Greg Smith
@gregcity3.bsky.social
📤 89
📥 125
📝 210
It's all on my website..
https://gregsmith.synthasite.com/
reposted by
Greg Smith
Preston City of Sanctuary
about 18 hours ago
The environment gets even more hostile and without even a debate in Parliament BBC News - Major changes to asylum system set to come into force
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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Shabana Mahmood to announce asylum system changes to take effect
From Monday, asylum seekers granted refugee status in the UK will be offered only temporary protection.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp32ddzdjxko
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Preston City of Sanctuary
about 18 hours ago
Source: The Guardian
search.app/F7Pkx
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Refugee status to be temporary as Shabana Mahmood rips up rules on UK asylum
Home secretary announces 30-month protection limit, with refugees required to leave if their home countries are later judged safe
https://search.app/F7Pkx
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Expert Comment: Church-to-mosque conversions grab headlines, but is funding the real crisis? | University of Oxford
share.google/h7BuAjLihrHI...
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Expert Comment: Church-to-mosque conversions grab headlines, but is
Reverend Canon Professor William Whyte, Professor of Social and Architectural History in the Faculty of History, reacts to Reform UK's announcement that it would ‘end the incendiary practice of
https://share.google/h7BuAjLihrHIVGuu0
3 days ago
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processthis.substack.com/p/bonhoeffer...
? A long read but full of insights and lament
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Bonhoeffer's Warning, Unheeded: The Moral Collapse of White Evangelicalism
Why the Most Devout White American Evangelicals Are the Most Captured
https://processthis.substack.com/p/bonhoeffers-warning-unheeded-the
5 days ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Dr Jo Kershaw
5 days ago
Incidentally it occurs to me that one thing that’s daft about Matt Goodwin’s line that “Britain will be unrecognisable by the end of this century” is that… yeah, it probably will be. Britain was very different in 2000 to 1926. 1900 was quite different to 1826, for that matter.
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Preston City of Sanctuary
5 days ago
We are in a dreadful time compared with earlier decades of politics
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
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How rightwing rhetoric has risen sharply in the UK parliament – an exclusive visual analysis
In the past five years, MPs’ attitudes in the House of Commons towards immigration have swung harder to the right than at almost any other time in the last century
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2026/feb/25/how-rightwing-rhetoric-has-risen-sharply-in-the-uk-parliament-an-exclusive-visual-analysis
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Source: Independent Catholic News
search.app/Lt8kP
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Record number of adults to be received into Catholic Church in Southwark | ICN
At the Rite of Election ceremony at St George's Cathedral yesterday, Archbishop John Wilson welcomed over 590 adults, including catechumens (those not yet baptised) and candidates (those from other Ch...
https://search.app/Lt8kP
7 days ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
UTU (Urban Theology Union)
7 days ago
You can now pre-order Helen Paynter's new book, "Faithful Presence in a Fractured World: A Church toolkit for resisting the Far Right" from Canterbury Press. Read the description on their webpage and check out the fantastic lineup of authors/topics.
canterburypress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978178...
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Faithful Presence in a Fractured World A Church toolkit for resisting the Far Right by Helen Paynter - Paperback / softback - 9781786227386
Buy Faithful Presence in a Fractured World A Church toolkit for resisting the Far Right by Helen Paynter Paperback / softback from Canterbury Press - ISBN: 9781786227386
https://canterburypress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9781786227386/faithful-presence-in-a-fractured-world
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www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
? If we don't defeat DeForm fascism will win.
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Reform would create ICE-style agency and end leave to remain, Zia Yusuf to say
Nigel Farage’s party plans to deport up to 288,000 people a year on five flights a day and expand stop and search
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/22/reform-uk-ice-style-agency-end-leave-to-remain-zia-yusuf
8 days ago
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BBC News - Is there really a 'quiet revival' of religion among Gen Z? - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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Is there really a 'quiet revival' of religion among Gen Z?
A fierce debate is taking place about whether there really has been a revival in Christianity.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0k1jddl51no
9 days ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
David Barth
9 days ago
Generalizing isn't healthy. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Jesus Christ's New Testament church Restored.
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reposted by
Greg Smith
🇧🇷❄️🏅 Portabandiera (V)espeta 💌🕴️🦩ᶜʳᶠ
10 days ago
#langsky
"Everyone should have the right to learn and grow through their mother tongue, and also to acquire regional, national, and international languages. Through multilingualism, wisely used, every individual can participate, talk and be heard." Happy International Mother Language Day! 🌻
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Open Library
9 days ago
Celebrate linguistic diversity by browsing multilingual books in Open Library’s digital archive.
tinyurl.com/bdj24acn
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Fr Alex Frost host of The God Cast
10 days ago
What another sorry mess surrounding a Bishop. It seems many people are not surprised. This is so depressing, so damaging. Pray justice is served, and the church gets it's tawdry house in order!
