Politics in the Pulpit?: Recent Episodes

The Joint Public Issues Team

Podcast by JPIT

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Eddie Boon, and features our special guest Andy Flannagan!

Andy Flannagan’s album “Drowning in the Shallow” was described as “near-perfect” by Cross Rhythms, but he remains disappointingly imperfect. He wrote the critically-acclaimed book “Those Who Show Up” which has inspired many normal people to get involved in politics and is now the Executive Director of Christians in Politics. Longing to see the church invest as much in the ‘dispersed’ as it does in the ‘gathered’, he is leading on releasing and equipping Christians to be influential in the spheres of culture for the Gather UK Movement. His songs “We seek your kingdom” and “Tears and Celebration” have been taking words of worship beyond the sanctuary into the civic space and gleaning huge use around the UK and beyond. He is now helping to co-ordinate the BOUNDLESS collective – songs by UK songwriters for the whole of life, not just Sundays. His worlds collided perfectly in 2022 when leading worship at the now famous National Prayer Breakfast that precipitated a change in Government.

This week, Eddie, Andy, and Roo explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th August.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
08:25 - Genesis 45: 1-15
20:30 - Psalm 133
31:40 - Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32
34:35 - Matthew 15: (10-20) 21-28

Mentions

Those Who Show Up by Andy Flannagan

Christians in Politics – https://www.christiansinpolitics.org.uk/

Gather UK Movement - https://gathermovement.org/

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Eddie Boon, and features our special guest Dave Mann!

Dave Mann has been involved in urban mission since the ’80’s in Tower Hamlets, and has been pastoring and church planting in London since 1996. He has extensive experience of setting up and running charities and schools and has taught and spoken at churches, conferences and colleges around the world on mission, leadership and community organisation. 

Dave has worked across denominations in his role with Seedbeds.org and as one of the founders of Red Letter Christians UK. Dave and his wife Sally are two of five ministers at Bonny Downs Baptist Church in East Ham, all sharing one stipend. Next year Dave & Sally will move in to the new Bonny Downs Abbey to share life and a rhythm of prayer with eight friends moving on from homelessness. 

In his spare time, Dave is a pioneer of walking football for over-50’s and chair of Newham Cricket Club.  This week, Eddie, Dave, and Hannah explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 9th August.

Timestamps • 00:00 – Intro

• 07:20 – Psalm 85: 8-13

• 17:56 – Matthew 14: 22-33

• 23:08 – Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b

• 24:53 – Genesis 37: 1-4, 12-28

Mentions:

Message Translation of 1 Corinthians 13, especially verse 13 - Love extravagantly https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...

‘Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean’, by William Rees, translated by William Edwards: https://hymnary.org/text/here_is_love...

Everything must change by Brian McLaren: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...

Red Letter Christians: https://redletterchristians.org.uk/

Dave has contributed to Living for Jesus & Justice – Daily Prayers for Radical Christians – Simon Jones and Red Letter Christians UK: https://www.dltwritingforyou.com/prod...

Bonny Downs Baptist Church Is working with NEWway project, J49 Housing Association and Bonny Downs Community Association (BDCA) to develop Bony Downs Abbey, converting an old church hall into an intentional community committed to sharing life and enabling people to flourish. The Abbey will include 8 studio flats for vulnerable homeless adults & 2 ministry flats, and Dave will move in alongside ministers Jonny and Sally. If you can help us get Bonny Downs Abbey over the line, please give to the fundraising appeal: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/pages/...

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Alex Clare-Young for one week only, and features our special guest Michael Jagessar!

Revd Dr Michael N. Jagessar is a theologian-writer-researcher-blogger and retired minister of the United Reformed Church. He describes himself as an Indo-Guyanese-Caribbean now living in the UK, or “caribleaper”. This is reflected in his writings, which feature the Caribbean tradition of resisting, negotiating limbo spaces, fighting back and refusing to give up. His religious heritages include Islam, Hinduism and Christianity, meaning that he has a variety of religious impulses. He is interested in all things interreligious, intercultural and hybrid.

He gets excited over cricket, big screens and good films, authentic rum punch, good Caribbean curry and of course, the ever-elusive Anancy-Anansi (patron saint of the Caribbean). He calls himself wayward and transgressive!

This week, Alex, Michael, and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd August.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
11:08 - Isaiah 55: 1-5
14:43 - Matthew 14: 13-21
29:17 - Genesis 32: 22-31

Mentions

Wrestling with Imperial Christianity: Biblical Anti-Domination and Anti-imperial Strategies for Liberation, Justice and Peace in Our Fallen World by Mukti Barton

Trussell - https://www.trussell.org.uk/

Church leaders write letter to Andy Burnham - https://jpit.uk/burnham-letter

Plowshare Prayer by Spencer LaJoye - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhOZv5i7CHY

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Eddie Boon, and features our special guest Nathan Jones!

Rev Nathan Jones is the Senior Minister of Oasis Church Waterloo and Executive Director of Oasis Hub Waterloo, a charity committed to radical local community transformation. Oasis runs the local primary and secondary schools, advice work (debt, welfare, immigration, and housing), the Lambeth & Croydon Foodbank, an open-access community space, youth work, a children’s centre, mentoring, counselling and more - and at the heart of all this, is still a church community.

Nath spends as much spare time as possible playing sport or guitar, but as the dad of two kids, this amounts to not a great deal of time. He would give almost anything to see Wales win the Rugby World Cup.

This week, Eddie, Nathan, and Erica explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th July.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
06:08 - Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52
25:00 - Romans 8: 26-39
37:11 - Psalm 105: 1-11, 45b

Mentions

Oasis Waterloo’s website to find out more about their activities - https://oasiswaterloo.org/

JPIT’s Christian nationalism resources – jpit.uk/responding-to-christian-nationalism

People’s History Museum, Manchester - https://phm.org.uk/

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Eddie Boon, and features our special guest Julie Bryan!

Julie is a part-time minister at a small Baptist church in the north of England, in the area where she grew up. She holds a master’s degree in Contextual Theology from Luther King Theological College in Manchester. Julie is also part of the Northumbrian Collective, a group of friends committed to listening well, thinking deeply and living authentically. The Collective produces podcasts and blogs, and occasionally leads in-person retreats.

Julie lives on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border with her husband, Stuart, a GP. In their spare time, they enjoy walking in the countryside, both near home and further afield across the north of England.

This week, Eddie, Julie, and Simeon explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th July.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
06:42 - Genesis 28: 10-19a
18:13 - Psalm 139: 1-12, 23-24
29:19 - Romans 8: 12-25
38:38 - Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43

Mentions

JPIT’s refugee family reunion campaign – jpit.uk/refugee-reunion

Government apology for historic forced adoption practices - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-apologises-for-historic-forced-adoption-practices

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Naomi Oates, and features our special guest, and next host, Eddie Boon!

Eddie serves the Thames North Synod of the United Reformed Church as Discipleship Enabler (Special Category Ministry). His main focus is encouraging people, leaders and churches in becoming more intentional in whole-life discipleship as gathered and scattered church.

Eddie has served and led URC congregations for over 40 years and has experience of ministry in the Church of South India. He is a massive fan of Everton FC, Hampshire County Cricket and the band The Stranglers. He loves to swim, cycle, walk, go to the theatre, cinema, and art galleries and take part in book clubs locally.

This week, Naomi, Eddie, and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 12th July.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

05:19 - Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

19:53 - Genesis 25:19-34

32:11 - Romans 8:1-11

35:15 - Psalm 119:105-112

Mentions

The Homilies of St john Chrysostom on the Gospel of Matthew - The homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew of S. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

Isaiah 55 - Isaiah 55 NRSVUE - An Invitation to Abundant Life - Hear, - Bible Gateway

‘Parables’ by Dr Paula Gooder Parables - Paula Gooder

Psalm 65 - Psalm 65 NRSVUE - Psalm 65 Thanksgiving for Earth’s - Bible Gateway

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Naomi Oates, and features our special guest Anthony Lees-Smith!

Canon Dr Anthony Lees-Smith is Canon Missioner at Chester Cathedral where he oversees the education programme, arts and exhibitions, and community engagement. A former primary school teacher, Anthony has spent most of the past 25 years living and working in religiously diverse communities, an experience which became the focus of his doctoral research.

This week, Naomi, Anthony, and Adam explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 5th July.

We apologise that there is no video recording from this week’s episode due to technical difficulties.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
03:50 - Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30
14:29 - Genesis 24: 34-38, 42-49, 58-67
21:45 – Psalm 45: 10-17
23:49 - Romans 7: 15-25a

Mentions

Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now by Walter Brueggeman

Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

JPIT’s resource bank on Artificial Intelligence - https://jpit.uk/ai-faith-and-justice-resources

JPIT’s campaigns on gambling - https://jpit.uk/issues/gambling-and-alcohol

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Naomi Oates, and features our special guest Anna Jones!

This week, Naomi, Anna, and Erica explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th June.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
08:05 - Genesis 22: 1-14
20:22 - Psalm 13
25:55 - Romans 6: 12-23
36:33 - Matthew 10: 40-42
44:48 - Jeremiah 28: 5-9

Mentions

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Desmond Tutu and Dalai Lama

Refugee Week 2026 - https://refugeeweek.org/

Reading Genesis by Marilynne Robinson

Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit

JPIT’s resources on Christian nationalism - https://jpit.uk/responding-to-christian-nationalism

Guest blog from Welcome Churches for Refugee Week - https://jpit.uk/welcome-churches-for-refugees

Pope Leo’s encyclical on AI - https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Naomi Oates, and features our special guest Kathy Bevan!

Kathy is the Evangelism & Justice Enabler for the Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Methodist District and also a student Deacon, studying part time at Queens Foundation. Her work across the District involves supporting churches to consider how they might partner with their communities in the work of social action and social justice; and encouraging and enabling them to share their stories of lives transformed by relationship with Jesus.

This week, Naomi, Kathy, and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 21st June.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
03:18 – Psalm 86: 1-10, 16-17
10:27 - Romans 6: 1b-11
21:50 - Matthew 10: 24-39
39:09 - Genesis 21: 8-21

Mentions

Refugee Week 2026 - https://refugeeweek.org/

BBC Sounds podcast – In Detail (Viraj Mendis’s story seeking sanctuary) https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0m2zr57

Open Doors charity - https://www.opendoorsuk.org/

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Pope Leo’s encyclical on AI - https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html#can_all_do_our_part

JPIT’s Future of Arms work - https://jpit.uk/issues/peacemaking/futureofarms

Just a Sister Away: Understanding the Timeless Connection Between Women of Today and Women in the Bible by Renita Weems

Sisters in the Wilderness by Dolores S. Williams

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Naomi Oates, and features our special guest Matt Ceaser!

