Features

Discrimination and the churches

Simon Sarmiento — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:16:39 +0100

According to the Catholic bishops of England and Wales, in evidence to parliament on the Equality Bill 2008-9 "unjust discrimination is fundamentally wrong," notes Simon Sarmiento. But what does the prcatice of the churches tell us about its rhetoric?

Armed Forces Day adds insult to injury

Symon Hill — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:05:39 +0100

Today is the UK's first Armed Forces Day. It is a thinly veiled attempt to deflect scrutiny of politicians who have made disastrous decisions about war, says Symon Hill. But sentiment is no substitute for accountability.

Israelis and Palestinians breaking the silence

Amy Hailwood — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:30:45 +0100

Amy Hailwood, who recently returned from a visit to Palestine and Israel with Christian Peacemaker Teams, reflects on her experiences and the difficult choice that many Palestinians make to reject violence - not a passive acceptance of injustice but to work for peace in the face of a relentless attempt to corrode it.

Wiping Palestine from the map

Ben White — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:58:09 +0100

Palestine has been wiped off the map, its land colonized, and its people ethnically cleansed, says Ben White. Expecting those on the receiving end to be satisfied with the crumbs from the table is both unjust – and wishful thinking.

Imprisoning hope and reason

Martin E. Marty — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:00:08 +0100

No other democratic nation today imprisons people on such a scale or for as long as the US, Martin E. Marty is reminded. Visiting prisoners is a central test of devotion to the Jesus of the gospels. We are also called to a vision of restoration and release.

War, men and the quest for solidarity

Jill Segger — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:40:42 +0100

War and military service can be a male attractant, says Jill Segger. If we will work with the grain of male nature wherever conscience permits and be honest in respecting its virtues, we will hold a better chance of being heard when we are compelled to stand against it.

An open letter from an open prison

Martin Smedjeback — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:12:40 +0100

An activist from one of our partner organisations Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) writes about his life in prison, after he was jailed for breaking into an arms factory and disabling weapons.

Wrong gods and neo-liberalism

Michael Northcott — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:41:26 +0100

As I left St Mary’s Putney, where we held the Operation Noah AGM, I noticed that this was the place where Cromwell convened the Putney debates which presaged the English Revolution when parliament w

Opportunity lies behind the political crisis

Terry Waite — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:58:48 +0100

Cynicism about politicians and political institutions runs very deep, says Terry Waite. But the current crisis is also an opportunity for change, for reinvesting politics with hope and the participation of people from outside 'the party system'.

Truthfulness, speech and wise silence

Jill Segger — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:37:11 +0100

A a simple integrity can rebuke our culture's debased and profligate way with words, say Jill Segger. Restraint in communication is counter-cultural. Humanity is wisest when it recognises the best words as those taking flesh rather than fury.

How the Church should uphold diversity

Vasantha Gnanadoss — Tue, 26 May 2009 10:32:42 +0100

The Church of England has for too long been slow to take its own ethnic diversity to its heart, says Vasantha Gnanadoss. If it now also claims that Christianity is superior to others it could be unwittingly supporting white nationalism and undermining action against the BNP and others.

Health in a time of 'flu is a right, not a commodity

Juan Michel — Thu, 21 May 2009 09:38:37 +0100

When people hear the word 'health' they think immediately of medical matters, says Juan Michel. But health is also an issue of clean drinking water, nutritious food, a safe work environment and essential care accessible at the community level - not least in a time of flu panics.

How turning the other cheek defies oppression

Walter Wink — Mon, 04 May 2009 09:00:22 +0100

Many who have committed their lives to working for change and justice in the world simply dismiss Jesus' teachings about nonviolence as impractical idealism, says Walter Wink. This is because they have not understood their true subversive nature and context.

Palestinian Christians refusing the cycle of hate

Emma Halgren — Fri, 01 May 2009 07:39:15 +0100

Like many Palestinians living in occupied territory, the Nassars have endured harassment, threats and attacks from nearby settlers, says Emma Halgren. But their response, and that of others, has challenged the cycle of hatred and violence.

Beyond cultural timidity and moral confusion

Jill Segger — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:28:53 +0100

Conformity and concern about image are the enemies of truth, says Jill Segger. Yet they are everywhere in our testosterone-driven culture. Purity of heart enables us to respond to the unconventional or unexpected with integrity, as well as feeding clear-sighted conscience.