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There are three questions which come up in relation to the growth of religious movements, particularly the Christian faith. How would you answer each of these? a. Why is Islam growing in the UK and in the world at the moment? b. What was the primary reason for the growth of the early church? c. … Continue Reading
Andrew Goddard writes: Given the events in Canterbury diocese set out in my previous articles (here and here) I was expecting the result of the election of the Canterbury Vacancy in See Committee (ViSC) might raise further concerns—but I did not foresee just how many and how serious they would be. Thankfully few people have … Continue Reading
John Smith writes: My wife sent me a text message a few months ago: ‘Could this be a possibility?’ Attached was an advertisement for a teaching post at a theological college. She thought that here was an opportunity, in that the college was giving preference to candidates who were female, from a non-white ethnic background, … Continue Reading
Andrew Goddard writes: Since exploring some of the details about how the next Archbishop of Canterbury will be chosen, there have been a number of further developments which are worth highlighting. Although we have to wait until “early April” for the names of the 5 Communion members (selected several months ago) and confirmation of the … Continue Reading
Bishops and dioceses are finally rebelling against the central control of decision making imposed by the Church Commissioners (and the Archbishops’ Council) upon them. At least that is the impression you might get from reading the Church Times this week. Dioceses ready to take back purse strings from centre, Dr Gibbs tells Rochester synod The … Continue Reading
Jon Kuhrt writes: Last week I was at Kings Cross station in London waiting for a train when a middle-aged man called Martin approached me begging for cash. I explained that I did not give money but would be happy to buy him something to eat and drink. Martin accepted this offer and as we … Continue Reading
Andrew Goddard writes: This article looks at who will be choosing the next Archbishop and how they get a seat on the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC). Although only one of the 17 names has been officially announced, another 5 can be identified. There are five different categories with different processes of selection in each and … Continue Reading
Unless you have been living under a rock, you will be aware that safeguarding has been a deeply contentious issue in the Church of England for several years, and has come to a head over the last few months and weeks. Justin Welby resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury because of his failure to take action … Continue Reading
Dear Stephen In our working relationship, I have always sought to be open and honest with you. I have also always sought to follow Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18: if you have an issue with a brother, go to him first privately, and only if he will not listen should you then go to others, … Continue Reading
Andrew Goddard writes: After summarising the tumultuous events of last week in relation to the Bishop of Liverpool, in this article I set out what is currently known in relation to the CNC process that led to his nomination. Two further sections outline the allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment made by two women … Continue Reading
Mike Starkey writes: For the first decade of the 2000s I was a vicar in suburban southwest London. Part of my inheritance from the previous regime was a church with close links to a cult. It was a very British kind of cult, with an emphasis on high culture, old-fashioned values and the 1662 Prayer … Continue Reading
Ian Paul: theologian, author, speaker, academic consultant. Associate Senior Research Fellow, Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology; Associate Minister, St Nic's, Nottingham; Managing Editor, Grove Books; member of General Synod and Archbishops' Council. Mac user; chocoholic. Tweets at @psephizo
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