Do stay for tea and coffee: ‘I definitely spiced up my otherwise clean act’

23/04/2021 | Reform

Paul Kerensa has a comedy confession to make

As a kneel-down stand-up, I’m often asked: ‘How do you keep your comedy on the straight and narrow?’ Truth is, I don’t always.

I try, but have moments of slippage. One particular … Read More

The story of our streets

23/04/2021 | Reform

Our Edinburgh church was inspired by Harry Potter to stretch its vision of mission, writes Laurence Wareing

Walk down George IV Bridge in Edinburgh at the present time and it’s a weirdly quiet place. If you have a mind to, … Read More

Commitment-Phobe: Back to church part 2

23/04/2021 | Reform

My first Sunday back in church

The great church reopen was my psychological Easter rollercoaster ride. I was not looking forward to returning to in-person services. I was scared of losing the intimacy and connection we had found as a … Read More

The lure of conspiracy

26/03/2021 | Reform

Noel Irwin wonders why Christians are taken in by the QAnon conspiracy theory

I remember, 15 years ago or so, a member of my midweek congregation asking for a private chat, then outlining to me how he had found inspiration … Read More

Editorial: Sceptics can be true followers

26/03/2021 | Reform

There’s an odd little story at the beginning of John’s Gospel, where a fellow called Nathanael hears about Jesus of Nazereth and makes a rude comment about the town. When they meet, Jesus drily commends Nathanael’s honesty.

‘What?’ says Nathanael. … Read More

Interview: A humbler Church

26/03/2021 | Reform

The new Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, talks to Stephen Tomkins

Stephen Cottrell recalls the time a barista at Caffè Nero in Paddington Station asked him why he became a priest. She suggested that while religion seemed a mere hobby … Read More