In recent discussions about asylum seekers, especially those coming by boat, a recurring comment was that it was illegal to try and enter the UK without appropriate documentation. This is correct, and asylum seekers are expected to provide such documentation when turning up for their application to be processed. There are however defences available if… Continue reading No papers? Why might an asylum seeker lack documentation such as passports?
Tag: Public Theology
The Gary Lineker Saga
At the weekend, Gary Lineker was stood down from presenting duties on Match of the Day, numerous other commentators and panellists refused to participate in solidarity. The result in the end was severe disruption to the BBC’s sporting schedule. Some people might argue that this was generally for the better including those who think there’s… Continue reading The Gary Lineker Saga
Suspended Tolerance?
I’ve just had time to look a little bit more at this story that emerged over the weekend. On social media, the story has been presented focusing on one severely autistic boy being suspended and then receiving death threats due to a Quran being scuffed/damaged. A local councillor defended the school for suspending the boy… Continue reading Suspended Tolerance?
Kate Forbes, the SNP and should politicians keep their religion private?
Kate Forbes has for some time been talked of as a potential successor to Nicola Sturgeon in Scotland. However, she has a problem, something that might hinder her progress, either barrign her from leadership or losing her the next major election. What is the skeleton in her closet? Is it a sex-scandal or a dodgy… Continue reading Kate Forbes, the SNP and should politicians keep their religion private?
Spare
Don’t worry, I’m not about to get into a debate or discussion about the details of Prince Harry’s book. I’ve chosen not to buy or read the book. The little I’ve heard in press commentary has put me off. It doesn’t sound like something I’ll find helpful and I suspect that will be true for… Continue reading Spare
The difference between debate and conspiracy theory
I wanted to come back to one of the specific issues in my article about a possible “perplexing silence.” One of the things I frequently hear these days is that Christians are susceptible to conspiracy theories. On the other side of the coin I hear Christians complain that the accusation of “conspiracy theories” silences debate… Continue reading The difference between debate and conspiracy theory
A perplexing silence?
Peter Mead thinks that there has been a perplexing silence from Christian leaders and that it has been left to others to “speak the hard truths.” He writes about this in a three part series here, here and here. Now, as I’ve written a few times, I think that our track record as conservative evangelicals… Continue reading A perplexing silence?
What did the Unions ever do for us?
This is a question I’ve seen asked a few times over the past few weeks as rail, mail and NHS strikes have started to bite. The response from those supporting/defending union action has been to argue that Unions and Strike action have played a significant role in labour reforms in the UK including better pay/conditions,… Continue reading What did the Unions ever do for us?
Why we don’t want to weaponise prayer
The other day, I wrote about the lady who was arrested for silently praying outside an abortion clinic. Some commentary made it sound as though a random person, simply passing by and praying had been arrested for a one off, incidental event. The reality was that their arrest followed a series of actions on their… Continue reading Why we don’t want to weaponise prayer
Organ Donation?
I sometimes am asked my opinion about organ donation. There seem to be two issues at stake. The first is that some people are worried about whether Christians may donate organs such as their heart, kidneys, corneas etc to help others with serious illness or disease. The other issue that comes up is that some… Continue reading Organ Donation?