Reviews July/August 2023

26/06/2023 | Reform

Language for the deaf

Name Me LawandDirected by Edward LovelaceCertificate PG, 91 minutesReleased 7 July

Lawand, a young Iraqi boy, has been written off. He is different, he apparently doesn’t want to communicate with others. No one in his home … Read More

Art in focus – July/August 2023

26/06/2023 | Reform

St Francis of AssisiSt Benedict’s Cave, Subiaco MonasteryFresco, 1223-1224

I think I would like to have met Francis, the young Italian nobleman turned saint. This fresco on the wall of the monastery of Subiaco near Rome is the oldest known … Read More

Editorial: The rise of AI

26/06/2023 | Reform

Two months ago on this page, I offered you an editorial written by a rudimentary artificial intelligence (AI) programme. I have also had fun asking it jokes and getting it to write hymns and sermons, crossword clues and my annual … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘We are discovering the pleasure of giving’

02/06/2023 | Reform

Sheila Maxey prepares for closing time

I am proud of my little local church because it is managing to be fully alive while it prepares carefully and thoughtfully for closure on 8 July. We have four elders, three of them … Read More

Here & now: Naomi Baldwin

02/06/2023 | Reform

Naomi Campbell sheds light on our life’s image

I was recently on a trip to Dublin, and while visiting the National Gallery of Ireland saw Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ. My credentials as an artist of paint are not strong; … Read More

All are welcome? Gay, disabled and neurodiverse

02/06/2023 | Reform

Martin Knight on sexuality, disabilty and neurodiversity

I wonder what feeling genuinely welcome means to you. This month, I am honoured to share the words of a URC minister, the Revd Martin Knight (he/him) with you. Martin writes about his … Read More