Monthly Archives: August 2020

Over this series we’ve been digging in to how decisions and therefore change is made in the UK. Hopefully by this point, we all have a stronger understanding of the structures in place that lead to policy change, but we … Continue reading →

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is an adage which holds true in many settings, politics not completely excluded. Key to making change, is understanding who has the power to make that change. Of course the biggest … Continue reading →

There’s a danger in the UK of equating policy-making with the halls of Westminster. While this undeniably a key component of UK policy making it is not the only one. In order to affect change in the UK it is … Continue reading →

As we mentioned in our first part, political institutions are dominated by deep-rooted norms and values, and therefore are often highly resistant to change. However, this does not preclude the possibility of change under the right conditions. But this change … Continue reading →

There are almost unlimited amounts of policy problems that could be addressed by government. So why is it that some issues make it to the top of the government agenda and others do not? Why do governments make the decisions … Continue reading →

A massive explosion at the port of Beirut on 4 August caused the deaths of more than 150 people, wounded 5,000, and left an undefined number of people reported as missing. Around 300,000 people were displaced from their homes and, according to specialists, the explosion is among the five strongest blasts in human history. Read More … … Continue reading →

For many of us, the Covid-19 lockdown has presented many frustrations, challenges and stress. Fliss Tunnard, a United Reformed Church Related Community Work (CRCW) student, reflects on the highs and lows of organising her wedding during the pandemic and how her faith and verse Philippians 4:6-7 helped her navigate these difficult times to find joy in the simple things in life.  Read More … … Continue reading →

Winchmore Hill United Reformed Church members’ green-fingered efforts have gained a bronze-level A Rocha Eco Church Award. The nationally recognised award acknowledges how a church cares for God’s earth in different areas of its life and work. Winchmore Hill URC, which gained in the award in July, was able to demonstrate its eco-friendly commitments in its worship and teaching, along with the way it runs its church buildings, engages with the local community, and lifestyle of members of the congregation. Andrea Latter, a church Elder, said: “Gaining this award is a wonderful acknowledgement of what we have achieved, especially during these… Continue reading →

In this reflection, Karen Campbell, United Reformed Church Secretary for Global and Intercultural Ministries, explains how we can learn from a group of slaves who rebelled against their oppressors. Each year, 23 August has a special designation – it is the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1997. Read More … … Continue reading →

The Revd Dr David Pickering is to step down as Moderator of the United Reformed Church (URC) National Synod of Scotland. The move comes after David received and accepted a call to serve the Pastorate of Emmanuel URC, West Wickham and Elmers End Free Church, in the URC’s Southern Synod. Read More … … Continue reading →