Matt is the 18-35s Development Coordinator for the Baptist Union, working to make space for a new generation of leaders in Baptist life. He was previously a JPIT intern (and producer of this podcast) before working on Methodists for Ukraine and then joining JustMoney Movement, a Christian charity with a vision for a world where money shapes a fairer, greener future. He is passionate about equipping people for action and seeing them grow in confidence as they learn how they can exert agency in the world, and he lives in East London where he serves as a deacon at his local Baptist church.

This week, Naomi, Matt, and Simeon explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 14th June.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
08:12 - Romans 5: 1-8
14:36 - Matthew 9: 35 – 10: 8(9-23)
28:50 - Genesis 18: 1–15
37:20 - Psalm 116: 1–2, 12-19

Mentions

JustMoney Movement - https://justmoney.org.uk/

Baptist Union NextUp learning community for 18-35s - https://www.baptist.org.uk/nextup

Tommy Sharpe’s blog reflecting on the Tommy Robinson counter-demonstration - https://tommysharpe.substack.com/p/the-need-to-see-one-another-lessons

Refugee Week 2026 - https://refugeeweek.org/

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Naomi Oates, and features our special guests Charlotte Naylor Davis and Simon Hall!

Charlotte Naylor Davis is a part-time minister and academic based in Leeds. her church community, Revive, is small, meeting in houses, teaching is discursive and inclusive - meaning it's often challenging but valuing everyone's voice in the room. She has a PhD in biblical studies, specifically bible translation, and research expertise in the history of interpretation of biblical texts, particularly in subcultures, and from the hermeneutical perspective of gender and disability. She also is the president of the International Society of Metal Music Studies and writing a book on the Bible in heavy metal culture. She has ME so doing any of these things takes three times as long as healthy people but Revive are very kind and let her be herself, that's how she came to be doing a podcast with Simon on sex and church this last year.

Simon Hall is a Baptist Minister who divides his time between supporting pioneering, podcasting with Charlotte at A God We Could Believe In and as part of The Northumbrian Collective, and writing a graphic novel about St George and English Nationalism. He lives in Leeds with his wife Anna, a TV Documentarian.

This week, Naomi, Charlotte, Simon and Erica explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 7th June.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
05:02 - Genesis 12: 1-9
13:52 - Romans 4: 13-25
21:40 - Psalm 33: 1-12
26:39 - Matthew 9: 9-13,18-26

Mentions

A God We Could Believe In podcast, hosted by Simon and Charlotte - https://open.spotify.com/show/4IlVQQJ7Qz6B88XRGqAD7f?si=cac74298fb8848e6

Live: How Would Jesus ‘Unite the Kingdom’? - A God We Could Believe In with Helen Paynter https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EoWbY1DSDaFVmt12baDML?si=e9c8ee2170d54845

JPIT’s refugee family reunion campaign - https://jpit.uk/refugee-reunion

How to Have an Enemy: Righteous Anger and the Work of Peace by Melissa Florer-Bixler

JPIT’s resource bank for responding to Christian nationalism - https://jpit.uk/responding-to-christian-nationalism

Better Story - https://www.betterstory.info/

The Bible and Disability: A Commentary edited by Sarah Melcher, Mikeal C Parsons and Amos Young

Environment Sunday resources - https://jpit.uk/issues/environment

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Naomi Oates and features our special guest John Goddard!

Revd John Goddard has been an ordained Baptist Minister for almost 30 years. Having served churches in rural Oxfordshire and industrial South Cumbria, he has been the Minister of Saffron Walden Baptist Church in Essex since 2013. Married to Karen, they have 2 adult sons and a shared love for wildlife and remote Scottish islands. John grew up in a Methodist family in the Derbyshire High Peak, and began training as a Methodist Local Preacher at the age of 16. Themes of inclusion and welcome are prominent in his theology and preaching, with a particular emphasis on the Biblical imperative for the full inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ siblings within the Body of Christ. Much to everyone's surprise, not least his own, the last couple of years has seen a growing interest in running and he is a regular participant in Parkrun.

This week, Naomi, John and Paul explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 31st May.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
05:18 - Genesis 1: 1 – 2: 4a
18:20 - Psalm 8
26:00 – Matthew 28: 16-20 and 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13

Mentions

A Million Acts of Hope campaign (13-20 May 2026) - https://millionactsofhope.org/about

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Naomi Oates and features our special guest Hannah Fremont-Brown!

Hannah has recently come back to the Methodist church as the Justice Seeking Church Officer. She previously coordinated Let’s End Poverty, a movement of people united behind a vision of the future where poverty can’t keep anyone down. She is passionate about supporting churches and Christians to campaign and walk alongside our communities for justice. She is a member of Hinde Street Methodist Church, and has just completed an MA in Theology, Mission and Ministry. She is a great friend of JPIT, having been an intern and Campaigns & church engagement officer with us!

This week, Naomi, Hannah and Paul explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 24th May.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
06:00 - Acts 2: 1-21
16:24 - 1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13
26:00 - Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b
32:35 - John 20: 19-23

Mentions

Mentions Addressing Anti-Judaism in Lent, Holy Week and Eastertide: Updated Lectionary Recommendations (The Methodist Church) - https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-chur...

Trussell - https://www.trussell.org.uk/

Trussell’s Walking Humbly Bible study resources - Walking_Humbly_Bible_Studies.pdf

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Naomi Oates, and features our special guest June Love!

June Love is a Baptist minister based in Norfolk, serving at King’s Lynn Baptist Church. She is also the ecumenical officer for the Baptist Church in Norfolk & Waveney, and chairs Churches Together in King’s Lynn, working closely with other denominations and local organisations. June is passionate about helping people engage deeply with Scripture in ways that connect with everyday life, and is actively involved in community initiatives including the local foodbank and creating spaces for public conversation such as election hustings. She is particularly interested in how faith speaks into issues of justice, community, and wellbeing.

This week, Naomi, June and Steve explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 17th May.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
05:00 – Acts 1: 6-14
11:15 – Psalm 68: 1-10, 32-35
23:53 – John 17: 1-11
31:20 – 1 Peter 4: 12-14; 5: 6-11

Mentions

A Million Acts of Hope campaign (13-20 May 2026) - https://millionactsofhope.org/about

Mentions Addressing Anti-Judaism in Lent, Holy Week and Eastertide: Updated Lectionary Recommendations (The Methodist Church) - https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-chur...

Churches Together in England - https://cte.org.uk/

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Erica Lees-Smith, and features our special guest and new season host, Naomi Oates!

The Revd Naomi Oates is a Methodist minister in the North Kent Circuit. She works with four churches and one Methodist community without a building. She loves cycling between her churches through the beautiful Kent countryside, which is thankfully fairly flat. In her spare time, she enjoys baking with her two young daughters, wild swimming, and reading Agatha Christie books, although not necessarily all at the same time. She loves that social justice lies at the heart of Methodist identity, and is particularly interested in issues relating to immigration and asylum, the criminal justice system, homelessness, and equality.

This week, Erica, Naomi and Alex explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 10th May.

Don’t forget to vote in your local or devolved elections on 7th May!

TW: this episode briefly mentions sexual assault at 34:05-15.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
06:27 - Acts 17: 22-31 and 1 Peter 3: 13-22
16:30 - Psalm 66: 8-20
30:20 - John 14: 15-21

Mentions

Addressing Anti-Judaism in Lent, Holy Week and Eastertide: Updated Lectionary Recommendations (The Methodist Church) - https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-chur...

Together Alliance - https://www.togetheralliance.org.uk/

Sign your church up to our Constituency Action Network to form a positive and purposeful relationship with your MP – jpit.uk/can

Watch our new CAN film (April 2026) - https://youtu.be/SPkQq3Oj81A?si=XvIPn2kzDPW2WHnK

Right to protest faith leaders letter – https://cte.org.uk/churches-warn-over-right-to-protest/

Compassion UK prayers for elections - https://www.compassionuk.org/blogs/prayers-for-elections/

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Adam Aucock, and features our special guests, the JPIT interns! This week, Adam, Erica and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 3rd May.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro

• 11:32 - Acts 7: 55-60

• 18:36 - Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16

• 26:12 - 1 Peter 2: 2-10

• 32:42 - John 14: 1-14

Mentions Addressing Anti-Judaism in Lent, Holy Week and Eastertide: Updated Lectionary Recommendations (The Methodist Church) - https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-chur...

‘Bible Society say their Quiet Revival report was wrong. Now what?’ Premier Christianity https://www.premierchristianity.com/r...

Christians for Impact - https://www.christiansforimpact.org/

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Thomas Niblett, and features our special guest, Liz Wilson!

Liz is the Vicar of St Anne, St Paul and St Augustine, Leicester, three parishes (with two churches) in the west of the city. In addition, she is the Area Dean for the City of Leicester Deanery and the vice Chair of Leicester Diocese Diocesan Board of Education.

This week, Liz, Thomas and Roo explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 26 April.

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Erica Lees-Smith, and features our special guest, Jonty Langley!

Jonty Langley is a writer and commentator on religion, culture and politics. A former news columnist for Baptist Times and creative content lead at a missionary society, Jonty is now Editor of Shibboleth magazine and co-host of the Beer Christianity podcast.

This week, Erica, Jonty and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th April.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
10:30 - Acts 2: 14a, 36-41
18:40 - Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19
25:00 - 1 Peter 1: 17-23
36:40 - Luke 24: 13-35

Mentions

S(h)ibboleth magazine - https://shibbolethmag.com/pages/about...

Beer Christianity podcast - https://www.beerchristianity.co.uk/

Addressing Anti-Judaism in Lent, Holy Week and Eastertide: Updated Lectionary Recommendations (The Methodist Church) - https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-chur...

JPIT resources on responding to Christian nationalism - https://jpit.uk/responding-to-christian-nationalism

Dissolved by Circle of Dust - https://open.spotify.com/track/43K8q16PW2xlcw7kejDede

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Hannah Fremont-Brown, and features our special guest, Matt Forsyth!

Matt, who serves currently as the Vice President of the Methodist Conference (25-26) and the Mission Team Leader in the Northampton District. A hopeful realist who lives in the Fens with his wife, three girls, and a bouncy cockapoo.

