I was listening to the radio on Sunday morning (15th August) with a heavy heart. Voices from Afghanistan were describing…
Martyrdom – another strategy for Church growth
While the Church of England has been debating church growth and the aspiration to create ten thousand new Christian communities…
Christmas Reflection 2020
Christmas is a story of love and fragility. It’s a story of love in that it points to a Creator…
What the Government Fails to Grasp about Public Worship
The first time a government prevented me from attending communal worship in a church was in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 2008. …
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Remembrance Reflection 2020 – Patriotism is Not Enough
This is the time of year when the stories of the nation connect with our personal stories. We remember those…
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Coronavirus and End of Life Care and Rituals
It was a tragedy. A devoted sister was not able to be with her brother when he died and she…
Pentecost Reflection 2020
They had been in lockdown for some time. They were locked down because they feared for their lives. But when…
Easter Reflection 2020
Easter is a time of celebration and fresh beginnings. In the northern hemisphere spring is taking hold: trees and plants…
Preventing people from praying in churches removes a source of healing and well-being
I live in a small village on Exmoor, Somerset, with a very fine thirteenth century church at its heart. In…
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Letter to my Member of Parliament
I am writing for three reasons. First I would like to congratulate you on your election as MP for Bridgwater…
Visiting the Gardens of Eden
Recently I visited the Gardens of Eden. It was a remarkable experience. Leaving behind a cold, wet, dreary Britain depressed…
The Mission of Music and of the Rural Church
In the Great Hall of Crowcombe Court, an eighteenth century country house located in the lee of the Quantock Hills,…
Fed up with Brexit? Look to the Angels.
It’s Michaelmas and it’s an uncertain time. In medieval times, Michaelmas saw the seasons shift from harvest into later autumn. …
Music to die for? Lessons from the Top 10 Music Choices at Funerals
‘Hymns drop off top 10 funeral music choices in favour of Ed Sheeran’ screams the title of an article in…
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Easter Reflection 2019
The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris has been badly damaged by fire over the last few days. Pictures from…
Bishop Brian Castle 