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Sick lies clearly wanting to promote a false far right narrative. Heading to the destruction of urban civilisation. BBC News - Why fake AI videos of UK urban decline are taking over social media - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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Why fake AI videos of UK urban decline are taking over social media
Deepfakes showing grim taxpayer-funded waterparks have gone viral and drawn some racist responses.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g8r23yv71o
10 days ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Preston City of Sanctuary
10 days ago
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
This could happen in the UK if the far right gets to power.
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‘Don’t go to the US – not with Trump in charge’: the UK tourist with a valid visa detained by ICE for six weeks
Karen Newton was in America on the trip of a lifetime when she was shackled, transported and held for weeks on end. With tourism to the US under increasing strain, she says, ‘If it can happen to me, i...
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/21/karen-newton-valid-visa-detained-ice?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
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www.premierchristianity.com/opinion/enou...
? Good article by my friend Israel.. Pity about the photo of For Rage
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Enough politics. The Church needs to offer a theological view on immigration
As public opinion hardens and political rhetoric intensifies, many Christians are absorbing the same political narratives about immigration as everyone else. But the Evangelical Alliance's Israel Olof...
https://www.premierchristianity.com/opinion/enough-politics-the-church-needs-to-offer-a-theological-view-on-immigration/21049.article
10 days ago
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The Guardian exposing the racism and stupidity of Reform Councilors in Lancashire.
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11 days ago
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Racism is spreading like a cancer, and it is right wing politicians and media who are promoting it.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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Slurs by teachers and gang attacks: Racism trauma revealed in report
Jasmine said an elderly man shouted abuse at her for wearing a headscarf as she approached her place of work.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwygyl83el8o
14 days ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
William Temple Foundation
15 days ago
What does it mean to seek renewal in neighbourhoods shaped by loss, resilience, and hope? Sarah Small's Temple Urban Tract reflects on place, faithfulness, and long-term presence in urban contexts Read here:
williamtemplefoundation.org.uk/temple-tract...
Eden Network:
www.facebook.com/EdenNetwork
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Preston City of Sanctuary
15 days ago
Read the article for our statement on this
www.blogpreston.co.uk/2026/02/all-...
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All of Lancashire County Council’s libraries withdrawn from Library of Sanctuary scheme – Blog Preston
<p>The news came as a surprise to councillors – who said they did not receive any communication that the change had happened. </p>
https://www.blogpreston.co.uk/2026/02/all-of-lancashire-county-councils-libraries-withdrawn-from-library-of-sanctuary-scheme/
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Pleasant morning yesterday at RSPB Leighton Moss
photos.app.goo.gl/Exr62gocnQyB...
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Leighton Moss 14 Feb 2026 · Saturday, Feb 14 📸
Shared album · Tap to view!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Exr62gocnQyBggFE8
16 days ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Preston City of Sanctuary
17 days ago
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Three cheers for Unison and the Grauniad... zero for the government.
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Britain’s care system promotes modern slavery. A genuinely humane government would reform it | Andrea Egan
New proposals that would force poorly paid migrant workers to wait longer for earned settlement are nothing more than an assault on working-class people, says Unison’s general secretary Andrea Egan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/12/britain-care-system-promotes-modern-slavery-reform
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Asylum Matters
22 days ago
🚨 Just THREE days left to tell the Government what you think of making refugees wait 20 years for safety 🚨 We cannot let these appalling plans go unchallenged. Follow this guide from Praxis to make sure your voice is heard.
www.praxis.org.uk/consultation
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Preston City of Sanctuary
21 days ago
This policy is vile and cruel.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
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300,000 children face 10-year wait for settled status under UK plans, says IPPR
Thinktank analysis says proposed ‘earned settlement’ changes could trap families in prolonged insecurity
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/09/children-settled-status-home-office-plans-ippr
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christiansagainstthefarright.substack.com/p/from-westm...
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From Westminster to the Streets of Birmingham: The Secret Architecture of UK’s Christian Nationalism
A far-right 'Walk with Jesus' is planned for Birmingham. From UKIP's street theatre to Reform UK's intellectual veneer, CAFR unmasks the movement weaponising our faith.
https://christiansagainstthefarright.substack.com/p/from-westminster-to-the-streets-of?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=7615070&post_id=187138422&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=forsl&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
22 days ago
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Fun in church?