This week, Hannah, Matt and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 12th April.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
07:15 - Acts 2: 14a, 22-32
15:34 - John 20: 19-31
29:18 - Psalm 16
32:28 - 1 Peter 1: 3-9

Mentions

Addressing Anti-Judaism in Lent, Holy Week and Eastertide: Updated Lectionary Recommendations (The Methodist Church) - https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/resources/articles/addressing-antijudaism-in-lent-holy-week-and-eastertide-updated-lectionary-recommendations/

Together Alliance protest (Sky News) - https://news.sky.com/story/half-a-million-join-london-rally-against-the-far-right-claim-organisers-13525518

JPIT’s recent campaign for refugee family reunion - https://jpit.uk/refugee-reunion

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Thomas Niblett, and features our special guest, Aniko Schuetz Bradwell!

Aniko is a Church of Scotland parish minister at Lammermuir Church, a rural parish of seven villages in a farming area of East Lothian, where she has been for just over ten years, and where she lives with her husband (who occasionally works with JPIT) and our son, as well as two cats, a guineapig and a flock of hens. She came to Scotland twenty years ago from my native East Germany, where I studied Literature and Religious Studies. She has worked with the Taizé and Iona Communities before working in the head office of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. She studied and trained for ministry in Edinburgh, with, among others, a training placement in our churches in the Holy Land.

This week, Thomas, Aniko and Adam explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 5th April in an Easter Sunday special. Happy Easter from all at JPIT!

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

03:40 – Acts 10: 34-43

11:55 - Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24

17:20 - Colossians 3: 1-4

24:14 - John 20: 1-18

Mentions

JPIT refugee family reunion campaign – jpit.uk/refugee-reunion

Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere (documentary)

Closing reflection from Pádraig Ó’Tuama An Easter Sunday. A Sacred Echo. Solidarity in a Small Hell of Our Own | The On Being Project

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Erica Lees-Smith, and features our special guest, David Coleman!

The Reverend David Coleman is Environmental Chaplain for Eco Congregation Scotland, a post gifted by the United Reformed Church. Without formal authority, he’s nonetheless well known as a green voice in Scottish churches. He visits grassroots churches and sometimes colleges, and engages in ecumenical conversation with many bodies on spiritual and environmental issues. David was invited to the Assisi conferences on establishing a global ecumenical celebration of Creation, ['24, ’25] and as part of the global supervisory committee for Season of Creation, he curates the Season resource for Scotland. He is a member of the Iona Community, and active in developing challenging reflective visual/liturgical material. David is 62, a widower, with two adult children.

This week, Erica, David and Roo explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 29th March in a Palm Sunday special.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro
10:00 - Matthew 21: 1-11
23:20 - Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29
36:10 - Isaiah 50: 4-9a

Mentions

Together Alliance protest on 28th March - https://www.togetheralliance.org.uk/

Eco-Congregation Scotland - http://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/

Closing prayer, by Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan - https://www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/blog/palm-sunday

Listen to the latest episode of Politics in the Pulpit for Sunday 22 March. Hosted by Alex Clare-Young with guest Jenny Mills and JPIT team member Paul Morrison.

This is the final episode of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 hosted by our wonderful host William Gibson, and features special guest, Al Barrett!

Revd Dr Al Barrett has been Rector of Hodge Hill Church (a CofE-URC local ecumenical partnership) in east Birmingham since 2010. He has been involved in long-term journeys of intergenerational community-building with neighbours in the council estate where he lives, and pursuing racial justice and creation care within and beyond the local church community. Al seeks to engage in earthed, collaborative theological work in the intersections of church, mission, race, class, gender and ecology, and is also in training to be a wild therapy practitioner.

This week, William, Al and Erica explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 15th March or Mothering Sunday.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro

• 06:15 - John 9: 1-41

• 20:17 - 1 Samuel 16: 1-13

• 28:37 - Psalm 23

• 38:00 - Ephesians 5: 8-14

Mentions

Being Interrupted: Re-imagining the Church's Mission from the Outside, In by Al Barrett and Ruth Harvey (SCM, 2020)

Towards a Critical White Theology (Routledge, 2025) edited by Al Barrett, Anthony Reddie and Jill Marsh

‘Trauma, de/composing masculinities and ensoiled christologies (or, how men might face and follow their shit)’ by Al Barrett and Simon Sutcliffe, in Will Rose-Moore (ed.), For Nothing is Hidden: Masculinities and Trauma in Church and Theology (SCM, forthcoming).

A Healing Homiletic: Preaching and Disability by Kathy Black (Abingdon Press, 1996)

More in Common, Seven Segments of Britain https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/seven...

JPIT’s current campaign for refugee family reunion https://jpit.uk/refugee-reunion

The Nap Ministry founded by Tricia Hersey https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/

Rest is Resistance: Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim your life by Tricia Hersey (Octopus Publishing Group, 2024)

The Good Shepherd: A thousand-year journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament by Kenneth E. Bailey (SPCK, 2014)

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Grace Thomas!

Grace is the Canon Missioner at Manchester Cathedral, as well as Diocesan Environment Officer and Associate Tutor at Luther King Centre. Grace's publications include a chapter on ecological grief in Words for A Dying World (Malcolm (ed), 2020, SCM), a chapter about female clergy wellbeing in Female Faith Practices (Routledge, 2023), a co-edited book Chaplaincy – Contemporary and Global Perspectives (SCM, 2024) and a co-authored Grove book entitled Climate Action as Mission. Grace is passionate about justice, especially in areas of climate, ethnicity and poverty. She is the chair of the charity Greater Together Manchester and is the Northern Province Clergy Rep for AMEN, which seeks to support Anglicans of Minority Ethnic Heritage. Grace regularly presents Radio 4's Daily Service.

This week, William, Grace and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 8th March.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro
04:50 - Exodus 17: 1-7
09:24 - Psalm 95
14:13 - Romans 5: 1-11
21:56 - John 4: 5-42

Mentions

Words for A Dying World: Stories of Grief and Courage from the Global Church edited by Hannah Malcolm (SCM, 2020)

Female Faith Practices: Qualitative Research Perspectives edited by Nicola Slee et al (Routledge, 2023)

Chaplaincy: Contemporary and Global Perspectives by Grace Thomas and Kim Wasey (SCM, 2024)

Climate Action as Mission: How to Link the Gospel with Safeguarding Creation (Grove Books, 2021)

https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-scarcity

A Million Acts of Hope campaign - https://millionactsofhope.org/

The Women in the Gospel of John: The Divine Feminine by Judith Kaye Jones (Chalice Press, 2008)

Women of the Passion by Margaret Ives (Canterbury Press, 1998)

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Teri Peterson!

Teri is a Church of Scotland minister, serving the parish of St John’s in Gourock. She came to Scotland in 2017 from Chicago where she was a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Teri has a background in music and in mission work in the Middle East, and she is passionate about the intersection of faith and life. She sees her calling as helping bring sacred and secular together through community work, creativity, and service. In her free time she doomscrolls articles about history and current events, plays with her three cats, reads historical fiction about women, and looks out the window at her amazing view.

This week, William, Teri and Adam explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 1st March.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro
06:00 - Genesis 12: 1-4a
15:40 - Psalm 121
21:57 - Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17
27:52 - John 3: 1-17

Mentions

Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible through Palestinian Eyes by Mitri Raheb

This episode of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Rachel Summers!

Rachel Summers is an ordained pioneer priest in the Church of England. She lives in East London and loves that she has the forest on her doorstep and the city all around her. Being in nature is an important part of her spirituality and something she takes joy in sharing with others through forest church. She enjoys hosting refugees in her spare room and the interesting conversations that happen in her kitchen because of this. Rachel has a fabulous ADHD brain which takes her on all manner of exciting sidequests, one of which at the moment is DTh study through Roehampton university. She has many good ideas, some of which actually happen, and her hands are never quite mud free.

This week, William, Rachel and Roo explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 22nd February.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
04:40 - Genesis 2: 15-17; 3: 1-7
15:33 - Psalm 32
22:44 - Romans 5: 12-19
33:00 - Matthew 4: 1-11

Mentions

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Nuremberg (2025)

The next episode of this season of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Jack Wakefield!

Jack is a campaigner with over a decade of experience influencing change across climate, health, justice and inequality. His work has included grassroots youth organising, regular preaching and training for churches, and leading delegations at UN negotiations. He's part of a new church plant in the southwest and is a trustee for Green Christian.

This week, William, Jack and Hannah explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 15th February.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
05:28 - Exodus 24: 12-18
10:29 - Psalm 2
16:27 - Psalm 99
19:45 - 2 Peter 1: 16-21
26:39 - Matthew 17: 1-9 The Transfiguration

Mentions

Joseph Rowntree annual UK poverty report (2026) - https://www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-2026-the-essential-guide-to-understanding-poverty-in-the-uk

The Iona Community - https://iona.org.uk/about/our-story/

Theology and Joy by Jürgen Moltmann

Episcopal Bishop predicts “new era of martyrdom” - https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/bishop-warns-of-new-era-of-martyrdom-amid-immigration-tensions

Poem written by Bonhoeffer before his execution by the Nazis in 1945 - https://www.praise.org.uk/hymns/by-gracious-powers-so-wonderfully-sheltered

The next episode of this season of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Laura Durrant!

Laura is a reporter and editorial team member for S(h)ibboleth magazine and a co-host of the Beer Christianity podcast. She is a communications specialist and has worked in the faith-based charity sector for the last seven years.

This week, William, Laura and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 8th February.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro
05:35 - Isaiah 58: 1-9a(9b-12)
15:56 - Psalm 112: 1-9(10)
22:00 - 1 Corinthians 2: 1-12(13-16)
30:38 - Matthew 5: 13-20

Mentions

S(h)ibboleth magazine - https://shibbolethmag.com/pages/about-shibboleth

Beer Christianity podcast - https://www.beerchristianity.co.uk/

The Gen Z Quiet Revival report (Bible Society) - https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival

Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence research and book about the Far Right - https://www.csbvbristol.org.uk/the-church-the-far-right-and-the-claim-to-christianity/

Watch Revd Dr Helen Paynter’s lecture, ‘Unpacking the theology of Christian nationalism’ (Better Story, January 2026) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgHMeOm5uBA

Notes from Rev Prof Joseph Mante’s keynote on the Gospel passage in relation to colonial history (27th General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches) - Theme-A_20251016_OtisMoss_Keynote.pdf

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland resources for Racial Justice Sunday 2026 - https://ctbi.org.uk/resources/racial-justice-sunday-8-february-2026/

The next episode of this season of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Cat Whitehouse!

