentary stages and will shortly pass into law. Church leaders from JPIT’s denominations have joined with civil society groups and charities in a solidarity statement to mark this moment, and express their concern …
Getting to the heart of the general election
Any election is about choices. But the widely different visions for the future course of the UK on offer at this general election mean its result will have decisive repercussions for years to come. We consider some of the major issues at stake and explore how Christians might approach them, in the …
Meet Your MP – Adventures in Asking & Action (Day 3)
A deepening relationship and a letter of support This week we are celebrating some of the stories of congregations from our churches who have taken up the challenge to meet their local MP. Each congregation was able to demonstrate their concerns for the local area, express their hopes and …
Meet Your MP – Adventures in Asking & Action (Day 2)
“Our MP helped increase the places offered to Syrian refugees.” This week we are celebrating some of the stories of congregations from our churches who have taken up the challenge to meet their local MP. Each congregation was able to demonstrate their concerns for the local area, express …