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14 Jun 2012
In praise of messiness in writing history

Missionaries in Palestine during the period from the First World War until the Israeli declaration of the state and the connected Palestinian Nakba of 1948 were determined, they continually argued, to stay out of the controversy and not take sides, Dr Michael Marten reminds us. But what do concepts of 'neutrality', 'fairness' and 'respect' mean in the midst of conflict, in complex lesions of history and in its writing? Tidiness may be convenient but damaging to both truthfulness and the search for justice.

14 Jun 2012
The squaring of 'zero'

Negation has ascended into the imagination of our culture and society not necessarily as something to be scorned or regretted, but as something with which to be, in some cultural, philosophical, or even religious form, reconciled, says Dr Andrew Hass. But before we can understand how this figure might work its way into and through our present world, we need first to ask, whence 'zero'? For its history is by no means one we might expect.

14 Jun 2012
European Quakers' new staff pledge commitment to peace and justice

Two Quakers with a background in environmental and peace activism have been appointed as the new senior staff at the Quaker Council for European Affairs.

14 Jun 2012
Pensioners block access to Trident nuclear arms base

Two women aged 79 and 82 have this morning successfully prevented traffic from entering the Trident nuclear submarine base in Faslane, Scotland.

14 Jun 2012
Plaid Cymru slam coalition plans for 'surveillance state'

Plaid Cymru have accused the UK's coalition government of attempting to create a “surveillance state” with plans to monitor social network sites, emails and phone calls.

14 Jun 2012
Quakers respond to Government Equalities Office Consultation

Quakers in Britain have responded to the government consultation on equal marriage and called for the proposals to allow same-sex couples to marry in religious premises.

13 Jun 2012
The still small voice of an obstinate woman
13 Jun 2012
Church of England faces backlash from own members over same-sex marriage

The leaders of the Church of England are facing strong criticism from within their own ranks for their attack on same-sex marriage yesterday.

13 Jun 2012
'The Future We Want': Christians speak out on Rio+20

This month, against a backdrop of severe ecological and financial crises, world governments are meeting in Rio, Brazil, trying to reach an agreement to secure a sustainable future for the planet and its people. Alex Green and Daniel Hale from Progressio explain why this matters, why urgent action is needed by governments, and how all of us can help shape and influence the Rio+20 process towards climate justice.

12 Jun 2012
CofE and same-sex marriage: Serving society or protecting privilege?

The Church of England have today issued their formal response to the government’s consultation on same-sex marriage. They had a great opportunity to acknowledge the diversity of views within their own ranks and to move on from the defensive tone that characterises so many Christian contributions to debates over sexuality. It is an opportunity that they have completely missed.