Cat Whitehouse is the Faith in Action Project Worker for Student Christian Movement. Her work is shaped by a deep interest in how faith and politics meet in everyday life, and how this shapes the ways we build community, support both our neighbours and those we disagree with, and work for justice. The focus of Cat’s year at SCM is on loving our neighbour and enemy, and they have run workshops with students on the rise of the far right and how it conflicts with Christian faith, as well as on LGBTQ+ rights in the face of hate, titled Love Over Fear. As a queer Christian, Cat is particularly passionate about LGBTQ+ inclusion in faith spaces and creating environments where people feel safe to be fully themselves. Some of her highlights in the role so far have been the ‘Ace and Faith’ panel which she hosted in collaboration with Ace Space London and organising the SCM Virtual Candlelit Vigil for Trans* Day of Remembrance 2025.

This week, William, Cat and Alex explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 1st February.

Mentions

Student Christian Movement - https://www.movement.org.uk/

Constituency Action Network – jpit.uk/can

The Canticle of the Turning by Rory Cooney - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9QeTmRCpW4

Nadia Bolz Weber’s Beatitudes - https://thecorners.substack.com/p/salty-d99

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Enfleshed Liturgy’s Beatitudes - https://enfleshed.com/blogs/liturgies/beatitudes-remix/

The third episode of this season of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Dave Hardman!

Revd David Hardman is currently serving as the Methodist Liaison Office, Jerusalem for the Methodist Church in Britain. Ordained in 1994 he has served churches and circuits in the city centre, inner-city and suburbs of Manchester and London. He has also worked for Christian Aid as Senior Regional Coordinator in the North West of England and most recently as Methodist Team Leader of the Joint Public Issues Team. Justice and Peace have been at the heart of David’s ministry, he is an accredited mediator with Place for Hope and a committed activist.

This week, William, Dave and Simeon explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 25th January. This conversation highlights David’s experiences with Palestinian Christians under occupation.

Timestamps

06:13 - Matthew 4: 12-23

11:10 - Isaiah 9: 1-4

19:58 - Psalm 27: 1, 4-9

29:10 - 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18

Mentions

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25th in UK; 25th-2nd in Jerusalem) - https://www.lpj.org/en/news/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-in-jerusalem

https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/resources-for-the-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2026

Bridging the Gap: Has the Church failed the poor? by John Harvey

Kairos Palestine II document (November 2025) - https://www.kairospalestine.ps/images/Kairos_Palestine_II_English_Final.pdf

The second episode of this season of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Adam Aucock!

Adam Aucock is a new member of the JPIT team working as the Advocacy Coordinator within the Methodist Church. Adam is from a Baptist background and has worked on advocating for policy change for several years, particularly focussing on the climate and environmental crises and their impacts on those living in poverty around the world. Through work in different organisations, including the international development agency Tearfund, Adam has campaigned for policy changes in spaces from local governments to global policy negotiations.

This week, William, Adam and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 18th January.

Timestamps

07:03 - Psalm 40: 1-11

16:20 - John 1: 29-42

25:00 - Isaiah 49: 1-7

32:33 - 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9

Mentions

Letters from a Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.

Reading the Gospel of John Through Palestinian Eyes by Yohanna Katanacho

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity resources - https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/d...

JPIT collaborative response to Unite the Kingdom (December 2025) – jpit.uk/joyforall

The first episode of this season of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by Stephen Ansa-Addo, and features our special guest and new host, William Gibson!

William is a candidate for ministry in the Church of Scotland and a PhD student in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow. Prior to this William worked at Apple where he led unionising efforts in the first unionised Apple store in the UK before working for the Student Christian Movement as their theology and resources project worker for a year. William is also an Iona Community member.

This week, Stephen, William and Erica explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 11th January.

Timestamps:

6:58 – Isaiah 42: 1-9

12:42 – Psalm 29

16:20 – Matthew 3: 13-17

24:40 – Acts 10: 34-43

Alex, Christine, Erica, and Thomas discuss the readings for 4 January. Don't forget to listen to parts 1 and 3 of our Christmas special and watch this space for a new host and a return to our traditional format in the new year.

Alex, Christine, Erica, and Thomas discuss the readings for 28 December. Don't forget to listen to parts 1 and 3 of our Christmas special and watch this space for a new host and a return to our traditional format in the new year.

Alex, Christine, Erica, and Thomas discuss the readings for Christmas Day. Don't forget to listen to parts 2 and 3 of our Christmas special and watch this space for a new host and a return to our traditional format in the new year.

The fourth episode of our Advent specials of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Thomas Niblett, and features Hannah Fremont-Brown and JPIT member Roo Stewart! This week, Thomas, Hannah, and Roo explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 21st December.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

Matthew 1: 18-25

26:30 – Romans 1: 1-7

35:47 – Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19

41:59 - Isaiah 7: 10-16

The third episode of our Advent specials of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Erica Lees-Smith, and features Neil Thorogood and JPIT member Steve Tinning!

This week, Erica, Neil, and Steve explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 14th December.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

06:33 – Luke 1: 47-55 (Magnificat)

12:04 - Isaiah 35: 1-10

21:14 – James 5: 7-10

25:33 - Matthew 11: 2-11

30:52 – Psalm 146: 5-10

This episode includes particular discussion of the Tommy Robinson event due to take place this weekend, and what preachers could say from the week's readings to speak out for compassion and justice. For more resources please visit our recent blog - jpit.uk/is-this-love.

The second episode of the Advent season of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Thomas Niblett, and features guests and JPIT team members Erica Lees-Smith and Simeon Mitchell. We are trialling some live on-site episodes during advent.

This week, Thomas, Erica, and Simeon explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 7th December.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

05:15 - Matthew 3: 1-12

11:35 - Romans 15: 4-13

17:40 - Isaiah 11: 1-10

24:40 - Psalm 72: 1-7, 18-19

The first episode of the new Advent season of Politics in the Pulpit is hosted by Politics in the Pulpit editor Erica Lees-Smith, and features guests and JPIT team members Alex Clare-Young and Thomas Niblett. We are trialing some live on site episodes during advent. This week, Erica, Alex and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 30th November.

The tenth and final episode of this season of Politics in the Pulpit Autumn 2025 is hosted by Stephen Ansa-Addo, and features our special guest, Nicola Robinson!

Nicola Anne Robinson is a URC Minister, currently serving in the Leeds URC Partnership. She has a strong commitment to social and environmental justice, for people and planet who are experiencing marginalisation and exclusion, both locally and globally. Embedding themes such as racial justice, creation care, refugee awareness and more in worship services and with congregations, exploring how people who have been excluded from church can be welcomed and affirmed. Nicola is the Convenor of Yorkshire Synod’s Green Apostles group. In 2026, she will serve as Chaplain to the URC Youth Moderator. She is part of the ecumenical planning group for Pride Church Leeds which holds a service and gathering for our LGBTQ+ Christian community once a month. She lives with her lady companion, Maisie, a 10-year-old cockapoo.

This week, Stephen, Nicola and Roo explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 23rd November.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

09:30 - Jeremiah 23:1-6

18:50 – Psalm 46

28:50 - Luke 23:33-43

41:25 - Colossians 1:11-20

The ninth episode of Politics in the Pulpit Autumn 2025 is hosted by Stephen Ansa-Addo, and featuring our special guest, Lindsey Sanderson!

Lindsey is a URC minister, serving as Moderator of the National Synod of Scotland since January 2024. She currently represents the Synod Moderators on the JPIT strategy group. Her commitment to social justice plays a strong part of her Christian faith. She served as a trustee of Christian Aid and global ecumenical experiences through Council for World Mission and as URC representative on the World Council of Churches Central Committee. She has interests in liturgy, writing liturgy including hymn words and sharing the liturgical resources of the world church. She lives in Glasgow with her husband, older daughter and their dog Hamish.

This week, Stephen, Lindsey and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th November.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

06:20 – Isaiah 65: 17-25

18:29 – 2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13

34:15 – Luke 21: 5-19 and Isaiah 12

Mentions

Social Care Sunday

Interfaith Week – www.interfaithweek.org

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

The eighth episode of Politics in the Pulpit Autumn 2025 is hosted by Alex Clare-Young, and featuring our special guest, Mark Rowland!

Mark is Secretary of the Faith and Order Committee for the Methodist Church in Britain. He has been a Methodist minister since 2009 and his formation stretched from inner city Sheffield to the United States. He was awarded his PhD for a thesis entitled “A queer and Methodist theology of holiness: strategies for queering Wesley’s teaching,” reimagining concepts of sin, transformation and perfection. Before his current role, Mark has served in local church and chaplaincy ministry and has a deep passion for worship and preaching which respond to the realities of the world God loves and calls us to love. An activist for the greater participation and inclusion of LGBT+ people in the Church, Mark is co-Chair of OneBodyOneFaith and a trustee of Dignity and Worth. In his free time, Mark is a keen singer and organist.

This week, Alex, Mark and Erica explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 9th November.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

04:16 - Luke 20: 27-38

17:30 - 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-5, 13-17

21:59 - Haggai 1: 15b-2:9

28:58 - Psalm 145: 1-5, 17-21

Mentions:

King unveils new memorial to LGBT veterans after gay ban campaign

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7m8kzgy77o

Just Money Movement – https://justmoney.org.uk/

Make Them Pay coalition - https://www.makethempay.org.uk/

2025 General Council for the World Communion of Reformed Churches - https://wcrc.eu/gc2025/

The seventh episode of Politics in the Pulpit Autumn 2025 is hosted by Stephen Ansa-Addo, and featuring our special guest, Phil Nevard!

Other than a few years dabbling in other jobs, Phil has been a URC minister for most of his working life - over 30 years. For all of that time Phil has managed to escape temptation into regional URC jobs and has happily followed his calling to be a local church minister and not much else. Phil counts preaching to be one of the joys of ministry and URC folk might vaguely remember his name from the three year vlog and podcast series "Talking Absolute Worship" that Phil hosted through the Covid years. Phil's most significant contribution to the Liberation struggle has probably been his voluntary work with the Battery Hen Welfare Association. With the Essex team, including his youngest daughter, he has helped liberate thousands of battery chickens, many of them finding refuge and a new life in his own back garden. Being a lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan has taught him all he needs to know about dealing with disappointment and disaster. It is said that this is character-building! Phil is currently Minister in three churches across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk and is mostly talking about retirement these days!

