Author: faithrootsdw

How helpful will a 1p tax cut be?

One of the measures that the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his financial statement on Friday was a 1p cut in the basic rate. This was already planned but has been brought forward a year. I want to highlight some of the challenges around decisions concerning taxation when the aim is to help those… Continue reading How helpful will a 1p tax cut be?

God is still on his throne

One of the things that signalled the death of Queen Elizabeth II was the lowering of the Union Flag at key landmarks. Some people saw the lowering of the flag at Windsor before they heard officially via the BBC. However, there was one flag that was not lowered, the Royal Ensign. This remained because the… Continue reading God is still on his throne

What should the Chancellor do about recession?

Today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is making a special announcement about his fiscal plans. We are not allowed to call it an emergency budget though.  He does so, primarily to give a bit more detail about how the Government are going to help with the energy crisis. This is part two following on from… Continue reading What should the Chancellor do about recession?

Millstones and amputations (Mark 9:42-50)

Jesus has a serious warning for those who lead others into sin. He says: it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.  God has a great love and concern for the vulnerable and so we have a great responsibility for them. … Continue reading Millstones and amputations (Mark 9:42-50)

Is there a sudden appetite for ritual and tradition?

We can draw hasty and sometimes wrong conclusions to major phenomena -especially when the media magnifies them.  For example, there have been quite a few people suggesting that the period of mourning and the Royal Funeral demonstrated a great attitude for ritual and tradition. Here is one example in The Daily Telegraph Om a side… Continue reading Is there a sudden appetite for ritual and tradition?

Listen to female theologians and scholars

There’s been quite a bit of discussion recently about how we make sure that we are listening to and hearing from a  more diverse range of authors and speakers. One specific question is about listening to female theologians and Biblical scholars. I’ve got some further comments to contribute to the conversation in a later blog… Continue reading Listen to female theologians and scholars

The Way of the Cross (Mark 9:30-37)

Jesus and his disciples are passing through Galilee. Along the way, he reminds them again that he is to suffer and to die. Their minds however are on other things.  When they get to Capernaum, Jesus asks them what they’ve been discussing. There’s an awkward silence. You see, the disciples had been debating or arguing… Continue reading The Way of the Cross (Mark 9:30-37)

Has Putin just threatened to nuke us?

The short answer is “no.”  In today’s speech, according to reports Vladimir Putin did two things. The first is that he extended the mobilisation and conscription of people into the Russian armed forces.  Secondly, he is reported to have said:  “Those who try to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the prevailing winds… Continue reading Has Putin just threatened to nuke us?