Niall Cooper: Don’t panic

24/04/2013 | Reform

“Don’t panic! Don’t panic!” Sergeant Jones’ famous refrain would be an apt response to the increasingly strident headlines in recent weeks about the future of the welfare state: “Benefit claimants flooding system”, “The government must reform the welfare state now”, … Read More

A letter from… Bolivia

24/04/2013 | Reform

I travel to the Amazon every six weeks, from the city of La Paz where I live, and it is always an adventure. For seven months of the year the roads are impassable and I travel by river in canoes … Read More

Chapter and Verse: John 11:38-53

22/04/2013 | Reform

The Temple authorities of Jesus’ time, found Jesus subversively, infuriatingly, terrifyingly difficult to cope with. So does the Christian Church. Institutions are inevitably concerned with their own survival, reputation and flourishing, while Jesus calls his would-be followers to “deny themselves, … Read More

Chapter and Verse: Luke 10:25-37

27/03/2013 | Reform

The parable of the Good Samaritan will feature in the lectionary on 14 July this year. I am glad I am not scheduled to preach that day! What could there possibly be new to say on such a familiar text? … Read More

Single Mum: Bidding farewell

27/03/2013 | Reform

This is our last Single Mum column. The story of Sav-and-me has lately divided into two stories – and I am only entitled to own my own. Sav’s documented life in these pages is finished. And so, here is the … Read More

Niall Cooper: Feeling the benefit cuts

27/03/2013 | Reform

April 2013 represents D-day for millions who rely on welfare or tax credits to make ends meet. A raft of cuts and changes to the benefits system will come into force, and the impact will be felt by the poorest, … Read More