This week, Stephen, Phil and Simeon explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd November.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

08:50 - Habakkuk 1: 1-4; 2:1-4

23:56 - Luke 19: 1-10

37:44 - Psalm 119: 137-144

44:01 - 2 Thessalonians 1: 1-4, 11-12

Mentions:

Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Talking Absolute Worship podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/3bPvwOSi9UIuXVMhw5Ks9m

Together with Refugees https://togetherwithrefugees.org.uk/

The Zacchaeus tax campaign https://www.cwmission.org/news/spotlights/zacchaeus-tax-campaign-to-relaunch-in-africa/

The sixth episode of Politics in the Pulpit Autumn 2025 is hosted by Stephen Ansa-Addo, and featuring our special guest Claire Nicholls!

Claire is Regional Minister for London Baptists, looking after 80 plus churches in South East London. She also oversees the Justice Hub in the association and has a particular focus on enabling and empowering women in leadership. She is a director of the London Baptist Property Board and does many other things as well – it’s a very varied role! She represents the Baptist Union on the JPIT SPG. Claire has led churches in North Manchester and South Croydon, and before she went to train for ministry she was a maths teacher in Derbyshire. She is passionate about bringing people together, within and despite of difference and loves to see churches walking with and watching over one another so that we can thrive in order to enable the good news of Jesus to be brought and lived out in our local contexts. She is a baker of wild and wonderful things and she likes a good walk and plenty of laughter. Good music makes her heart sing – one of the advantages of living in London is the access to last minute cheap tickets to shows and concerts, and Claire definitely takes advantage of this!

This week, Stephen, Claire and Roo explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th October.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 06:00 - Joel 15:20 – Psalm 65 23:30 - Psalm 84 34:17– Luke

The fifth episode of Politics in the Pulpit Autumn 2025 is hosted by Stephen Ansa-Addo, and featuring our special guest Melanie Smith!

Reverend Melanie Smith is the Training and Development officer and Pastoral Consultant for the West Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church. She is also a Synod Green Apostle and a trained mediator through Place for Hope. Previously, Melanie served for two years as the Director for the Centre for Gender and Social Justice at the Pacific Theological College in Fiji, a higher education college serving 20 churches of 6 denominations across 16 nations in the south Pacific. Her first career took her from banking, to public sector accountancy, to working for Christian Aid as a Volunteer Development Officer in the West Midlands. She has tried to walk the talk by protesting against Trump, the arms fair, and at various climate protests. She has worked locally on Syrian Refugee Resettlement Schemes and individual refugee cases. She helped set up two food banks and two debt centres and chaired a homelessness charity during the pandemic. If she could live anywhere other than near family, it would be India.

This week, Stephen, Melanie and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th October.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 09:00 - Luke 18: 1-8 24:10 – Jeremiah 31: 27-34 30:51 – Psalm 119: 97-104 37:12 – 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Mentions JPIT's guidance on the rise of the British National Party in 2006 - https://jpit.uk/wp-content/uploads/20... Freedom Sunday resources - https://www.ijmuk.org/freedom-sunday Tent of Nations - https://tentofnations.com/ Daoud Nassar from Tent of Nations visits JPIT at Methodist Church House - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...

The fourth episode of Politics in the Pulpit Autumn 2025 is hosted by Stephen Ansa-Addo, and featuring our special guest Sarah Edwards!

Sarah Edwards is Executive Director of the JustMoney Movement, an ecumenical education and campaigning charity which has a vision of a world where money is used to shape a greener, fairer future for all. Sarah oversees the organisation’s work, which aims to resource a movement of Christians and churches to act more justly with their own money and to speak out for a more just use of money in the economy. Sarah has recently started training for ordination in the Church of England. She lives in North London with her husband and two children.

This week, Stephen, Sarah and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 12th October.

Mentions

JustMoney Movement - justmoney.org.uk

Tuesday 7 October - Greening our Finances: Practical steps for Eco Churches
Wednesday 8 October - Investing in a Fairer, Greener World

UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association - uksif.org

Bill McKibben, environmental writer - billmckibben.com

The third episode of Politics in the Pulpit Autumn 2025 is hosted by Stephen Ansa-Addo, and featuring our special guest Pat Bennett!

Pat is a writer, scholar and liturgist who has worked at the intersections of the humanities and sciences fostering conversation, exploration and the exchange of ideas. She has a background in both science and theology. She is a member of the Iona Community, for whom she has also worked developing programmes and resources to help people explore faith and activism.

This week, Stephen, Pat and Alex explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 5th October.

Pat's work: The Spirituality of Conflict project - https://www.spiritualityofconflict.com/ Editor of the book 'What were you arguing along the way?' - https://canterburypress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9781786223999/what-were-you-arguing-about-along-the-way

Other mentions: Housing Justice (for Homelessness Sunday) - https://housingjustice.org.uk

The second episode of Politics in the Pulpit Autumn 2025 is hosted by Stephen Ansa-Addo, and featuring our special guest Fiona Haworth!

Fiona is a member of the Iona Community and an associate priest in the Church of England, based in St Peter Mancroft Church in Norwich.  She has a long interest in issues of justice and peace, the intersection of science and faith, and climate and nature, and finds that life is generally much happier when shared with a dog.

This week, Stephen, Fiona and Roo explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 28 September - Disability Awareness Sunday.

The first episode of Politics in the Pulpit Autumn 2025 is a handover episode featuring special guest Stephen Ansa-Addo, who will be your host for the next ten episodes! Stephen is a United Reformed Church Minister serving a cluster of three churches in Berkshire who is passionate about living out the Gospel, pursuing justice, and exploring God in popular culture and current affairs. This week, Stephen, Alex and Steve explore the lectionary readings for Sunday September 21 - the first day of the Week of Prayer for Peace in Palestine and Israel.

Join our host Alex Clare-Young for the final episode of the season as they speak to Father Angus Ritchie and Simeon Mitchell to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday 20th July.

Drawing on the lectionary readings:

Genesis 18:1-10a - A Son Promised to Abraham and Sarah
Colossians 1:15-28 - The Supremacy of Christ / Paul’s Interest in the Colossians
Luke 10:38-42 - Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

Father Angus Ritchie is the director of the Centre for Theology and Community, which supports churches in their engagement in community organising. An Anglican priest, he has served in east London parishes since 1998, and his books include Inclusive Populism: Creating Citizens in the Global Age.

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

Join our host Alex Clare-Young as they welcome Dr Frances Clemson and Roo Stewart to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 13th July.

This week’s discussion draws upon the following lectionary readings:

Deuteronomy 30:9-14 - God’s Faithfulness
Colossians 1:1-14 - Paul Thanks God for the Colossians
Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Dr Frances Clemson is Christian Aid's Faith Communications Specialist. In this role she works with churches and communities across the UK and with Christian Aid's partners around the world, exploring how and why our faith compels us to take action on poverty and injustice. Prior to joining Christian Aid in 2023, Frances was Assistant Professor in Theology and Ministry at Durham University. In this role she worked on the Common Awards partnership - the national framework that supports the academic components of ministry training in a range of UK churches. Her theological interests include embodiment, justice, and the arts, particularly drama. Her PhD was on theologies enacted in mid-twentieth century drama, particularly plays by Dorothy L. Sayers.

Relevant dates and links:

Climate Coalition mass lobby – Join the Mass Lobby of Parliament on the 9th of July, organised by the Climate Coalition – JPIT and Christian Aid will be around! Mass Lobby 2025 - The Climate Coalition

Beckley lecture - watch “Whiteness is the Sea, not the shark” with Anthony Reddie here: https://youtu.be/MTrl9eL2ymI?si=t1aHOuslGGW-Ho5S

To find out more about the Consituency Action Network head to: https://jpit.uk/can

Find the reimagined version of When i needed a neighbour from Christian Aid here: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/news/about-us/when-i-needed-neighbour-reimagined#listen

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young talks to Molly Boot and Roo Stewart to ask the provocative question of how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 6th July.

Their discussion draws upon the Lectionary, this week being:

Isaiah 66:10-14 - The Worship God Demands
Galatians 6:1-16 - Bear One Another’s Burdens
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 - The Mission of the Seventy

Revd. Molly Boot is a theologian, musician and priest, currently based in rural Gloucestershire. They’re very enthusiastic about a lot of things, including music, prayer, LGBTQ+ liberation, and the stranger corners of medieval church history.

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young is joined by Mel Beaven and Paul Morrison to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching, drawing upon the Lectionary: 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-25 and Luke 9:51-62.

Mel Beaven is a Methodist Deacon and lives in Birmingham. Since 2020, she has been a tutor at The Queen’s Foundation, teaching Pastoral Theology, Mission & Evangelism and Leadership in Social Justice. She is a PhD student at the Institute for Christian Social Practice, Heidelberg University, Germany, researching approaches to diaconal training. In September 2025, Mel will leave Queen’s to take up the role of Director of Discipleship within the Evangelism & Growth Team.

Find out more about our conference here: https://jpit.uk/conference

Find out more about our Constituency Action Network here: https://jpit.uk/can

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young is joined by Jennifer Smith and Steve Tinning to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 22nd of June, drawing upon the Lectionary:

Isaiah 65:1-9 - The Righteousness of God’s Judgement
Galatians 3:23-29 - Law or Faith
Luke 8:26-39 - Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac

Jennifer Smith is a Methodist Minister serving as Superintendent of Wesley's Chapel and Leysian Mission, the London church opened in 1778 for John Wesley, founder of Methodism. An Honorary Canon of St Paul's Cathedral in London and a US citizen, she is a regular contributor to BBC religious broadcasting and a widely invited speaker and preacher.

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or join our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young is joined by Jo Clare-Young and Paul Morrison to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching for Trinity Sunday, drawing upon the lectionary: Proverbs 8:1-4,22-31 (The Gifts of Wisdom), Romans 5:1-5 (Results of Justification) and John 16:12-15 (The Work of the Spirit).

Jo Clare-Young is a minister ordained in the URC tradition, a member of the Iona Community. She currently spend her days navigating around Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire Essex and a tiny bit of Hartfordshire , serving the 105 churches of the Urc’s Eastern Synod providing training and resourcing for mission.

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young talks to Fiona MacMillan and Florence Wright to ask the provocative question of how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 8th June. Their discussion draws upon the lectionary, this week being: Genesis 11:1-9 (The Tower of Babel), Acts 2:1-21 (The Coming of the Holy Spirit) and John 14:8-17 & 25-27 (The Promise of the Holy Spirit).

Our guest, Fiona, is a disabled and neurodivergent practitioner, advocate, speaker and writer exploring disability, faith and questions of social justice. She is chair of St Martin in the Fields Disability Advisory Group, an Inclusive Church trustee and the planning lead for an annual disability theology conference. She is a member Church of England's General Synod and the contemplative Nazareth Community, and is a keen knitter of hats.

