Is John Stott’s successor my friend?

Evangelicals Now reports that the rector at All Souls, Langham Place, Charlie Skrine has said in a speech in Sydney that “Justin Welby” is not his friend.  Looking on as an outsider to the Anglican scene, this strikes me as yet another example of why the internal Anglican debate and even more so the debate… Continue reading Is John Stott’s successor my friend?

Where is the hope in secularism?

In a New Statesman article, Justin Welby is quoted as saying that: “Secularism is a crisis because where do people find their hope and their trust?” Stephen Evans objects to this on two grounds.  First he argues that Welby has confused his vocabulary.  Evans insists that “secularism” is “a political idea” and that Welby should… Continue reading Where is the hope in secularism?

The Coronation, the Archbishop and the Holy Spirit

Did you watch the coronation of King Charles III yesterday? What did you make of it? Personally, I thought it was an impressive spectacle.  We do ceremony and pageantry well, here in the United Kingdom.  It was at times moving.  There were those little individual moments set against the pomp and circumstance, a son kissing… Continue reading The Coronation, the Archbishop and the Holy Spirit

What did you come out to see?

This is an expansion of some quick thoughts I shared on Facebook last night in response to some of the criticisms I’ve seen of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s sermon. I write both as someone who has given my fair share of feedback and criticism over the years, and as someone who has received plenty of… Continue reading What did you come out to see?

Did the Archbishop preach the Gospel?

Before the funeral, there was a lot of talk about the fact that 4 billion people would be listening in and the responsibility therefore on the shoulders of the Archbishop of Canterbury to “hot it out of the court” and “smash it” by giving people the Gospel, full barrels. I must admit that I’m a… Continue reading Did the Archbishop preach the Gospel?

The Queen’s last lesson

There’s been a lot of talk about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s sermon at today’s funeral for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  Some people have expressed hope that he’ll really hit home with the Gospel.  Others have expressed the same but with a strong conviction he will fail and almost a desire to see that happen. … Continue reading The Queen’s last lesson

What the Archbishop didn’t say

Last weekend, before we got back to things like parties in Downing Street and whether the Prime Minister tells the truth, the media and social media were full of reports and debate about what the Archbishop of Canterbury had said in his Easter Day sermon.  Reports focused on some statements critical of the UK’s Rwanda… Continue reading What the Archbishop didn’t say

In the face of climate change – what is our greatest need?

This week, world leaders have flown into Glasgow for the COP26 summit on the environment and combatting climate change. Two Christian responses to the summit raise some questions and challenges, First of all, a church in Glasgow responded by displaying this banner saying The World’s most urgent need is churches preaching Christ crucified, not climate… Continue reading In the face of climate change – what is our greatest need?

Did the Church miss an opportunity during lockdown?

It’s locked in my memory, my first ever Bradford City game. The year is 1986 and our next-door neighbour agreed I could go with him to see City play Huddersfield Town. We are stood in the crowd behind the goal, the ball is played into our centre forward, he is a couple of feet out… Continue reading Did the Church miss an opportunity during lockdown?

Awkward – the unsayable?

A baby boy is born, rejoice, a symbol of hope in troubled times.  That was the general mood of many public statements yesterday.  Carrie Symonds, the prime-minister’s fiancé had given birth. This was the Archbishop of Canterbury’s reaction. There is a lot to be thankful for.  A few weeks back, we were praying for Boris… Continue reading Awkward – the unsayable?