Simon Barrow's blog

Solving a problem like Sharia?

Solving a problem like Sharia?

Though the headlines have receded, the blogopshere is still buzzing with the fall out of the Rowan Williams / Sharia 'debate'. More thoughtful material is now emerging.

Living in a client state

Living in a client state

We were pleased that a Christian PR agency has helped distribute our latest press release about disestablishment, but also surprised. We are not their clients.

Over the top on Facebook

Over the top on Facebook

As social networking sites continue to blossom and change in spite of media scepticism, Ekklesia is pleased to report its latest milestone.

Public service reform

Public service reform

Britain's public services are continually under pressure. How do we begin to shift the agenda in a more positive direction?

Between Northern Rock and a hard place

Between Northern Rock and a hard place

The current fluster over how to solve the crisis at Northern Rock indicates the degree of economic fetishism surrounding privatisation and nationalisation.

Tracking the crisis in Kenya

Tracking the crisis in Kenya

A Friends United Meeting (FUM, Quaker) worker has created a useful blog to monitor post-election developments in Kenya.

The death penalty shows its true colours

The death penalty shows its true colours

Ex-Conservative MP Michael Portillo was on TV last night, documenting his attempts to discover whether there is a "humane" way for the state to kill people found guilty of heinous crimes.

What is a think-tank?

What is a think-tank?

The row over government minister Peter Hain's deputy leadership election expenses, apparently siphoned through an alleged think-tank, has raised questions about what these beasts are, exactly.

The archbishop of YouTube

Rowan Williams' "God doesn't do waste" New Year's message is only one of a whole host of YouTube offerings bearing his imprint.

More big questions

More big questions

The crisis in Pakistan, human responsibility and the nature of evil, astrology, the regulation of alcohol...