For more information on WAVE for change visit here: https://www.wave-for-change.org.uk/

For more about Tax Justice Sunday visit here: https://justmoney.org.uk/tax-justice-sunday/

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young is joined by Graham McGeoch and Florence Wright (JPIT Intern) to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching.

They draw upon the lectionary: Acts 16:16-34 (Paul and Silas in Prison), Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 Epilogue and Benediction) and John 17:20-26 (Jesus Prays for His Disciples).

Graham McGeoch works for the Council for World Mission. He taught Theology & Religious Studies at a small university in Vitoria, Brazil and is visiting Professor at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young talks to Gary Hall and Steve Hucklesby to ask the provocative question of how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 25th of May. Their discussion draws upon the lectionary: Acts 16:9-15 (The Conversion of Lydia), Revelation 21:10,22–22:5 (Vision of the New Jerusalem / The River of Life) and John 14:23-29 (The Promise of the Holy Spirit). Gary is a Methodist presbyter serving at the Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham, and soon to be Superintendent Minister of the Hidden River circuit. Do look at our blog at: https://jpit.uk/whats-new/blog ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

Alex Clare-Young and Roo Stewart speak to our guest this week, Alison Webster. They discuss this week's lectionary readings: Acts 11:1-18 (Peter’s Report to the Church at Jerusalem), Revelation 21:1-6 (The New Heaven and the New Earth), and John 13:31-35 (The New Commandment).

Alison is General Secretary of Modern Church and Mission Theologian in Residence at Citizens UK, the Community Organising Charity. She was, for many years, Deputy Director of Mission (Social Justice) at the Diocese of Oxford. She has written widely on issues of sexuality, wellbeing and identity. Most recently ‘Found Out: Trangressive Faith and Sexuality’.

Alex Roo and Alison discuss themes of inclusion, community organising, listening to the most vulnerable and our ultimate commandment to love others.

Sign up for the next Constituency Action Network (CAN) Webinar here: https://jpit.uk/can-webinars

In this webinar we will be discussing community organising practices further, (looking at how churches can build relationships with each other) with Kerry Scarlett, Faith-Rooted Community Organising Officer at the Methodist Church.

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young talks to Sam Wells and Paul Morrison to ask the provocative question of how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 11th of May. Their discussion draws upon the lectionary, this week being: Acts 9:36-43 (Peter and Dorcas or Tabitha), Revelation 7:9-17 (The Multitude from Every Nation) and John 10:22-30 (Jesus is Rejected).

Our guest this week, Sam Wells, speaks, preaches and broadcasts on a range of pastoral, political and theological issues. He has been Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, London, since 2012 and is also Visiting Professor of Christian Ethics at King’s College London. Sam has served as a parish priest for 27 years–10 of those in urban priority areas; and also spent 7 years in North Carolina, where he was Dean of Duke University Chapel. Samhas published 47 booksand the most recent is ‘Constructing an Incarnational Theology.’

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

Politics in the Pulpit is back after a short break! This season is hosted by Alex Clare-Young, JPIT’s new Campaigns and Churches Officer.

This week we have Simon Cross helping us discuss the lectionary for Sunday the 4th of May from a faith and politics perspective, looking at Acts 9:1-20 (The Conversion of Saul), Revelation 5:11-14 (The Scroll and the Lamb) and John 21:1-19 (Jesus Appears to the Seven Disciples).

Simon Cross is a minister in the United Reformed Church, based in East Yorkshire. He is the chair of the Progressive Christianity Network (Britain) and is a writer and activist. We are also joined by Simeon Mitchell, head of the JPIT team.

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit.

You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week we have Revd Roy Searle helping us discuss the lectionary for Sunday the 23rd of March from a faith and politics perspective, looking at Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9.

JPIT’s Steve Hucklesby also joins this conversation with Clare Williams as our host. They discuss the importance of remembering God as the source of life amidst injustice and leaning into the prophetic. Alongside they consider how to balance this with living out a life of seeking justice, showing a positive alternative story as ambassadors for Gods Kingdom.

Roy is a passionate preacher and former president of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and founder of the Northumbria community, dedicated to loving God, our neighbours, and the planet. He joins JPIT’s Steve Hucklesby and host Clare Williams to discuss God as the source of life amid injustice and how to seek justice as ambassadors for God's Kingdom.

https://www.northumbriacommunity.org

You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at / jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host Clare Williams and JPIT Team member Paul Morrison, chat to Revd David Mayne.

David Mayne is a a previous host of politics in the pulpit and Regional Minister Team Leader for the Eastern Baptist Association, supporting 170 Baptist churches in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Dave is Essex born and bred, and his work has consistently focused on topics of justice and inclusion particularly in relation to gender, economics and sexuality.

Clare, Paul and David discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th March, which are: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35 or Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at / jointpublicissues

Please note this episode has been recorded a week in advance!

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our guest host and JPIT Team Leader, Simeon Mitchell, chats to William Gibson. William Gibson is a candidate for ministry in the Church of Scotland and PhD student at the University of Glasgow researching secularisation, mission and the Church of Scotland in the 1960s. Prior to this William worked as the Student Christian Movement’s theology and resources project worker and hosted their podcast for two seasons, discussing Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life and theology as well as Christian political action. Simeon and William discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 9th March, which are: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to Cathy Bird. They are joined by Florence Wright, another member of the JPIT team. Cathy is a Methodist Minister, currently with permission to serve the Congregational Church. She is minister at Union Chapel, in the Highbury area of London; Union Chapel, as well as being known as a leading performance venue, is also a community of Christians of diverse backgrounds who are committed to living lives that are spiritual, sustainable and responsive to the Gospel’s prophetic call for justice and peace. Cathy has served her ministry mainly in London - in Tottenham, Kings Cross and Hackney - although was more recently in Stockport in Greater Manchester. She has a heart for ministry on and with the margins and is the author of ‘The Divine Heart of Darkness’ published in 2017. She also serves as a mediation practitioner with Place For Hope and is a supervisor, coach and spiritual director. Clare, Cathy and Florence discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd March, which are: Exodus 34:29-35 - Psalm 99 - 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 - Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a) ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to JPIT member Florence Wright. They are joined by Aoife Wright, another member of the JPIT team. Florence brings a strong background in environmental justice and student activism, having been actively involved with ‘Just Love,’ a Christian student social justice society at Durham University. She is deeply committed to the intersection of faith and politics and is eager to inspire Christians to embrace the call to pursue justice. She is also keen to contribute to the development of the newly launched Constituency Action Network and is excited to support its growth. Clare, Florence and Aoife discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th February, which are: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 and Luke 6:17-26. Get involved with the Constituency Action Network here: jpit.uk/can ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to Hannah Fremont Brown. They are joined by Roo Stewart, a member of the JPIT team. Hannah coordinates Let’s End Poverty, a movement of people united behind a vision of the future where poverty can’t keep anyone down. She is passionate about supporting churches and Christians to campaign and walk alongside our communities for justice. She is a member of Hinde Street Methodist Church, and currently completing an MA in Theology, Mission and Ministry. Clare, Hannah and Roo discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 9th February, which are: Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13), Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 and Luke 5:1-11 ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to Jeronne Rudder. They are joined by Steve Tinning, a member of the JPIT team. Jeronne is a pastor, theologian, speaker, and all-around Bible nerd who is passionate about seeing people live lives shaped by love and justice. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in theology, he brings a deep well of knowledge and insight to his work. Jeronne is the founder of Uhambo The Journey, an online video Bible study resource aimed at helping individuals and churches understand the Bible for themselves. His mission is to empower people to become confident followers of Jesus, bringing ancient truths to life and applying them to modern-day situations.In addition to his work with Uhambo The Journey, Jeronne is also a team member of Sankofa Collective, an ecumenical racial justice and reconciliation community for Christians. Clare, Jeronne and Steve discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd February, which are: Jeremiah 1:4-10 - Psalm 71:1-6 - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - Luke 4:21-30 ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to Tom Price. They are joined by Aoife Wright, a member of the JPIT team.

Tom Price studied Philosophy at university and later completed an MA in Christian Apologetics, and is currently undertaking doctoral research in theology, philosophy and film.

In recent years Tom has spoken to all kinds of audiences – at various levels of questioning – in different countries. In the UK, he has worked with well known conferences, organisations and media outlets. He was previously the Founding Editor of UCCF’s website www.bethinking.org, and more recently he has created www.beliefmapping.com (a worldview survey and analysis system). Tom has expertise and experience in outreach, mission, apologetics, cultural engagement, film, theology and discipleship. He is passionate about philosophy and theology that fundamentally takes people seriously, values the individual and engages with the serious questions and objections they may have about life and religious beliefs. Tom is married to Caroline, has three kids, and they live in Oxford.

Clare, Tom and Aoife discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th January, which are: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to Jenny Brown. They are joined by Paul Morrison, a member of the JPIT team.

Jenny recently left Christian Aid after 25 years in a variety of advocacy-related roles. Before that she spent 15 years as a commercial property solicitor in City law firms. Among other things she is active in her local church and a trustee of a small Christian mission organisation. She loves connecting with the global Church, and takes great pride in having her roots in Yorkshire!

Clare, Jenny and Paul discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th January, which are: Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Nathan McGuire chats to our new host, Clare Williams.Clare Williams is an Associate Speaker and Tutor at the OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Her work focuses upon questions of race, justice, culture, and what the Christian message has to offer these big concepts.Prior to her work in apologetics, she was an English teacher in London secondary schools for ten years. Clare has a degree in English Language and Literature from Oxford University, and a Masters in Leadership (2012) and Culture, Diaspora and Ethnicity (2021) from the University of London.Clare currently resides in London.Nathan and Clare discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 12th January, which are: Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

This week, listen to Steve, Nathan and Matt chat about what the bible says about Jesus as a Peacemaker.

🎙️ 'Maybe [this] should encourage us also to be able to reflect on these things that we see going on around the world, but relating them to God speaking to us, wherever we are'

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats to Kathy Galloway, and is joined by JPIT member Paul Morrison.

Kathy is a practical theologian, writer and campaigner. The major focus of her work has always been peace-making and social justice issues, especially relating to poverty, ecology and gender. Kathy has worked for Church Action on Poverty, the Iona Community and Christian Aid, and she lives in Glasgow.

Matt, Kathy and Paul discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 8th December, which are: Baruch 5:1-9 (in Apocrypha not main Bible canon) or Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6, Luke 1:68-79

The mentions in the podcast are linked below:

Kathy's books: https://www.ionabooks.com/product-tag/kathy-galloway

JPIT's blogs: https://jpit.uk/whats-new/blog

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats to Chantal Noppen, and is joined by JPIT member Simeon Mitchell.

