George Pitcher
Political demise may be inevitable, but it isn’t a sign of end times
Is there is something of the end times about our government, asks George Pitcher? And if so, what does this say about God’s created order?
Dialogues des Carmelites: The opera that lifts the lid on female martyrdom
The devastatingly powerful opera is a testament to human courage and, distinctly, female martyrdom. It also points to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross, says George Pitcher
What Christians can learn from Just Stop Oil
Is climate activism the new religion? Amid the party politics surrounding green policies - from the Uxbridge by-election to new oil and gas drilling licences in Scotland - George Pitcher argues there is much the Church could learn about loving our enemies from those on the frontlines of campaigning for change
There's a God-shaped hole in the BBC's science documentaries
Two new films from the BBC and Humanists UK, featuring Chris Packham and Dr Alice Roberts, seek to explain the origin of our planet from a scientific, secular point of view. But in ignoring the divine, they raise more spiritual questions than they answer, says George Pitcher
Why cricket is the Church of England at play
Cricket is probably the only field game that men play fully clothed, observes George Pitcher. It reminds him of the "dressing-up wing of the Church”
Prince William’s bid to end homelessness has Christian values at its heart
The Christian faith has a long tradition of caring for the least, the last and the lost. So it was a joyous surprise to hear the heir to the throne – and future Defender of the Faith – champion such Christian values through his new scheme to end homelessness, says George Pitcher
There is only one true source of truth, and it’s not Boris Johnson
When we exchange objective truth for the lies and deceit of self-interest, we make an idol of ourselves, says George Pitcher. Only in Jesus do we find a better way
AI can run a church service or it might end the world. But it can’t replicate God’s divine love
As a consortium of AI experts warn of the risk of human extinction at the hands of AI, hundreds attended a church service in Germany generated and hosted by ChatGPT. How should Christians view such things, asks George Pitcher? Can we find a theology of AI?
Christians cannot withhold forgiveness, no matter what Phillip Schofield has done
In daytime TV, as in all aspects of our lives, we are often eager to reach a quick resolution. But sometimes, the work of forgiveness takes time, says George Pitcher. And rushing it doesn’t help anyone
Braverman and Welby were caught speeding. So what?
Good law should protect most of the people, for most of the time, says George Pitcher. He won’t condemn the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Home Secretary for speeding, but he does expect them to face the consequences honourably
Our society wants justice. But God’s justice doesn’t always seem fair
God’s justice isn’t the same as ours, explains George Pitcher
Christians should only swear allegiance to Jesus. The coronation oath is not OK
In introducing an oath of allegiance into the coronation service, the Church of England has forced Christians – even those who support the monarchy – into a difficult position. We have only one King, says George Pitcher, and his name is Jesus
Diane Abbott was wrong to claim a hierarchy for racism
In looking to the Bible’s example of humility, we can all learn something about empathising with others, rather than fighting our own causes, suggests George Pitcher
Rishi is wrong. Maths isn’t missing from children’s education, RE is
The prime minister has called for all pupils in England to study some form of maths up until the age of 18. But Rev George Pitcher believes education should help children to understand the world they live in – and numbers can only go so far in doing that
If King Charles wants a multi-faith coronation, it might be easier to disestablish the Church of England
The reported wranglings over the shape of the King’s coronation service suggest that Church and state need to be kept separate, argues George Pitcher
There’s no excuse for treating migrants as human cargo. We are all made in God’s image
When we fail to see people as made in God’s image, we fail them as humans, says George Pitcher. It is our ability to ‘other’ people and put them in categories that leads to the worst of human behaviour
John Lewis’ member-owned business model was the gospel in action
John Spedan Lewis was one of many philanthropist business owners birthed by the Victorian era. Whether his desire to create a wealth structure that benefitted all came from a Christian faith or not, there is much to commend it, says George Pitcher. And much to miss if it is diluted
None of us know what Isabel Oakeshott’s motives are, but loyalty isn’t a virtue
When considering the case of Isabel Oakeshott and her decision to leak Matt Hancock’s WhatsApp messages, fidelity matters far more than loyalty, says Rev George Pitcher
Censoring people of faith stokes the culture war that divides us
When secular puritanism is pitted against religious beliefs, it can produce no winners, argues Rev George Pitcher. He’s not sure he wants any part in it
Christ offers us unconditional unity. Global South bishops are wrong to split from the Anglican Communion
The Church should not be an echo chamber, says George Pitcher. Splitting over disagreements about same-sex marriage is not what Jesus modelled
Why you shouldn’t try to grow spiritually this Lent
In comparing spiritual growth to economic growth, George Pitcher comes to an unexpected conclusion
Whatever your views on gender and sexuality, Christians must listen to one another
Taking sides without properly listening to the arguments that don’t match our own may be the undoing of us, says George Pitcher. Stop your ears at your peril
Why the biblical story of Jacob and Esau offers hope for William and Harry
If we’re looking for hope of a royal reconciliation, it’s Jacob and Esau we must look to, not Cain and Abel, says George Pitcher
The true meaning of Epiphany is Christ’s call to give him everything
As Christmastide draws to an end, George Pitcher reminds us of the latent hope celebrated in the Christian festival of Epiphany, and challenges us all to bring something to the party
4 boys died in the frozen lake tragedy. 4 migrants died in the channel. Will Christians grieve all, or just some?
