Tag: COVID-19

It is okay to disagree

In the past, I’ve challenged a number of the assumptions that lie behind some of the (in my opinion) wilder accusations thrown at the Government’s handling of Coronavirus strategy. This could make it sound like I believe all is rosy in the garden  and that there are no problems. It might also suggest that I’m… Continue reading It is okay to disagree

A way out of lockdown (part 2)

In my first article, I argued that Evangelical churches should be proactively participating and making recommendations to the government about how we move out of lockdown. In part two I want to think through some of the scenarios and how we might respond. I notice that the church of England is already putting forward it’s… Continue reading A way out of lockdown (part 2)

A way out of lockdown?

People are now beginning to think more and more about what the exit strategy from lockdown might be like.  There are some concerns about the level of engagement with what this means for churches – especially as the secular media seems silent on this. Perhaps we should not be surprised. In more encouraging news, national… Continue reading A way out of lockdown?

Should Professor Neil Ferguson have resigned?

News broke yesterday that one of the leading experts advising the government on Coronavirus response has stepped back from involvement in SAGE, the government’s advisory body. Why? Was it that his expertise had been found wanting? No, whilst not everyone is happy with his models, this was not the reason.[1] Was he resigning in protest… Continue reading Should Professor Neil Ferguson have resigned?

Learning the wrong (right) lessons -the importance of curiosity

One of the big problems our society has is that we have suffered the death of curiosity and that stops us from asking good questions especially when presented with data and statistics. I get frustrated when people bring out the old “lies, damned lies and statistics” routine because statistics don’t lie, you do however need… Continue reading Learning the wrong (right) lessons -the importance of curiosity

Disinfectant for the Soul

So Donald Trump has suggested that perhaps if we try injecting disinfectant into people it will cure COVID-19. It’s one of those moments where his minders must have been thinking “Oh… no” and everyone else wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. A good part of me leans towards the latter. I remember saying to… Continue reading Disinfectant for the Soul

How Long ?

Do you find yourself asking “Why hasn’t God stopped the pandemic yet?” How would you respond to someone asking that question? In John 11, we read that Jesus gets word that his friend Lazarus is ill in Bethany.  Yet, Jesus decides not to go immediately to him.  Later, Jesus says to his disciples that they… Continue reading How Long ?

Learning the wrong lessons (2) The Sweden factor and panic time

“It’s all too complicated, it’s going to go massively wrong, we’ll lose money, jobs will go, national security could be put at risk. Others are handling this differently. We need to change course.” That was the gist of the conversation I had a few time with my bosses. It was back in 1999 and we… Continue reading Learning the wrong lessons (2) The Sweden factor and panic time

A strange Easter?

Easter Sunday is going to be weird this year. We are used to celebrating in style. For Bearwood Chapel, Easter means a week long festival including gatherings, a breakfast and communion on Good Friday, children’s clubs and usually some special events such as Arts Days and café nights. Then on Easter Sunday we all gather… Continue reading A strange Easter?