Tag: Coronavirus

The thing I hate most about the response to COVID-19

As we move towards the first anniversary of lockdown, I’m taking a little bit of time just to reflect back on the past year and share some observations. At this stage back in 2020 we had not gone into full lockdown but we were increasingly seeing strict measures introduced. Those with symptoms and their families… Continue reading The thing I hate most about the response to COVID-19

A year in lockdown – was it worth it?

What were you doing this time last year?  I was running a temperature and fighting a dry cough.  That’s right I’d gone down with COVID-19.   The result was that I was going to stay at home.  I’d hoped initially that it was just a cold but through the day, it became clearer that it wasn’t.… Continue reading A year in lockdown – was it worth it?

#SummerReallyIsComing

At the start of Coronavirus I talked often about how we may be going through a winter season of shutdowns  and lockdowns but summer was coming. There would be a day when things would change, when the virus would recede and we would be able to break lockdown.  #SummerIsComing I said. Well, summer came and… Continue reading #SummerReallyIsComing

One step forward? Let’s hope it’s not two back

So, the Prime Minister has announced the roadmap route out of lockdown, arguing that it is a cautious route but hopefully irreversible. Much of what he said had already been leaked in advance and that’s something we keep saying needs to change but is unlikely to. The leaking of actual measures was not helped by… Continue reading One step forward? Let’s hope it’s not two back

Is it too early to come out of lockdown?

Understandably, there is still some nervousness about whether or not we should be coming out of the current lockdown just yet or whether it is too soon.  I thought it might be helpful to have a look at the available data. The key information is as follows.  First of all, the rolling 7 day average… Continue reading Is it too early to come out of lockdown?

We need a way out of costly social distancing measures, not just lockdown (open letter to Boris Johnson)

Dear Boris, I’ve written open letters to you throughout the pandemic.  As we approach the end of what we all hope will be the last lockdown, I want to write to you again concerning some of the rumours and hints that are currently going around. Over the past few weeks, the narrative has built up… Continue reading We need a way out of costly social distancing measures, not just lockdown (open letter to Boris Johnson)

Anchors Up!

I grew up in the Boys Brigade singing the song “Will your anchor hold.” So don’t hear me wrong. I don’t want to take away from the imagery of our anchor grounded firm and deep as we are rooted in Christ. However, I want to use the metaphor in another context. It is right that… Continue reading Anchors Up!

Zoom or in person? – another faulty question

In a recent article I got us to think a bit more about communion and suggested that the question of “open v closed” communion was the wrong one.  Another question that has come to the forefront during COVID is about what it means to gather as a church. This is of course related to the… Continue reading Zoom or in person? – another faulty question