Opinion

Israel, Palestine and Lebanon: a Middle East conundrum
Israel, Palestine and Lebanon: a Middle East conundrum

The fuse on the dynamite keg is lit, the question is will it be snuffed out in time to avoid the full measure of the explosive devastation?

Why we can yet believe that we shall overcome
Why we can yet believe that we shall overcome

As Tolkien put it in The Lord of the Rings a day is coming when 'everything sad is going to come untrue.'

A question for those who chant 'Palestine must be free'
A question for those who chant 'Palestine must be free'

I have an honest question for all those who chant (or who affirm the words), "Palestine must be free!" Or, more fully, "From the River to the Sea, Palestine must be free!"

'Going, Going, Gone?' The Church of England and LGBTQ part 2: how can we really help?
'Going, Going, Gone?' The Church of England and LGBTQ part 2: how can we really help?

Though few appear aware, there are powerful, orthodox-friendly responses to LGBTQ challenges which give those who identify as such much better help and support than progressives ever could.

Multiculturalism: a dangerous failure
Multiculturalism: a dangerous failure

It is sensible to be concerned about the impact of bringing into your country a great number of people from unstable countries, many of whom have contempt for our way of life and values and no desire to integrate.

Met police seem to be clear on homophobia but not on jihad
Met police seem to be clear on homophobia but not on jihad

My dealings with the Metropolitan Police press bureau over the arrest of a Christian street preacher reveal that officers are very clear on what 'homophobia' means, despite their apparent uncertainty about the meaning of 'jihad'.

The battle for God\'s land
The battle for God's land

Commenting on the first verse of Genesis, Rashi (1040-1105), the most prominent Jewish biblical commentator, asked why the Torah did not start in Exodus 12, where the commandments concerning Passover are given. After all, this is the beginning of the legislative portion of the Torah, and the Torah is all about God's instructions to the people of Israel.

'Going, Going, Gone?' The Church of England and LGBTQ Part 1
'Going, Going, Gone?' The Church of England and LGBTQ Part 1

For some idea of what to expect in the Church of England as it moves towards same-sex blessings, we can look to the Church in Wales.

There are lessons for Western democracies and the Church from Australia's contentious Voice referendum
There are lessons for Western democracies and the Church from Australia's contentious Voice referendum

Although the Voice referendum will hardly register outside Australia, despite all the hyperbole, it was important and there are lessons to be learned for all Western democracies and the Church.

The 'other Reformation'
The 'other Reformation'

The Swiss model was radical in its impact but did not fundamentally disturb the economic status quo. However, there were others who felt that the challenge to the Catholic Church was only the start of a much more radical reordering of society. Their version of the Reformation is often forgotten.

If the Conservative government's conversion therapy ban criminalises pastors, they deserve to lose office
If the Conservative government's conversion therapy ban criminalises pastors, they deserve to lose office

Orthodox Christian pastors are particularly vulnerable from this legislation.

Taylor Swift's fanbase serves as a model of devotion to people of faith
Taylor Swift's fanbase serves as a model of devotion to people of faith

Though many scoff at the besottedness of her fans, the challenge is to observe this cultural phenomenon and think about how it could shape our daily lives.

The reality of ending poverty
The reality of ending poverty

We must keep hope alive. Even when it seems like we are making little progress, every small demonstration of progress means that lives are being changed and that is what leads to great change.

A Christian response to our secular world
A Christian response to our secular world

Christians should challenge those who hold to a secular worldview as to whether they really want to believe in a world without God.

Israel's assault on Gaza and Christian just war theory
Israel's assault on Gaza and Christian just war theory

The seven just war criteria give us a Christian framework for determining whether war is being waged justly.

The CEEC responds to bishops' dissent on Prayers of Love and Faith
The CEEC responds to bishops' dissent on Prayers of Love and Faith

A response from Rev Canon John Dunnett, National Director of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC), to the letter by 11 Church of England bishops dissenting from the House of Bishop's announcement on Monday commending Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex couples and a process towards their authorisation under canon law.