Tag: COVID-19

So what was that really all about? (Further reflections on John MacArthur and defying the law)

In the light of John MacArthur’s decision to go against California state law on the Coronavirus, another prominent church leader in the States, Tom Buck posted this tweet. I don’t think we have ever really argued that everyone should risk their lives in cross cultural mission going to dangerous places. There has always been a… Continue reading So what was that really all about? (Further reflections on John MacArthur and defying the law)

Reopening and defying the law -why John McArthur has got this badly wrong

Grace Community Church, Sun Valley is a mega-church in California.  It’s pastor John MacArthur is prominent, particularly from the conservative end of the spectrum with an international teaching ministry. Last week, they decided to re-open their building for public worship in defiance of State rules during Coronavirus. Their argument was that they must obey God… Continue reading Reopening and defying the law -why John McArthur has got this badly wrong

Stopping a virus from spreading

As churches we have made every effort these past few months to prevent a virus from spreading. We have self isolated, we have washed our hands, we have closed down our buildings for a while and when we have reopened we have been so careful to socially distance and wear masks. It is good that… Continue reading Stopping a virus from spreading

What if the vaccine never comes?

There have been encouraging signs over the past few weeks. We are hearing reports that trials with vaccines are having some successes. Meanwhile, we appear to be over the peak here in the UK and cases of COVID-19 have continued to decline even as society has started to open up again. However we continue to… Continue reading What if the vaccine never comes?

The anxious middle

The Bishop of London has been quoted today observing that it is okay to be anxious at the moment, we are still in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic and there is a real possibility of a second wave striking.  The heart of her argument is that well-worn phrase “It’s okay to not be okay”… Continue reading The anxious middle

Being Transparent about risk (2) COVID-19 is still with us

In a previous post, I argued that we need to be open with our church family about the risks associated with moving out of lockdown. As I explained in that article, this means that we should not engage in the over-hype which can happen when people are sharing alarmist headlines around social media.  This will… Continue reading Being Transparent about risk (2) COVID-19 is still with us

Rishi’s gamble

Will you be off out for your half-priced meal in August? Don’t forget “eat out to help out.”  Rishi Sunak has turned into a kind of 21st Century milky bar kid, Nandos Chicken and your Beefeater steak are on him. Yesterday, the Chancellor announced some significant measures to help the economy avoid a deep recession… Continue reading Rishi’s gamble

As we re-open church buildings we need to be transparent about risk

It is important that as we begin taking those baby steps to re-opening our church buildings that we are open and honest with each other about what the risks are. We should not be gung-ho, rushing in and saying “It is back to normal. There are no risks.” There are always risks involved with organising… Continue reading As we re-open church buildings we need to be transparent about risk

Why I won’t be joining Christian Concern in taking the Government to court

A number of Christian leaders have joined with Christian Concern For Our Nation in taking legal action against the government for pursuing lockdown and the closing of church buildings during Coronavirus. I want to explain here why I disagree with the action and won’t be supporting it. First of all, on one level, I respect… Continue reading Why I won’t be joining Christian Concern in taking the Government to court