In case anyone was wondering what the book was, it was ‘Tales of the City’ by Armistead Maupin. Amazing how an author can make such interesting subject matter so incredibly dull. An absolutely excruciating read.

Palela’s story is so important. I have head many like it during my life and ministry. www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2105...

I'm watching ‘Dexter’ for the first time. It is excellent, but the opening credits annoy me. I get why they choose to show coffee beans in a blade grinder for the aesthetics, but I'm sure that anyone meticulous enough to be a Dexter-style serial killer would use a burr grinder.

Has anyone ever given up entirely on a book you are meant to read for a book group because you find it so frustrating? I am sorely tempted.

It is always wonderful to be back at @hmcoxford.bsky.social, and it was great to meet Lisa Smars and catch up with all she is doing for the college!

‘Apocalypse Working Group’ would be a great band name.

If there is one thing joining a book group has done, it has freed me from the shackles of attempting to finish every work of fiction I begin to read.

My fiancée has finally twisted my arm into reading one of her favourite book series. However, I'm finding it hard going as one of the main characters is so annoying as to be completely insufferable. I've never hoped so eagerly for a literary character to be killed off!

Even as a Christian who operates largely outside the bounds of Nicene-Chalcedonian orthodoxy, I agree with @leedshewitt.bsky.social on this! The implications of Nicaea on church history and doctrine simply can't be overstated, and folks in the pews should be well informed about it.

If your church is marking 1700 years of the Nicene Creed this year and is looking for someone to give a talk, I'll be happy to do it (from a critical perspective, of course).

I just discovered that Dr Sollereder brews her own beer at home! This is an excellent appointment by @hmcoxford.bsky.social! www.homebrewedchristianty.com/2022/01/29/b...

The moment the penny drops for former Tory minister Simon Clarke...

The fact that people led by this ignoramus are running for positions that would put them in charge of local SEND policy is frankly terrifying. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...

Thanks to @pridepicsuk.bsky.social for covering the protest in Leicester yesterday! #transrightsarehumanrights

Even in the context of the multiple horrors of an ongoing genocide, the intentional massacre of humanitarian workers is a great evil indeed. www.itv.com/news/2025-04...

#Police have raided a #Quaker place of worship hosting a campaign group's welcome talk. Here are three reasons to be alarmed. symonhill.org/2025/03/29/p... @youth-demand.bsky.social

I'm taking this opportunity to correct the record. A trusted friend contacted me and pointed out that my reading of Neil Pugmire’s theology was inaccurate and that he is “definitely not conservative”. I apologise to Neil if I have offended him.

I picked up the new edition of ‘100 Ways To Get Your Church Noticed’ from my local Christian bookshop today where I am told it is selling well. There is the very occasional hint that Pugmire writes form a conservative evangelical perspective. While I don't share that perspective…

I'm quoting as I can't comment for some reason. This has been a fascinating discussion between @trt.bsky.social and @dwcongdon.com. To nail my colours to the mast: I draw from both liberal and liberation theologies, I operate mainly in theologically liberal institutions, and politically, I’m

While understandably, eyes have turned to Ukraine and the threats of Trump’s chaos machine, Israel is taking full advantage. Gaza is under notice of siege and bombardment and the Knesset advances plans to annex large swathes of the West Bank. The danger is extreme.

A lovely reflection from Peter Rollins this morning that really spoke to me. youtu.be/gysDmb4bECc

Here are the films that I saw in February: 1. Companion (2025) 10/10 2. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) 10/10 3. September 5 (2024) 10/10 4. The Brutalist (2024) 9/10 5. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025) 8/10 6. Better Man (2024) 3/10

🏳️‍⚧️The Trans* Theology Group are looking for your help!🏳️‍⚧️ For Trans* Day of Visibility 2025, the Trans* Theology Group are looking for participants to help them in making a short video to recognise the joy in being trans* and Christian. Want to know more? Swipe to find out!

I watched the BFI’s 4K remaster of Martin Rosen’s 1978 film ‘Watership Down’ yesterday. I had almost forgotten what a brilliantly animated film it is! The death of Hazel at the end of the film always brings me to tears. Has there ever been a more beautiful depiction of dying in cinematic history?

John Hick really hit the nail on the head here back in the 1977 Preface to ‘The Myth of God Incarnate’: “‘Orthodoxy’ is a myth, which can and often does inhibit the creative thinking which Christianity sorely needs today.”

There is no use crying over stolen milk, I suppose! Three bottles were stolen just two minutes after they were delivered. I found one bottle, which was still full but minus its foil top, discarded at the end of the road. This leads me to think they didn’t take it simply because they were thirsty.

I love #Uncanny, but the latest ‘Shadow Man’ case is one of the most disturbing by far! One crucial question to ask Julian is what happened to the 02:11 phenomena when the clocks changed. Did they occur an hour later/before, or did they continue to commence at 02:11?

As such here are the ratings for the films I saw in January: 1. Seven (1995) 9/10 2. Zodiac (2007) 8/10 3. Nosferatu (2024) 7/10 4. A Complete Unknown (2024) 7/10 5. Presence (2024) 6/10 6. Flight Risk (2025) 6/10 7. Gone Girl (2014) 5/10

Recently, I decided to make going to the cinema a hobby and to start watching films regularly. This is partly a way of ensuring I get a break and also because I was tired of always being that person in a conversation who hadn't seen the movie.

On Holocaust Memorial Day we should recommit ourselves to opposing fascism in this darkening world. Never again!

If Rep. Mike Collins gets his way and Bishop Mariann Budde does find herself on a deportation list and out of a job as a result of her sermon, then I hear there is a good post going in Canterbury that she might be interested in. It even comes with some snazzy digs in Lambeth.

I'm sad to have learned that Don Cupitt has died. His non-realist Christianity was one of the ideas that first brought me back to faith. For that alone, I owe a lot to him.

You may not like it, but this is the perfect steak dinner in my home. 😋

Is there a list of those who have turned down honours this new year?

It's incredible how many folks are prepared to hold up a person responsible for initiating the US funding and arming of the mujahideen as being a paragon of virtue.

It is my third #ClergyMaltClub, and I'm still on the same bottle of Tamnavulin! Christmas Eve service is done, and Christmas Day service is nearly entirely written. The ingredients for the all-important Parson’s Punch that is served afterwards are ready to go too! Merry Christmas, everyone!

The Trinity as a conclusion in search of an argument #maklelan2458 youtu.be/cX_N84RU8Hg

Landlords are really doing their best to challenge my conviction in universal salvation.

Choosing carols from your congregation’s carol sheet for the Carol Service can feel like one of the most complex decisions a Minister can make!

This might be a controversial take, but I think one can respect someone as a “scholar” and even praise their scholarship while still disagreeing with them vehemently.

It is my day off, and I am about to go out with Zosh to see ‘It's a Wonderful Life’ at the cinema. Neither of us has seen it before!

It is good to see that Leicestershire’s other Unitarian Minister (and my great friend and TikTok celebrity), Arek, has joined the party!

I think it is time I was honest and transparent about my reaction to Parliament’s assisted dying vote yesterday. I'm Christian. I'm disabled. And when the result of the vote was announced, I breathed a sigh of relief. I’ve seen too many loved ones go through pointlessly long and drawn-out deaths.

I should probably do an introduction post! I'm a Unitarian and Free Christian Minister in Hinckley, Leicestershire, where I live with my wonderful Pagan fiancée Zosh. I’m progressive in my theology and am very much on the left politically. I wonder what discussions this place has in store for me!