Niall Cooper: How to meet the reality of poverty

27/02/2017 | Reform

When you think about poverty, who do you think about? Poverty is not an abstract concept – something affecting people far away. But for some reason, we struggle to ‘see’ poverty close to home.

Fiction has a certain power. The … Read More

Jumble sales of the apocalypse: Jesus, Mary and motors

27/02/2017 | Reform

Simon Jenkins reflects on our love affair with Jesus, Mary and motors

I found a ‘Jesus space’ the other day while I was circling the soulless car park of my local B&Q. This is something to celebrate, because a Jesus … Read More

On the pilgrim way

23/02/2017 | Reform

Sheila Maxey does battle with low spirits

Every year, during the early months of the year, I find myself struggling with low spirits. This year, irritated with myself, I decided to try to do battle with those low spirits. I … Read More

Commitment-Phobe: Our Fathers …

30/01/2017 | Reform

On fathers and forgiveness

‘Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.’ These words form part of the Lord’s Prayer, which is a fundamental of the Christian faith. Recently, my church leaders have made sure that … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Helped by these “angels”, my sap rises again’

30/01/2017 | Reform

Sheila Maxey seeks hope amid fear

Another year lies ahead and I want to know what it holds, personally and politically. When I was younger, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what each new year was likely … Read More

Niall Cooper: Looking forward

30/01/2017 | Reform

Niall Cooper reflects on 20 years of tackling poverty

Dignity, truth and agency: these are the enduring themes which have cropped up time and time again throughout my 20 years as Director of Church Action on Poverty. As we enter … Read More