All Opinion articles – Page 50
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OpinionPraying for 'my one word' is an incredible tool, here's how you can ask God what yours is for 2022
In the first of a series of blogs during January looking at different ways to connect with God, Claire Musters shares how choosing one word to focus on each year has impacted her.
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OpinionThe Queen’s Speech: ‘Even with one familiar laugh missing this year, there will be joy in Christmas’
Nine million people tuned in to watch The Queen’s Speech on Christmas Day, making it the most-watched festive broadcast. A pre-speech leak had suggested that this year’s address would be a more personal affair than usual, and her majesty did not disappoint
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OpinionChristmas isn’t over till January 6, here’s why you shouldn’t stop celebrating the birth of Jesus
If you’ve already started packing up your baubles and taking down the tealights, stop right there. Belle Tindall explains that Christmas lasts a full twelve days and it isn’t over yet.
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OpinionNo matter how bad the headlines get, in the news or in our lives, we’re called to pray
As many of us grapple with feelings of disappointment, uncertainty, fear and rejection, author Anne Le Tissier encourages us to pray with confidence, peace and faith in God who is for us, and not against us.
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OpinionDon’t feel guilty if you’re not enjoying Christmas… you don’t have to
For many the festive season is marred with pain, separation and loss. Writer Amy Boucher Pye encourages those experiencing a ‘blue Christmas’ to embrace lament and wishes them a ‘Happy Christmas anyway’.
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OpinionRegifting shouldn’t be controversial, it should be celebrated
Got a present you aren’t going to use? Writer Lauren Windle explains why she thinks we should all be giving unwanted gifts a ‘second life’.
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OpinionChristmas is horrific for those held in modern slavery, but we help break them free and so can you
It’s estimated that more than 100,000 people are being held in modern slavery in the UK. Justice and Care’s Charlotte Trefusis, explains what Christmas is like for someone who is trapped.
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OpinionI didn’t return to work after having my baby and I have no regrets
Mum-of-three, Sarah Jones, always knew she wanted to stay home with her children and set up her family and finances so that she could. Now, six years in, she explains why, despite not being able to afford the insta-worthy house and regular manicures, she wouldn’t change a thing.
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Opinion‘Omicron anxiety’ is understandable, but in all this uncertainty there’s one thing that’s guaranteed
Boris may have promised us Christmas, but nothing feels certain at the moment. Concious that many of us are struggling with the idea of potential lockdowns, restrictions and the risk of illness, author Kate Patterson reminds us that, while the world is uncertain, God’s love isn’t.
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Opinion'Golden couple' Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin are splitting - but what about the unhelpful pedestal we put them on?
Many people were rocked by the news that celibacy advocates and Christian celebrity couple Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin are separating. But Tola Doll Fisher asks why it’s so much more appealing for us to follow a highly visible, beautiful, golden couple than the Bible.
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OpinionAs Billie Eilish speaks out about the dangers of porn, the church needs to realise lust isn’t just a ‘male problem’
Billie Eilish offers an important reminder that it’s not just men who are affected by porn, it’s women too. Lauren Windle explores what the church can do about it.
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OpinionShould Christians be boycotting Amazon this Christmas?
With constant controversy surrounding Amazon, including the death of six of their warehouse employees last week, Christians are asking whether they should keep shopping with the e-commerce giant. Writer Lauren Windle weighs up the pros and cons.
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OpinionWhy the proposed conversion therapy ban is potentially dangerous for the work of churches
The government’s proposals for a broad ‘conversion therapy’ ban could result in criminalising the ordinary work of churches. Dr Sharon James explains that the new law could include some prayer, preaching and pastoral care.
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OpinionWhy do churches need to be eco-friendly anyway?
As we put up Christmas trees, write our cards and buy gifts, there is a growing call that we need to do this in a more ethical and sustainable way. While we may accept changes that we can make in our own lives and shopping habits, Helen Stephens, Head of Eco Church, asks does it really need to extend to our churches?
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OpinionMany female clergy donned the popular BELIEVE jumper from Marks and Spencer this Christmas, Revd Lucy Brierley explains why
‘If you take “Christ” out of “Christmas” you’re left with just “M&S”!’ jokes Revd Lucy Brierley, as she explains why a bright Marks’ jumper became the unofficial clergy uniform this festive season.
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OpinionAs deaf dancer Rose Ayling-Ellis wins Strictly, we explore why hearing people need to help deaf people to be heard
The Strictly Come Dancing final 2021 was an historic moment in television, and it was especially significant for the deaf community. Deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice defied all expectations by winning the trophy on the night, and they deserved every inch of the glitterball!
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OpinionA Big problem: Allegations about Sex and the City’s Chris Noth do so much more than taint the show’s revamp
Following the release of And Just Like That, two women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault against actor Chris Noth, aka Mr Big. Writer Lauren Windle discusses what this means for the alleged victims and the show
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OpinionAll the best Christmas TV to look forward to over the winter holiday
Everyone knows the TV bosses up their game over the festive period in a bid to get our attention, here’s Lauren Windle’s round up of the best telly on offer this Christmas.
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OpinionChristmas as a single person is hard… but you’re not on your own
Dreading facing your family festivities without a partner again this year? Don’t worry, we know how you feel.
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OpinionThe shepherds would have been dismissed as unreliable witnesses
Uncouth, unclean and tattily dressed, the shepards would have been the last people you’d want to vouch for you, and yet Jesus revealed himself to them first. Rosemary Hector reflects on the radical nature of the way Jesus came to earth.