Rev'd Chantal Noppen [she/her] A North-East based Church of England priest who is passionate about inclusion and finding, celebrating and sharing the extraordinary within the ordinary. Member of General Synod, NADAWM exec and the National Coordinator of Inclusive Church. Founder of Fragmental, an online community of neuro-divergent church leaders, used to bringing alternative perspectives into the mix, with authentic honesty. You can find out more by following Free Range Priest on Facebook or visiting NiftyNoppen.com.

Matt, Chantal and Simeon discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 1st December, which are:

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36

Psalm 25:1-10 The mentions in the podcast are linked below:Our website www.inclusive-church.org There are various resources on there and short course to help churches look at their inclusivity and accessibility. You can sign up for our monthly eNewsletter or even send a financial donation through to us. The new video resource I mentioned is 'Make Room at the Inn'. There are further details on the website on this under the resource section and infographics there too that go alongside the 7 short films. The films are on YouTube - this is a link to their playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt1p0dE9phrb5QdW8OmZyihITA3W969N3 They are freely available for anyone to watch, share and digest.- Chantal ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats to Jonny Baker, and is joined by JPIT member Nathan McGuire. Jonny Baker set up the pioneer training at CMS where he is one of the directors. His role is overseeing their mission in post Christian Britain. He loves all things creative and especially is interested in how faith connects with the wider culture. He is an advocate for pioneers, encouraging and enabling people to give legs to their ideas. To that end, Pioneer Practice, his latest book distills the practical wisdom Jonny has learned over the years into short, full colour, easy to read articles and stories. He has been involved in youth ministry, alternative worship, emerging church, pioneering and will no doubt be involved in whatever else we call the waves of mission innovation in relation to post Christian Britain. Matt, Jonny and Nathan discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 17th November, which are: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 Revelation 1:4-8 John 18:33-37 Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18) ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats to Catriona Robertson, and is joined by JPIT member Steve Summers.

Born & raised in the Scottish Highlands, Catriona Robertson has worked in India, the South Pacific and London. She once travelled with her teenage son across North Africa, the Middle East and on to Pakistan. Formerly Director of the Christian Muslim Forum, she has been involved in interreligious work and its links to public policy for 25 years. Catriona has now returned to London after a few years living in community as warden of Iona Abbey. She continues to be involved in the life of the Iona Community, in particular its work for peace, justice & the renewal of worship.

Matt, Catriona and Steve discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 17th November, which are: 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, and 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

Read More:

Bruno Latour book - If we lose the Earth, we lose our souls, Polity, 2024

Church Related Community Work - United Reformed Church

ChurchWorks

Home For Good | Together we can find a home for every child who needs…

Inter Faith Week

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats to Liddy Buswell, and is joined by JPIT member Steve Hucklesby.

Liddy is a Methodist from Newcastle and works as Outreach Manager at Christian CND, an organisation that seeks to get Christians talking about nuclear weapons, and to bring the Good News of Christ into the disarmament movement.

Matt, Liddy and Steve discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 10th November, which are: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 and Psalm 127.

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats to Niall Briggs, and is joined by JPIT member Florence Wright.

Niall is a Methodist Community Pioneer, working as part of the Flourish Framework in Bristol & South Gloucestershire. This has involved helping to activate and open up church-owned and other spaces as spaces of encounter for the whole community as well as at special events with the Ark Bus. As well as working on the edges of church, he helps facilitate conversations around the mixed ecology of church. He has an interest in the environment and in economics and previously worked in hospitality and software development.

Florence is the Constituency Action Network (CAN) Intern at JPIT this year. The vision of CAN is to create a network of at least one church in every constituency actively developing a meaningful relationship with their MP. Florence graduated this year from Durham University where she studied Psychology and Geography. She was heavily involved with student activism and encouraging Christian students to get political.

Matt, Niall and Florence discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd November, which are: Ruth 1:1-18 Hebrews 9:11-14 Mark 12:28-34 Psalm 146

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats JPIT members, Simeon Mitchell and Aoife Wright.

Simeon has been JPIT Team Leader since April 2021, and has had the privilege and responsibility of coordinating the work of the team. He was previously Deputy Team Leader and Secretary for Church and Society for the United Reformed Church. His background is in international development and enabling Christians and churches to respond to issues of global poverty and injustice. He lives in Oxford with his wife and three children, and is a Methodist local preacher. Aoife is the JPIT Communications Intern for 2024. They have a passion for justice, learning, creativity, and their ever-strengthening relationship with God. She's driven by a desire to help solve problems, and create a more just world, whether that is through large actions such as policy reform or global change, or smaller community action, inviting others in for a cuppa, or just a small act of kindness. Aoife is a disabled person. Matt, Simeon and Aoife discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 20th October, which are: Job 42: 1-6 Hebrews 7:23:28 Mark 10:46:52 Psalm 34:1-8‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at /

A Challenge Poverty Week special episode!

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Nathan McGuire chats to Hannah Fremont-Brown, Revd. Simon Jay and Niall Cooper.

Niall Cooper has been Director of Church Action on Poverty since 1997, and has been responsible for piloting new approaches to tackling poverty in the UK that enable people and communities struggling against poverty to reclaim dignity, agency and power together. He is also co-chair of Let’s End Poverty and convenor of the URC Manchester and Salford Urban Mission Partnership.

Hannah coordinates Let’s End Poverty, a movement of people united behind a vision of the future where poverty can’t keep anyone down. She is passionate about supporting churches and Christians to campaign and walk alongside our communities for justice. She is a member of Hinde Street Methodist Church, and currently completing an MA in Theology, Mission and Ministry.

Simon is a Pioneer Baptist minister based in Birmingham. In 2003 his wife Rachel and him set up a local charity that focuses on projects that aim to tackle poverty and injustice issues. The charity several projects including the ‘Quinton Food Pantry’. Both him and the project believe in ‘supporting people out of poverty with dignity’.

Nathan, Hannah, Simon and Niall discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 20th October, which are: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 Psalm 22:1-15 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at / 1001084297426200

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats to Revd. Dr Sally Mann. They are joined by Steve Tinning, a member of the JPIT team.

Sally is Co-Director of www.redletterchristians.org.uk and one of 5 co-vocational ministers at Bonny Downs Baptist, an inclusive church in East London. She is the 4th of 6 generations of her family to stay put and serve in that East-End community. Sally wrote “Looking for Lydia”’ reflecting on 25 years of ministry, and recently collated 25 stories for Red Letter Christians’ book “Jesus and Justice”She lectures in sociology and has a PhD in philosophy. She’s happiest in her Bonny Downs community where she’ll be moving in to an “Urban Abbey”- an experiment in intentional community living (see https://www.bonnydownschurch.org/urbanabbey) Matt, Steve and Sally discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 10th October, which are:

Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31 Psalm 22:1-15 Job 23:1-9, 16-17‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at / 1001084297426200

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Matt Forsyth, chats to Jacob Dimitriou. They are joined by Roo Stewart, a member of the JPIT team.

Jacob Dimitriou is the Director for England at Christian homelessness charity Housing Justice, he has previously worked for the Labour Party and Commonweal Housing. Jacob was closely involved in the Everybody In initiative during the pandemic, supporting rough sleepers to access safe provision which is estimated to have saved more than 200 lives. Housing Justice is the membership body for faith and community night shelters, as well as providing a Hosting and Lodgings project for destitute migrants and working to support churches to build affordable housing on their land.

Matt and Jacob discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 6th October, which are:

Job 1:1, 2:1-10

Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12

Mark 10:2-16

Psalm 26

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at / 1001084297426200

Welcome to this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit. Nathan Maguire introduces Matt Forsyth, future Vice President of the Methodist Conference, who takes over hosting duties. Matt is joined by Steve Hucklesby, a policy advisor for the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT).

Matt and Steve delve into their roles, emphasising the intersection of politics and faith. They explore the importance of unity in diversity, reflecting on this week's lectionary readings from Esther, James, and Mark. The discussion highlights themes of justice, prayer, and the role of Christians in advocating for global peace and nuclear disarmament.

The episode also touches on current news, including climate change, political developments, and heartwarming stories, connecting these to the scriptural themes. The conversation encourages churches to engage in prayer, advocacy, and practical action, particularly in the context of the climate crisis and local community needs.

Join us as we reflect on how to faithfully navigate the intersection of faith and politics in our preaching and daily lives.

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Isabella Senior.

Isabella is the Young Leaders' Development Coordinator for Baptists Together. She's from Brazil and grew up church planting with her family. Isabella first came to the UK age 15 on a mission trip when she heard God speak to her about not waiting to be older to serve Jesus and to focus on reaching younger generations. At age 18 Isabella moved to the UK in response to God's call and she now works supporting young adults nationally in the Baptist movement. Isabella loves connecting with people and encouraging them to grow as missionary disciples while discovering their God-given potential for the Kingdom.

Helen and Isabella discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 25th August, which are:
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:56-69
Psalm 84

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Revd Dr Canon Sarah Hills.

Sarah was born in South Africa and brought up mainly in Northern Ireland. She has been Vicar of Holy Island since January 2019, and Area Dean of Norham for the last 3 years. Before moving to Newcastle Diocese, she served as Canon for Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral for five years. She is also Honorary Canon for Reconciliation at Inverness Cathedral; Visiting Fellow at St John's College, Durham; and Visiting Practice Fellow at the Dept of Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University. Prior to ordination, Sarah was a psychiatrist and psychotherapist in the NHS. She is married to Richard, a GP, and they have 2 boys and a Labrador.

Helen and Sarah discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 18 August, which are:

1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58
Psalm 111

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Stef Benstead.

Stef is an independent researcher in social security and disability, and is herself dependent upon benefits due to a genetic chronic illness. She is currently studying for a Master's in Theology, Community Development and Social Change at Nazarene Theological College, and has recently brought out her second book, Just Worship: Worshipping God by living just lives.

Helen and Stef discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 11 August, which are:

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
John 6:35, 41-51
Psalm 130

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Revd Dr Simon Woodman.

Simon is the Minister of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in the West End of London, and has previously been a market stall holder on Camden Market, a Baptist Minister in Bristol, a Tutor at South Wales Baptist College, and a lecturer at Cardiff University. He is married to Liz.

Helen and Simon discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 4 August, which are:

2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
Ephesians 4:1-6
John 6:24-35
Psalm 51:1-12

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Dr Trevor Laurence.

