Blog

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Unveiling the Importance of Prayer | A Crucial Component for Church Vitality

Without a strong emphasis on prayer, churches risk losing their connection to their spiritual source, resulting in a weakened sense of purpose and power.
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The Changing Landscape | Exploring the Biggest Threats Facing Churches in the UK

As the spiritual landscape evolves, it is crucial to examine the biggest threats that have posed significant hurdles to the thriving of churches. Is it the lack of adherence to liturgy? The diminishing presence of young people? Or perhaps the absence of effective mission and evangelism?

Empowering Communities Through Knowledge: Addressing HR Challenges in South Asia

The global landscape of human rights is riddled with complex challenges, and South Asia is no exception. This region, brimming with diversity and cultural richness, also grapples with various forms of injustice and human rights abuses. In this context, the empowerment of local communities through knowledge becomes a beacon of hope and transformation.

Confronting Human Rights Challenges in South Asia: A Call for Spiritual Policy Influence

In South Asia, human rights issues remain a persistent and deeply troubling concern. The region, vibrant with cultural diversity and rich history, unfortunately, also bears the scars of human rights abuses, ranging from poverty and inequality to political repression. The solution to these problems lies not only in pragmatic policy-making but also in a profound engagement with theological and ethical perspectives.

A Theological Reflection on Human Rights and the Silencing of Voices in Southeast Asia: The Case of Cambodia

In a world increasingly interconnected yet paradoxically divided, the issue of human rights violations, particularly in Southeast Asia, emerges as a poignant area of concern. This article delves into the situation in Cambodia, where the silencing of political opposition and independent media has raised critical questions that beckon a response from various theological perspectives, including Radical Orthodox Theology, Liberation Theology, and the concept of Imago Dei.
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My Ordination Journey | A Time of Reflection and Resilience

The days leading up to my ordination were both challenging and deeply contemplative. I faced physical limitations due to a second operation on my back, which resulted in strict instructions to avoid bending, twisting, or lifting at all costs.

Extra-Judicial Killings, Disappearances, and Torture: A Theological Perspective on HR Violations in SE Asia

In recent years, Southeast Asia has witnessed a disturbing rise in extra-judicial killings, disappearances, and acts of torture, with the Philippines standing out as a particularly egregious example. This surge in human rights violations not only demands a political and legal response but also a profound theological reflection. Drawing upon the insights of Radical Orthodox Theology, Liberation Theology, and the concept of Imago Dei, we find a unique lens to examine and respond to these crises.

Human Rights Challenges in South Asia – Evidence-Based Solutions

This article seeks to explore how these theological frameworks can inform and guide evidence-based solutions to the human rights issues plaguing South Asia.

Human Rights Challenges in South Asia – Understanding the Problem

In approaching the complex issue of human rights challenges in South Asia, a thorough understanding rooted in Radical Orthodox Theology, Liberation Theology, and the concept of Imago Dei is vital.
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The Labyrinth of Human Rights Challenges in South Asia – Bridging the Gap: The Role of Research

In the intricate tapestry of South Asia, the human rights landscape presents a labyrinth of challenges, each thread representing a different issue, from socio-economic disparities to political strife. This complexity demands a thoughtful, profound approach to untangling these threads, and here lies the indispensable role of research.

The Rohingya Crisis: A Grievous Violation of Human Rights in ASEAN – A Theological Reflection

The plight of the Rohingya people in Southeast Asia is not just a geopolitical issue or a humanitarian crisis; it is a profound moral and theological challenge, especially when viewed through the lenses of Radical Orthodox Theology, Liberation Theology, and the concept of Imago Dei (the Image of God). This article seeks to explore the Rohingya crisis from these theological perspectives, underscoring the profound ethical implications and the call for a deeper, faith-inspired response.
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Fun Times Running About Museums

Of course, these days, the notion of leaving kids alone, with no money and no telephone for hours on end in a museum in London would be considered neglect, but to us, it was just magical.
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Shining a Light on the Shadows: Human Rights Violations in South Asia

In the heart of South Asia, a region steeped in vibrant cultures and historical grandeur, lies a somber truth – the persistent shadow of human rights violations. As I reflect on the narratives that have shaped our understanding of this region, I am compelled to underscore the critical need for development and implementation of comprehensive research strategies to confront these injustices.
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A Boy I Once Called Friend

All I know is that as I write this, I am still training to be a priest, trying to get some funds in to extend the church's services in the community whilst David Norris, the killer of Stephen Lawrence remains in prison.
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Behold, All is Vanity and Vexation of Spirit

Influences included Major T.E, Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), and films such as Kundun, the characters of Daniel Dravot and Peachy Carnahan in The Man Who Would Be King, the character of Sir Reginald Johnston in The Last Emporer and even the character of Percey Blakeney in The Scarlett Pimpernel gave me notions that I could make a difference in a 'truly great' way if I only set my mind to it.

The Very Beginning

Much to my disdain, I was born at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup when Sidcup was part of Kent.  I was always a bit envious of my peers born at Farnborough Hospital, which, to my mind, was a better start in life.  It sounded nicer than Sidcup, which, whenever we drove through, seemed to be between places; it wasn’t a destination; it was a place one went through and therefore was not a place for starting anything, let alone a life, my life. What could be done? Nothing. It was as it was.
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Feeling My Way | God’s Vinyard

Perhaps what you need to consider is if your calling is to the wider Church of God or if it is specifically to the Anglican corner of the vineyard?  
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Porvoo or Bust

Not long after chatting to my old boss Don Witts, he got back to me about the possibility of pursuing a Bishop's certificate with Southwark Diocese.
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Feeling My Way | Smith Says No

I had a positive conversation on the telephone where he clarified "Let's be frank, the return trip to Bangkok is impractical, not least because of the increasing COVID restrictions, and I suggest you pursue any options closer to you."
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Peculiar But Doable

"Let's meet at the Hawaiian Bar.  It's nearby where I live, and we can meet without masks because it's outside-ish.  It's on the ground floor of a defunct car park.  Do you know it?"  This is Thailand, so it is neither the first nor last time I have met somewhere, which might generally sound weird.
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Ricochetting Begins

So began a period where I was ricocheting about, getting advice, pursuing leads and slowly, sometimes imperceptively feeling a way forward. It was a difficult time, with lots of dead ends and lots of ideas. It was knowing that the journey had begun but not knowing the shape or length of the journey to come.

