As some of you will know, I’m now over 70 and as a result, was offered the vaccine fairly early on; several weeks ago. I declined the offer and feel the need to explain why I did this. Those of you who know me will be aware I’m no ‘anti-vaxxer’; I didn’t agonise over vaccinations for any of my children, or for myself when I was constantly travelling to distant places. I was absolutely not afraid of having the jab, and nor would I wish anything that follows to be misconstrued as an appeal to others to follow my example. I want to explain to you what some of the thinking was behind my decision, which was a finely-balanced one.
Author: James Blott
Must priests become managers? – Part 2
There are times when I think that if the leaders of the Church of England were talking to Peter in the story I’ve quoted above from John 15, their answer would have been: ‘Then make sure you complete the Diocesan return on time; fill out our spreadsheet; make sure you are complying with all relevant legislation; confirm what you are doing to meet the latest Diocesan initiative…..’, instead of simply: ‘Feed my lambs’.
Must priests become managers?
As many of you know, I spent most of my working career running organisations. I’ve therefore always been interested in analysing problems and trying to think things through strategically. With this in mind, and having listened to the Irreverend podcast on this subject recently, I’ve been reflecting on how the Church views its own future.
Will our churches survive?
I’m absolutely sure that, like me, you’ve found the latest lockdown more difficult than the others. Apart from other considerations, I’ve been bitterly disappointed to note that some organisations are now cancelling events that were due to take place next September.
Please don’t ignore ‘The Forgotten’
It is, of course, right that we should treat the victims of COVID and their friends and family with compassion. But I am increasingly concerned for those who are suffering indirectly as a result of COVID restrictions. They seem to be largely ignored and forgotten by our media.
Does Christmas matter? – 2
Over the course of my lifetime, as the numbers professing the Christian faith have declined, Christmas has for many people become a time of excess: excess of food and drink; excess of spending; excess of partying; excess of everything.
Reflective Preacher 