22 days ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
UTU (Urban Theology Union)
24 days ago
cuf.org.uk/news/local_p...
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How can we take a practical and prophetic role to challenging poverty in our neighbourhoods? - CUF
Deprivation data for St Matthew the Apostle, Burnley
https://cuf.org.uk/news/local_practical_prophetic_challenging_poverty?fbclid=IwdGRjcAPzCHJjbGNrA_MIX2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHpXwlsQtTM3fAl-pkofrWK6O6QxjUYZwZh2BSoBVcCkxSnhQTT4-rL8uuIoE_aem_D2I064U9Xe-0WK_QH0m0Ag
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Chris Shannahan should be pleased with this. Others should read the book.
williamtemplefoundation.org.uk/review-of-li...
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Review of 'Life on the Breadline: Theology, Poverty and Politics in an Age of Austerity' by Chris Shannahan - William Temple Foundation
Life on the Breadline: Theology, Poverty and Politics in an Age of Austerity Chris Shannahan SCM Press, 2025, 226 pp., pbk, £26.00. Review by Dr Joseph Forde, Honorary Research Fellow […]
https://williamtemplefoundation.org.uk/review-of-life-on-the-breadline-theology-poverty-and-politics-in-an-age-of-austerity-by-chris-shannahan/
26 days ago
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I am getting good at wordle.
27 days ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
UTU (Urban Theology Union)
about 1 month ago
mailchi.mp/eb5aefe35959...
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Radical Disciple and Festschrift - Saturday 7 February 2026
https://mailchi.mp/eb5aefe35959/utu-urban-gospel-coffee-morning-on-zoom-6428238?e=9c80a7a863
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reposted by
Greg Smith
UTU (Urban Theology Union)
about 1 month ago
open.substack.com/pub/johnheat...
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Uniform Churches and Diverse Christians
In a guest post, Carolyn Whitnall demonstrates the problem of uniformity in the church and explores the radical Biblical preference for diversity.
https://open.substack.com/pub/johnheathershaw/p/uniform-churches-and-diverse-christians?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
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Source: The Guardian
search.app/jZVwz
Scotland again more civilised than England.
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Swift bricks to be installed on all new buildings in Scotland as MSPs back law
Rest of UK has resisted calls to make builders install bricks that provide nesting for swifts and other endangered birds
https://search.app/jZVwz
about 1 month ago
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search.app/A1uwp
This looks like a useful attempt at legislation to end the sale of electric motorbikes. Unlikely to be passed without government backing.
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Labour moves to ban 'monster' e-bikes as MPs move to shut down green vehicles under new proposals
The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Bill was launched in the House of Commons today
https://search.app/A1uwp
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
UTU (Urban Theology Union)
about 1 month ago
ctbi.org.uk/resources/ra...
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Racial Justice Sunday - 8 February 2026 - CTBI
https://ctbi.org.uk/resources/racial-justice-sunday-8-february-2026/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAPm5tdjbGNrA-bmw2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHnFX-W9GDk69Ce-EwjF2jDkOz3zkQusw32mspJ4JxY0zOOGV_iEpMqRXFHTu_aem_g6e6Svw9JJYxOxFP0Y7BNA
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reposted by
Greg Smith
UTU (Urban Theology Union)
about 1 month ago
What’s it about? It explores the presence and contributions of black people in the Bible, in church history and in Britain today. It celebrates the remarkable growth of the church in Africa and the exciting ‘reverse mission’ impact on Europe
mailchi.mp/3d7568c3dbab...
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reposted by
Greg Smith
UTU (Urban Theology Union)
about 1 month ago
Better Story hosted Rev Dr Helen Paynter to explore how “thin theology” can “church-wash” the racism and hatred of the extreme right. Better Story produced a recording of the lecture - so grab a cuppa and spend an hour to unpack what is going on... Watch the vieo here.
youtu.be/JgHMeOm5uBA?...
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Unpacking the theology of Christian Nationalism with the Revd Dr Helen Paynter
YouTube video by better_story_
https://youtu.be/JgHMeOm5uBA?si=fCc-1hunGrhwrzsW
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keithbrindle.substack.com/p/christians...
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Christians Against The Far Right
...but what about the Far-Left
https://keithbrindle.substack.com/p/christians-against-the-far-right?fbclid=IwdGRjcAPjAjdjbGNrA-MCJmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHu_5Ux5K6__NhUG0ORpUNsC90fG40J4xh2MRyKR-n2KTvGdToIa3swJH9qvZ_aem_zfhf46G9eqEAl_cJLZmojQ
about 1 month ago
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www.church-poverty.org.uk/why-christia...