Christians must not let distance or disinterest prevent us from being the good Samaritan this Advent, says George Pitcher
If you're free to worship God, these 3 other freedoms will follow
This year’s Reith Lectures are underway. And they’re a fascinating reminder that serving God is perfect freedom, says George Pitcher
A preacher has claimed Jesus had a ‘trans body’. But I’m not offended
When a research fellow preached an Evensong sermon at Trinity College Cambridge that claimed Jesus has a “trans body”, congregants were outraged. But Christ doesn’t need us to be offended on his behalf, argues George Pitcher
Jesus was the king of silent protest. He’d be proud of the German football players
As Germany posed for a team photo, they placed their hands over their mouth in protest against FIFA’s sanctions of the One Love armband. George Pitcher ponders the power of silent protest
Walking away from our hardline commitments to defence spending is unholy. Ukraine needs us
If supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression is just, Christians must also back an adequately-funded military, argues George Pitcher.
Marriage is between a man and a woman – it’s as simple as that
But the Church would do well to consider blessing same-sex partnerships – the distinction is an important one, says Rev George Pitcher
So Matt Hancock is heading to the jungle? If he wandered into my church, this is what I'd tell him
Matt Hancock’s decision to appear on reality TV show I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! is a classic sign of a midlife crisis, says Rev George Pitcher - something vicars are well used to dealing with. Here’s his advice to the former health secretary
Why paying higher taxes could be more godly than giving to charity
Our traditional understanding of Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is that of the humble being exalted, and the exalted being humbled. But what might it teach us about taxes, tithing and our new Prime Minister’s economic policy?
Church leaders are silent on Iran’s violent misogyny. Why aren’t we outraged?
In protesting against the death of Mahsa Amini, women and girls in Iran are showing breathtaking courage. So why have we in the West been so lukewarm in our condemnation of Iranian violence against women, asks George Pitcher?
Christians are becoming a voice crying out in the wilderness of politics
Much like our current leaders, Israel’s King Ahab preferred advisors to echo his own opinions rather than give him godly challenge. Now, like then, it’s likely to end in disaster, warns George Pitcher
The fragmenting of the Conservative Party reminds me of the Church of England
It’s mildly amusing to watch clerics trying to express how much they despise each other’s tribes while using the vocabulary of Christian love, says George Pitcher
The IMF is clear: Kwarteng and Truss cannot serve two masters
The UK government have been warned that their economic policy favours the rich. The IMF are not divine, says George Pitcher, but their words witness to gospel values
Could the Queen’s death bring revival?
Within two days, the UK had a new prime minister and a new king. As an era ends, George Pitcher is praying for winds of change to bring God’s reviving fire
As the Queen’s funeral approaches, here’s why we need it
The function of the funeral is as vital to state as it is to the individual, says George Pitcher. Here’s how it helps us in our grief
Service: Why the Queen embodied the most scandalous notion in human history
Though she lived an intensely public life, the Queen had a deeply private faith. And through it, she modelled the classic Christian virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. We would do well to follow her example, says George Pitcher
As Edinburgh amends street signs, Christians must own their links to slavery
George Pitcher makes an impassioned plea for all Christians to own the sins of our collective past
A winter of discontent is coming and Christians must get ready
How are you preparing for the coming recession?
The senseless murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel shakes my faith. How can it not?
What does Christian hope look like in the aftermath of this unspeakable tragedy, wonders George Pitcher
Salman Rushdie's attempted murder is an attack on religious freedom
The stabbing of the author of The Satanic Verses and an old college photo of assassinated Pakistani Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, reminds George Pitcher that living self-sacrificially is a key tenet of the Christian faith
The CLC’s involvement in the Archie Battersbee case gave Christians a bad name
The way the Christian Legal Centre handled the tragic case of Archie Battersbee was an insult to palliative care and end-of-life professionals, argues George Pitcher
The Lionesses’ Euro victory was so much more than a football game
The pure joy seen in the Lionesses’ celebrations during Euro 2022 echoes the gender-equality joy that runs through the gospels, says George Pitcher - if only we are looking for it
I’m a liberal who gets called a bigot because I oppose same-sex marriage
Even before Anglican bishops gathered for this week’s long-anticipated Lambeth Conference, the topic of sexuality threatened to dominate proceedings. By failing to recognise the distinction between relationships and marriage, George Pitcher argues the Church of England has got itself into a mess over the issue
Should we care that only 0.2% of the country can vote for our next PM?
