Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

Teaching people to ‘tithe’ can be a delicate matter.  Some clergy teach ‘tithing’ well, and inspire their people to great generosity of spirit.   Other clergy teach ‘tithing’ at least well enough, and get their people’s sluggish cooperation. But – there are clergy who teach ‘tithing’ badly – and then, watch out!   St Adam (bishop 1213...

Have you ever sinned since you became a Christian?  Really sinned – or in other words done something that was SO wrong and totally ‘out of line’ with being a Christian that you are still ashamed when you think of it now.  If so, and if you went on to ask God’s forgiveness for it,...

Ninian was a Celt who was born about 360, in southern Scotland.  He was remarkable for two things:  he was almost certainly the first man in Scotland to live in a little white stone house, and also the first to preach the gospel to the Scots.   Just as remarkable:  becoming the apostle to the Picts...

Whatever Happened to the Customer is Always Right? How not to be a Grumpy Old Man (or Woman) Ways of keeping your home smelling fresh Coffee is good for you Are you always a bit late – for everything? How fish may help you hear Falling down the stairs Portion creep ** Editor: David Pickup,...

All in the month of September 25 years of Google Remembering the genius of JRR Tolkien Remembering W H Auden North Korea – how it all began Weather by app? Do you like the exterior lights of modern cars? Why car tyres are not good for you ** Editor:  We continue our column that looks...

How to fight back against artificial intelligence Come back to church! Chinese Christians learn in small groups – thanks to Bible Society Could you volunteer to help prisoners rebuild their lives this autumn? How China is increasing persecution of Christians Compassion for those in poverty – CAP Sunday 15th October Help more children get back...

Joseph of Copertino (1603 – 63) should be the patron saint of all awkward people who mean well, but who drive those around them to distraction – especially their church leaders. Joseph began life in a garden shed, because his father had sold the house to pay debts.  Then he grew up wandering about open-mouthed...

Saint Matthew the tax collector From the Vicar Spiritual Disciplines: Service Reflecting faith – pews and chairs     The divine Gardener God can use everything we give Him The importance in having a cause greater than yourself Don’t chase what isn’t there Feel the tug A grain of sand at a time ** Editor:  Canon Paul...

Theodore had several things in common with Justin Welby: despite living in troubled times, and in the aftermath of a severe national plague, he made extensive tours of his archbishopric, spoke at many Synods, and worked tirelessly to unite the bickering factions of the Church in England. But, unlike Justin Welby, Theodore did not start...

Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the king.  1 Peter 2:17 I sometimes wonder about the customer being right, when I am told off in shops for not doing what they want or even just asking question. Perhaps it is just me. The full phrase is “Rule number...

I’ve been writing Christian comment columns for newspapers and radio for more than 30 years – but I had a shock when I asked an artificial intelligence computer programme to write one for me. The question that I posed was simple. Could an AI programme produce a column that would match up to one penned...

Church of England announces £13 million of grants Children must not wait until 18 to learn about racial justice General Synod backs regional wedding fees trial following debate General Synod calls on Church and Government to move faster on climate emergency New safeguarding practice review policy approved  Parish ‘at very heart’ of God’s mission, General...