It is disappointing, says Savi Hensman, that so many people who are passionate about the assisted dying debate (whether for or against legalisation) do not seem nearly as concerned to tackle violations of dignity which can be prevented at present.

The news that BAE will be prosecuted shouldn't be such a surprise. In a fair world, it would be normal. But fairness is not a quality that has ever applied to BAE, a company that has spent years using its influence to avoid facing justice.

Will he or won't he? The BBC is suggesting that Gordon Brown may announce today in his conference speech that he will go head-to-head with the leaders of the other two main parties in a series of television debates. Brown should do the right thing says Jonathan Bartley.

Bankruptcy is on the increase, says Giles Fraser. There is tragedy in economic brokenness, but also hope. Debt forgiveness has the whiff of salvation and biblical Jubilee about it.

Regarding people as good or bad simply on the basis of religion or ideology is risky, says Savi Hensman. Similarly, those who call themselves conservatives are often advocating radical change.

Social and environmental change needs anger - but tempered by love, says Jonathan Bartley. Self-righteousness does not aid change, it merely lets ourselves and others off the hook.

Conventional wisdom often sees vengeance and injustice as the rule of the powerful, says Simon Barrow. But the prophetic imagination invites us to see and act differently.

The National Health Service has continued to take a bashing in the USA, says Giles Fraser. The outrage of the religious right is fuelled by ignorance and prejudice, he argues.

Forms of religion and ideology which neatly categorize people as good or bad according to whether they were in ‘the right group’ or believe ‘the right things’ are dangerous, says Simon Barrow. They also contradict the basic trajectory of the Christian message.

Acts of solidarity can offer opportunities for growth, to connect at a deeper level not only with other humans but also with the divine, says Savi Hensman, drawing upon recent events and biblical wisdom.

Look out for a major convention on ‘Real Change’ in the near future, with input from civic groups (including churches) and a manifesto for wide-ranging reform, says Simon Barrow.

Christians have moved from non-engagement to engagement in politics, says Simon Barrow, but often in domineering and selfish ways. To argue for church as alternative community is not to advocate either 'secularism' or 'religionism', but the recovery of authentic Christianity in a plural environment.

The Quakers have become the first major denomination in Britain to endorse same-sex marriage, putting themselves in conflict with the law. Their example is an inspiration to people in other denominations struggling for equality.

The war in Sri Lanka is over, say the headlines. Savitri Hensman, a native of the troubled land who now lives in Britain, offers a more complex account of the continuing struggle for peace with justice.

If watching football is a waste of time with redeeming moments, much the same could be said about prayer, says Simon Barrow. In a world over-attached to achievement, we lose sight of the fact that what is really 'worth it' is often not conventionally 'productive'.