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The Revd Philip Brooks, United Reformed Church Secretary for Ecumenical Interfaith Relations, has offered a prayer for the victims of a terrorist attack that took place in Christchurch, New Zealand, today (Friday 15 March).
As Muslims gathered at two mosques for morning prayers, a coordinated attack left 49 people dead and many more seriously wounded.
A series of short films, produced by the United Reformed Church (URC), which explores themes from the book Holy Habits, continues with the Holy Habit of Prayer.
In the film, Holy Habits author, Andrew Roberts, says that prayer can ‘sometimes be as easy as breathing, but on other days it’s a struggle’.
The Revd Richard Church, Deputy General Secretary (Discipleship), reflects on society’s desire for instant gratification as Christians around the world prepare for a time of reflection, preparation and sacrifice.
The practicing of ‘ashing’, the marking of a cross in ash mixed with oil on hands or forehead, has never played a significant role in the liturgical practices of the United Reformed Church. However, it marks an entry into a period dedicated to deepening prayer, practicing generosity and fasting.
Karen Campbell, a United Reformed Church (URC) Related Community Worker (CRCW) for Grassroots – a Luton-based ecumenical charity that supports community work through its involvement with the Bury Park Beech Hill Council of Churches (BPBHCC) – reflects on the tragic and violent loss of teenagers due to knife crime.
Karen’s poem is a response to a Huffington Post article that lays bare harsh statistics which shows across London ‘the victims, and perpetrators [of knife crime], are mainly poor, and they are disproportionately black.’
Andy Jackson, Head of Communications for the United Reformed Church (URC), shares some memories from past pancake days along with recipes from around the world and a prayer for those running Shrove Tuesday events at churches and for those who want to try something other than lemon and sugar!
Reform has been out and about meeting readers. Hear why they read the magazine, how it’s used in their church – and what they’ve read that they completely disagree with. Listen now – and give Reform your own feedback here.