God doesn’t seem to be so interested in our modern concepts of democracy, observes George Pitcher
Do the Tory candidates have no shame?
Many of the contenders are responsible for the alleged policy atrocities they now decry, argues George Pitcher, as he conducts an exegesis on the term ‘shame’
Mr Johnson, parliament has spoken: integrity matters
Political leaders have too often worshiped at the altars of selfhood and individualism, but this week’s ministerial resignations show a longing for integrity at the heart of our democracy, says Rev George Pitcher
Lord have mercy on the Texas migrants
53 migrants travelling in the back of a lorry have lost their lives in what has been described as the deadliest human trafficking incident in US history.
Michael Gove might distinguish between the deserving and undeserving poor, but Jesus doesn’t
The Levelling Up secretary recently said the government can’t help everyone struggling with the cost of living crisis. Rev George Pitcher asks: why not?
As the future head of the Church of England, Prince Charles was right to speak out on Rwanda
Far from being contrary to his position, speaking out about Rwanda is the future king’s moral and religious imperative, says George Pitcher. And it would be a dereliction of his Christian duty not to do so
Bravo to the clever courtier who made Boris read Philippians
Boris Johnson was given self-condemnatory words from the most powerful book in the world, says George Pitcher, as he suggests some other verses for former prime ministers to examine
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee points to a life of service – and to Christ, the Servant king
As we prepare to celebrate 70 years since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, Rev George Pitcher points out the parallels between the Defender of the Faith and the King of Kings
I’m deeply offended by photos of Boris Johnson at lockdown parties – and here’s the surprising reason why
Jesus drank with sinners and outcasts. The image of our Prime Minister raising a glass at a Number 10 party during the pandemic reeks of self-entitlement and worldly power, says Rev George Pitcher
Our politicians are failing us on obesity. The Bible shows us another way
Food policy and Christian ministry are indistinguishable, says Rev George Pitcher. That’s why addressing the fat of the land should exercise those who follow Christ’s teaching
Obstructing Ukrainian refugees is a cynical political manoeuvre and our government should know better
Boris Johnson and Priti Patel are commodifying refugees for personal political survival and it’s an abomination, says Rev George Pitcher
Roe v Wade: We need a grown-up conversation about abortion law
Christians may prefer not to engage in complex and divisive debates about abortion, but there are too many lives at stake not to take a position, says Rev George Pitcher
Elon Musk is wrong about Twitter
Don’t listen to Elon Musk: the kind of free speech Twitter enables is not essential to a functioning democracy, says Rev George Pitcher
In defence of Justin Welby
The Archbishop of Canterbury has been attacked for using his Easter Sunday sermon to lash out at the Government immigration plans. But George Pitcher believes the critics have misunderstood Welby’s message
What does it mean to ‘walk the way of the cross’?
In this Holy Week, Christians are invited to walk the way of the cross. But what does that actually mean?
What Ukrainians need this Easter is not more happiness, but resurrection hope
Happiness might be in short supply in Ukraine at the moment, but Rev George Pitcher believes it’s hope that will make all difference
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe owes Britain nothing
The recently released British exile, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, may not have exuded gratitude on her return to the UK from Iran, but she doesn’t deserve our condemnation, says George Pitcher
The Labour Party is struggling to define what a woman is - and the Church isn't doing much better
The Church has a responsibility to explore the 'rabbit holes' of gender politics, argues George Pitcher. But we need to get it right
Boris Johnson’s response to Ukrainian refugees is blasphemous
The obstruction of Ukrainian refugees is not just cruel and unpleasant, it’s also deeply unholy, says Rev George Pitcher
Praying for Ukraine may not change God's mind. But it will change you
Prayer isn’t a shopping-list petition of God, says George Pitcher
Storm Eunice: Today is my fifth day without power. Thankfully Christians don’t need to be afraid of the dark…
Down the ages, darkness has been associated with its so-called prince, “the enemy” or the devil…
Why Putin's threats against Ukraine are increasingly religious
There is a seam of religiosity in the brewing conflict, says George Pitcher
The Church of England should be seeking Jesus’ agenda, not Boris Johnson’s
A new “Brexit bishop” and “Covid bishop” would make the Church into a ‘shadow government’
Pilate asked ‘What is truth?’ Boris Johnson & Co live by the same creed
There is a Truth with a capital T, before which Caiaphas, Pilate and even Boris Johnson, will be measured, says George Pitcher
Nusrat Ghani MP says she lost her job for being a Muslim. As a Christian country we cannot stand for this
As Christians we must defend the rights of people from other religions to practice their faith, argues George Pitcher
Rejoice! Archbishop Welby has found his prophetic voice
In his ITV interview over the Christmas period, Justin Welby spoke with a prophetic voice, writes George Pitcher. And, in doing so, he found his moral authority
The government lies for power, but Christianity speaks truth to power
Government ministers are occupying positions that make no sense, such as claiming that they weren’t at a party that didn’t happen, says George Pitcher
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