Commitment-Phobe: The mouths of babes

22/01/2016 | Reform

When your spiritual guide is a child

I think most people have a spiritual guide of sorts – a person who inspires them either to think about their faith more deeply or to engage with faith in the first place. … Read More

Chapter & verse: Exodus 20:1-21 and Matthew 5:1-12

22/01/2016 | Reform

Susan Durber hears how texts talk to each other

The church where I worship has two sets of texts in niches the shape of tablets (the Moses kind of tablet, not iPads!) on the front wall of the sanctuary. The … Read More

On the pilgrim way: “Lent seems a recipe for self-absorption”

22/01/2016 | Reform

Sheila Maxey fights self-absorption in Lent

I am a bit wary of Lent and its call to self-examination and repentance. It seems either a recipe for self-absorption or for depression. Rowan Williams, speaking in St Paul’s during Advent – another … Read More

Commitment-Phobe: When I change the world

27/11/2015 | Reform

Preaching from the choir

This time last year, I had recently decided that I would give Christianity a serious go. I don’t think I could have imagined that the following year I would be singing in the choir for the … Read More

Chapter & verse: Luke 1:39-56

27/11/2015 | Reform

Neil Thorogood enjoys Mary’s song

Think of what it feels like to be told really big news. There can be a blizzard of emotions: Shock and bewilderment, delight and wonder, uncertainty and confusion. Often, our response is all about trying … Read More

Jumble sales of the apocalypse: Spare a thought for Joseph

27/11/2015 | Reform

It’s Christmas. You’re going to be in the nativity play. What character would you most like to be?” Steve Tomkins (the esteemed editor of this magazine) and I, armed with a video camera, were stopping people in their tracks at … Read More