When I Could Ignore God No More

Then stronger than ever, my internal dialogue, the conversation I had ignored with God for too long, was louder than ever.   "Do it and do it now", it said.
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World Aids Day & Me

I started working in two areas specifically HIV/Aids as well as Homelessness.  I was fortunate to be paid for my work with homeless people.  By contrast, HIV/Aids work was a passion.

Positive

She looked into the mirror, turning sideways, as is her routine.  "I think I am getting fat.  I'll wear the other one." Standing behind her, I looked into the mirror.  She was getting fat; without a medical reason, a sure sign of greed and sloth. We both will need to drink more water and go swimming, I thought.  We had no excuse.  The pool was less than 100 meters from our house. We reverse the process, and she is now putting on the uniform skirt/Chinese top combo. "How do I look in this?" As always on the third change, I am over-enthusiastic.  I tell her she is beautiful, and after throwing down the mobile and giving her my undivided attention, I tell her this is my favourite.
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Global Warming

At least we all should be setting the example and demonstrating the benefits of those choices to the global market. After all, it is in our common interest.

As It Was At The Beginning, So It Is At The End

One of my favourite anecdotes relating to this was when she was reading the story Rapunzel. The word Rapunzel was a challenge for her, yet she knew there was a type of lettuce called Rapunzel. So when reading the story to us as we sat on the sofa next to her when we were young, she skipped the heroine's name in the fairy tale and instead replaced it with the word 'lettuce'.

My Heaven That is The Humble Bagel

But the bagel experience is more than just a bagel. It's wrapped up in my DNA, however much I might want to overcome it or have attempted to deny it in the past. I am one-half a Londoner and an East Londoner at that. I need to live with it. With folklore about the docks, the dance halls, old China-town from before the Blitz, tailors, cigar rollers, Jews, prostitutes, the old maid's chemist, Ginger Marks flyover, Catholic processions, loan clubs, black shirts, gangsters and boxing.

Introduction

So, it begins as so many conversations have. It could be important or not important at all, but for the one explaining the dream, me, it feels important and so it is.
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The stupidest thing I used to believe whole-heartedly

I knew the importance that the effects of mobility would have on my life and understandably I was pretty nervous.  Gordon Bachelor, my instructor, coached me week after week and prepared me for this day.  The sun was shining, and the morning was hot.  I don't know how, but I passed, and with only one or two exceptions, it stands out as a good thing I have done.

Glo Co. (Prologue)

He knew all around him thousands of people were living their lives, but in his space, as in all the units, only absolute silence when he listened for signs of life from outside his own enclosed environment; Nothing.

On commitment

I heard this on Radio 4 in early February this year. It really struck a chord with me and so I thought I would share it with you. I have always stuck to the mantra that "bold acts are the safest". I read that many years ago on the Burma Memorial…
This is a really cool video on YouTube and I thought you might like it.
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mcdonald’s buns are typically very flat

The prospect of eating an overpriced bun which tastes the same as if it were bought in Croydon or Orpington, is amazing in spite of the massive logistical nightmare required to achieve such a feat, but also dreadfully boring because of the very same.

wreck poem

A poem by Christine. "Wreck"   She appeared Suddenly. Her shape All at once Familiar, Yet disturbing.   The dark body Of her, Split and open, In the blue. An invitation To pry and look;   The dark ribs Of her arc Upwards, Like…
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having not pointlessly walked for a while

I have never historically been a big fan of pointless walking to nowhere. so why this isolated snippet of a dream should have such a profound affect is a bit of a mystery.
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a caricature of terrorism

I think that there needs to be a rebalance in messages sent out in the media and by government to better engage the portrayal of, and opportunities for, average Muslims to have conversations with the rest of society; and vice-versa.
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I didn’t need to sleep rough in Sharm

So, to the sound of the Survivors "The Eye of the Tiger" blasting loudly into my inner ear we drove like the wind out of town, past the airport into a place which has been referred to as 'just beyond the middle of nowhere'.
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A long shory stort

Christmas will be spent just outside Moscow and New Year will be on a train in the middle of nowhere, just outside of Ulaanbaatar.

‘moon dial’ trauma

Part of the storyline was about a child who was only allowed to play out in the garden at night. The programme was really strange and was called ‘Moondial’.
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His Holiness the Karmapa

I thought you might like this.  Very interesting.
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ash-flicked bubbles and vomit-fuelled foam

smearing themselves with ash-flicked bubbles and alcohol induced vomit-fuelled foam
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las palmera

Stall holders, artists, bohemians and the like meet and socialise inside and outside 'Las Palmera'.
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a monkey economy as irrational as ours

How monkeys make similar decisions when faced with problems in the same irrational way as humans do.
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ben nevis and the luss highland games

During the first Saturday in July I went with my sisters' family to the Luss Highland Games.  They featured the tug- o-war, field cycling, throwing the hammer, throwing the bushel and wrestling.In every event there was a token…

Would you like to know what I am working on now?