Niall Cooper: Restoring faith in welfare

26/05/2015 | Reform

“It is time to restore social security as
 a core principle”

We all rely on the welfare safety net being there for us if we hit hard times. A functioning safety net, not food handouts, is the true long-term solution … Read More

Jumble sales of the apocalypse: On holiday with God

26/05/2015 | Reform

Where do you go to church when you’re on holiday? Several years ago, my evangelical auntie, asking what I would be doing on my impending beach holiday, told me tartly: “You may be going on holiday, but you can never … Read More

Christian Activist: Sage and solidarity

26/05/2015 | Reform

“We heard of olive trees being cut down,
threats with guns, police inaction, demolitions”

Jabril, a quietly-spoken 50-year-old shepherd has received two “stop work orders”. These are official Israeli documents saying he must stop building his residences – basically two walled … Read More

A letter from… earthquake zone, Nepal

26/05/2015 | Reform

The building around me began to sway as I sat at my desk working. At first it was gentle, but then it grew more violent. I ran to the bathroom and threw myself on the floor. Dust and plaster from … Read More

On the pilgrim way: “Visitors are a privilege, a blessing – and a challenge”

26/05/2015 | Reform

We have just had a spate of visitors from my German family. I love the prospect of visitors and enjoy getting the spare room ready with towels and flowers. However, I realise that, with age, I find the disruption of … Read More

Jumble sales of the apocalypse: When prayer goes wrong

24/04/2015 | Reform

“This building is prayer conditioned,” reads the sign outside Ryde Methodist Church, on the Isle of Wight. “God answers knee-mail,” says the sign recommending Vinings United Methodist in Atlanta, Georgia. What is it about prayer (and church signs) that makes … Read More