Author: faithrootsdw

We can’t have “British Values” if we want to be truly democratic, tolerant and pluralistic

What does it mean to be British? If we think about it carefully, there are only two things that make you British. You were either born here or you have been given British citizenship. Now, there may be some things that at a certain level unite us together.  There is a common language and a… Continue reading We can’t have “British Values” if we want to be truly democratic, tolerant and pluralistic

How we respond to asylum policies is likely to depend on our presuppositions

Steve Kneale has argued here that we need a different type of blue-skies thinking to get to grips with the issue of asylum. He helpfully identifies a number of problems with the current situation and some of the suggested solutions. He then goes on to make some of his own recommendations. The challenge with responding… Continue reading How we respond to asylum policies is likely to depend on our presuppositions

What is driving my views – political ideology or theology?

It became rather apparent during lockdown that once again, our country was being divided down  fairly familiar lines. I’m not saying that there was an exact like for like, true in every case. However, generally speaking, it seemed possible to divide people into two camps. The first camp was those who were concerned about Global… Continue reading What is driving my views – political ideology or theology?

Matters of conscience and matters of wisdom

This is a quick response to my friend Steve’s article this morning. Today, Steve has commented on the issues with identifying something as a matter of conscience. Some people seem to treat a “matter of conscience” as a kind of subjective route into saying that they can hold to their own personal truth unchallenged.  As… Continue reading Matters of conscience and matters of wisdom

When you want to prevent others from receiving forgiveness

It only really struck me with force when I was actually preaching on Sunday. I guess it was because I was preaching specifically on this incident for the first time from Matthew’s Gospel, I’ve spoken on it many times from Luke’s Gospel but not from here. Matthew really brings out the hard hearted merciless ways… Continue reading When you want to prevent others from receiving forgiveness

Can we protect the vulnerable and open up society again?

One of the things that has been suggested during the pandemic has been that we should aim to protect the vulnerable whilst opening up society to everyone else. I have two concerns with this. The first is that this ends up sounding like we simply want to be free to go about our normal business,… Continue reading Can we protect the vulnerable and open up society again?

Sharing the Love of Jesus in a post-covid world

Here are some thoughts I put together on how we can move forward as churches as we come through the other side of the pandemic.  Context Covid-19 led to churches having to close their buildings and many of their weekday activities. We were able to go online for some things and on the one hand… Continue reading Sharing the Love of Jesus in a post-covid world