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Faith In Public: Why Christians can't keep out of politics
James Butler from the Church Mission Society outlines the Faith In Public course, looking at how churches can engage in big topical issues.
https://www.church-poverty.org.uk/why-christians-cant-keep-out-of-politics/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAPhirZjbGNrA-GKrmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHmvN4qX9uqPBeIFD376vXpF69XB2nkGvNkhWVrS4oT-uM421OjmibU4Xgvwi_aem_DDot3O0oZYJ5g4yYb5Mwhw
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Dave Walker
about 1 month ago
Love this, from my friends Jane and
@andrewgraystone.bsky.social
, who open up their home for asylum seekers to stay.
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reposted by
Greg Smith
William Temple Foundation
about 2 months ago
NEW BLOG: Can Ordo Amoris Offer a Framework for Just Immigration Policy? Victoria Paynter explores how the proximity of the neighbour we are commanded to love can no longer be interpreted in spatial or tribal terms Read here:
williamtemplefoundation.org.uk/neighbour-lo...
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Preston City of Sanctuary
about 1 month ago
add a skeleton here at some point
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www.facebook.com/share/p/17q9...
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Redirecting...
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17q9s6P6k9/
about 1 month ago
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Living in an Age of Indifference: Exploring the Roots of Spiritual Protest in the Works of William Temple and Dorothy Day 📍 Thursday 15 January | 5.00–6.30pm | Online | Free Register here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/living-in-...
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Living in an Age of Indifference: Spiritual Protest in Temple and Day
William Temple and Dorothy Day’s theology of the incarnation direct our vision to recapture the dignity and self-worth of all humanity
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/living-in-an-age-of-indifference-spiritual-protest-in-temple-and-day-tickets-1977263279696?aff=oddtdtcreator
about 2 months ago
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Tommy Robinson calls on the United States to invade UK. He is a traitor who should be deported or jailed. Those who were the loudest demanding Parliamentary Sovereignty are now the most vocal in wanting the country invaded by a foreign power! 🤷♀️
www.thenational.scot/news/2573810...
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Tommy Robinson calls on United States to invade UK after Venezuela attack
TOMMY Robinson has called on Donald Trump to invade and “free” the UK from the “tyrannical dictator” Keir Starmer following the United…
https://www.thenational.scot/news/25738100.tommy-robinson-calls-donald-trump-invade-uk-venezuela/
about 2 months ago
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"I believe this moment of polarisation urges us to deeper engagement, particularly with people who are saying things we do not want to hear..." Head of Church Engagement at Trussell, Jessica Foster, reflects on "ecumenism in a time of fragmentation"
cte.org.uk/ecumenism-in...
#ChurchesTogether
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Ecumenism in a time of fragmentation
Ecumenism might not always be very high on the political agenda, but in the past six months we have seen different understandings of Christianity being pitted against each other very publicly. As s...
https://cte.org.uk/ecumenism-in-a-time-of-fragmentation/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Greg Smith
Preston City of Sanctuary
about 2 months ago
Voters believe the media and Reform's lies
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
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Two-thirds of UK voters wrongly think immigration is rising, poll finds
Exclusive: Voters say they have little confidence that government can control borders despite sharp falls in net migration
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/10/two-thirds-of-uk-voters-wrongly-think-immigration-is-rising-poll-finds?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
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reposted by
Greg Smith
about 2 months ago
"The extraordinary nature of the times demands an approach that resists easy binary and polarising responses." The Archbishop-elect faces a formidable balancing act, writes Chris Baker
@williamtemplefdn.bsky.social
#SarahMullally
#ArchbishopOfCanterbury
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Analysis: The charism of ‘weak establishment’
The Archbishop-elect faces a formidable balancing act, writes Chris Baker
https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2026/9-january/comment/analysis/analysis-the-charism-of-weak-establishment?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1767951376-2
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reposted by
Greg Smith
William Temple Foundation
about 2 months ago
After 24 years of service to the William Temple Foundation, our Director of Research, Professor Christopher Baker, is moving on. Professor Simon Lee, Chair of Trustees, notes Chris' 'sustained, pioneering and distinguished service to the Foundation':
williamtemplefoundation.org.uk/moving-on-pr...
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reposted by
Greg Smith
William Temple Foundation
about 2 months ago
Be part of the first cohort of the William Temple College! Join us for our part-time, three week, accredited, online course on working with refugees THIS JANUARY. Read more about it from course convener Dr Katya Braginskaia:
williamtemplefoundation.org.uk/be-part-of-o...
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