Trevor Laurence (PhD, University of Exeter) is the Executive Director of the Cateclesia Institute and Theologian-in-Residence at Trinity Church (PCA) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He serves as a Research Associate with the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence and is the author of Cursing with God: The Imprecatory Psalms and the Ethics of Christian Prayer (Baylor, 2022).

Helen and Trevor discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 28 July, which are:
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Ephesians 3:13-21
John 6:1-21
Psalm 14

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Dr Marion Carson.

Marion Carson lives in Glasgow where she serves as Chaplain to Glasgow City Mission. She is also a senior research fellow at the International Baptist Study Centre in Amsterdam. She is the author of several books and articles, including the Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems (SPCK) and Human Trafficking, the Bible and the Church (SCM Press).

Helen and Marion discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 21 July, which are:

2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Psalm 89:20-37

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

We're back with a brand new season! In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our new host, Revd Dr Helen Paynter, chats to Revd Jade Zerk.

Jade is a Baptist Pioneer Minister at Hope in Highbridge, working as a consultant to the Trussell Trust Church Engagement Team one day a week. Prior to this Jade was a Community Engagement Worker in a New Housing Estate in Swindon, helped run Communications for the national New Housing Hub and contributed to the Arch Bishops Commission on Housing, Church and Community.

Helen and Jade discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 14 July, which are:

2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
Psalm 24

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, we focus on the upcoming General Election. With Sunday 30th June being the final Sunday before the General Election on the 4th July.

This episode is hosted by Nathan McGuire, who is the Campaigns and Church Engagement Officer for JPIT, and is a Baptist Minister and is driven by a strong passion for community organising and equipping Christian communities to actively pursue justice. Nathan hosts a conversation with church leaders from our three denominations.

Our guests for this episode are:

Revd Fiona Bennett: Fiona is currently serving as minister of Augustine United URC in the centre of Edinburgh and as immediate past moderator of URC General Assembly. She has worked as a minister in Scotland for 27 years during which she has served (as a URC minister) in local churches in the Church of Scotland and the Methodist Church in Scotland. Fiona is a mediator with Place for Hope, has 3 adult children and is currently addicted to reading historical crime fiction.

Revd Rachel Parkinson: Rachel has been in full-time ministry for over 20 years before which she was an inspector for the Health and Safety Executive. She is currently Chair of the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District of the Methodist Church. Running and cycling keep Rachel sane, and she’s also passionate about pilgrimage.

Revd Steve Tinning: Steve is the Baptist Union’s Public Issues Enabler, dividing his working week between JPIT and the Baptist Union of Great Britain. At heart, Steve is an activist, with practical theology and community-organising theory working as the foundations of a ministry of justice and compassion.

The lectionary readings for Sunday 30th June, which are:

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43
Psalm 130

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Revd Dr Helen Paynter. Helen will take over as our podcast host in our Summer series, beginning on 9th July.

Helen Paynter, PhD, is a minister accredited by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, who now serves as tutor in Old Testament at the Bristol Baptist College. She is the founding director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence.

Michael and Helen discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 23rd June, which are:

1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 23-49
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41
Psalm 9:9-20

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Dr Lisa Adjei.

Dr. Lisa Adjei is an international speaker and writer who holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Physiology from the University of Surrey in Guildford, where she was also a church leader for many years. Lisa is the founder of Sankofa Collective, an ecumenical racial justice and reconciliation community for Christians. Dr Lisa Adjei currently works for Christian Aid as a British Church Relations Manager, her role seeks to support denominational leaders across the United Kingdom in justice & mission. She also sits on Churches Together England’s Board of trustees, their Racial Justice Working Group as the chair of their Theology sub-group and on their millennial leader’s forum, Emerge, for the Pentecostal & Charismatic forum – their work seeks to look at intergenerational reconciliation and legacy within the forum. Dr Lisa is the chair of a global climate youth community, Climate YES, a movement of young activists engaging in political and societal transformation. Lisa is currently an active member of Trinity Baptist Church and serves in their young adult’s ministry, Impact.

Michael and Lisa discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th June, which are:

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13
2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17
Mark 4:26-34
Psalm 20

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Revd Dr Tim Judson.

Reverend Doctor Tim Judson is a theologian and Baptist Minister passionate about the intersection of theology, arts, and social justice. He explores how beliefs shape lives, engaging with liberation theologies to challenge systemic inequalities. As one of the few White members of Baptists Together's national racial justice hub, he contributes to research on equality and diversity, particularly in reimagining Whiteness in theology. Tim's interests span Black theology, music, Bonhoeffer, Aquinas, and environmental ethics. With ministerial experience in various UK locations and international missions, including Uganda and Thailand, he draws on diverse contexts for reflection and song writing. Tim holds theology degrees from Bristol, Durham, and a PhD from Aberdeen, focusing on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology of lament. At Regents Park College, he serves as a Lecturer in Ministerial Formation and author of "Dark Weeping and Light Sleeping" and "Awake in Gethsemane."

Michael and Tim discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 9th June, which are:
1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15)
2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Mark 3:20-35
Psalm 138

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Revd Dr Jo Cox-Darling.

Joanne Cox-Darling is Superintendent of the Wolverhampton Methodist Circuit, Chair of the Mission Committee, and trustee of the Southlands Methodist Trust. A lifelong proponent of holding the space for both justice and evangelism, Joanne continues to help the church notice what God is up to. Author of 'Finding God in a Culture of Fear' (featured in this month's Methodist Theology Book Club) and regular on BBCR2's Pause for Thought, Joanne seeks to help folk make connections that matter: in life and in faith.

Michael and Jo discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd June, which are:
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Mark 2:23-3:6
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Revd George Pitcher.

George Pitcher is a visiting fellow at the LSE and an Anglican priest. He's a journalist and writer by background, an occasional broadcaster and a former senior adviser to Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. He recently completed 10 years of rural parish ministry in Sussex.

Michael and George discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th May, which are:

Isaiah 6:1-8
Romans 9:12-17
John 3:1-17
Psalm 29

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Paul Kerensa.

Paul is a British Comedy Award-winning writer, working on TV shows including Miranda, Not Going Out with Lee Mack, Top Gear, and many more. As a comedian he’s performed over 3000 gigs, from Montreal Comedy Festival to London’s Comedy Store, via countless churches and Christian festivals. He’s author of ten books, a broadcaster on Radio 2’s Pause for Thought and Radio 4’s Daily Service, a broadcasting historian, and an Occasional Preacher in his local Anglican church.

Michael and Paul discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th May, which are:

Acts 2:1-21
Romans 8:22-27
John 15:26-26, 16:4b-15
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats his brother, Revd Mark Wakelin.

Revd Mark Wakelin is a Methodist Minister in Chessington, in Greater London. Mark has been a Methodist Minister for over 40 years and was President of the Methodist Conference 2012-2013. He is currently Chair of Trustees of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. Mark enjoys gardening, singing and walking.

Michael and Mark discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 12th May, which are:

Acts 1:15-17
1 John 5:9-13
John 17:6-19
Psalm 1

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Deacon Eunice Attwood.

Deacon Eunice Attwood is the Church at the Margins Officer for the Methodist Church. Eunice brings over twenty years’ experience of ordained diaconal ministry from a variety of contexts, including theological education and city- and town-centred ministry amongst marginalised and vulnerable communities, where she helped start and grow many fresh expressions of church. Building on the biblical connection between evangelism and social justice, Eunice is helping to start a movement of new Christian communities led by people experiencing economic marginalisation.

Michael and Eunice discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 5th May, which are:

Acts 10:44-48
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17
Psalm 98

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Revd Hayley Young.

Rev Hayley is currently the Regional Minister: co-team leader of Southern Counties Baptist Association. In 2022-2023 she was President of Baptist Together, she has a passion for encouraging churches to out hospitality at the heart of their mission and ministry.

Michael and Hayley discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th April, which are:

Acts 8:26-40
1 John 4:7-21
John 15:1-8
Psalm 22:25-31

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Rev Naomi Nixon.

Naomi is CEO of the Student Christian Movement which has been at the forefront of putting progressive theology into action for over a century. As an Anglican priest, in addition to parish ministry, she has worked in clergy training, college chaplaincy and is currently assistant pioneer minister at St Clare’s at Coventry Cathedral.

Naomi is a qualified teacher, mediator and holds advanced degrees in theology and feminist biblical studies. She is currently working on her PhD investigating a tentative theological approach to moral and spiritual development.

Michael and Naomi discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 21st April, which are:

Acts 4:5-12
1 John 3:16-24
John 10:11-18
Psalm 23

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

In our first episode of this new series, our new host, Michael, chats to Dave Tomlinson.

Dave is an Anglican priest and chaplain to the St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, who holds a masters degree in modern hermeneutics. He is the author of many books including ’The Post-Evangelical’, ‘How to be a Bad Christian and a Better Human Being’, and ‘Black Sheep & Prodigals, an Antidote to Black and White Religion’. He is also a regular contributor to Pause for Thought on Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, and hosts a video podcast called The Holy Shed. Dave is married to Pat and they are passionate supporters of Liverpool FC.

Michael and Dave discuss he lectionary readings for Sunday 14th April:

Acts 3:12-19
1 John 3:1-7
Luke 24:36b-48
Psalm 4

A few things Dave mentions in the episode:

Iconographer Kelly Latimore - https://kellylatimoreicons.com/
Wendell Berry's poem Manifesto: Mad Farmers Liberation ready by Evan Koons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAiYS8m3EIE

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Michael Wakelin. Michael will be our podcast host for the next series, beginning 9th April.

Michael is known for his work in interfaith dialogue, media production, and academic contributions. He is currently the Executive Chair of the Religion Media Centre and Executive Producer at TBI Media. His responsibilities include Radio Two’s Pause for Thought. He was previously the BBC’s Head of Religion and Ethics. Michael’s passion for interfaith collaboration has led him to engage in numerous initiatives aimed at bridging gaps between different religious groups, promoting a culture of peace and mutual respect, including developing the Senior Faith Leadership programme and the blueprint for Coexist House. His academic pursuits further extend to his role as a consultant and lecturer on religion and media.

Jacky and Michael discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 24th March:

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Philippians 2: 5-11
Mark 14:1 - 15:47
Psalm 31: 9-16

Alternative readings for Palm Sunday are:

Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Chine McDonald.

Chine McDonald is director of the religion think tank Theos. She is a regular writer and media commentator on issues of religion in public life, race, and gender. She is the author of ‘God Is Not a White Man: And Other Revelations’ and the upcoming 'Unmaking Mary: The Myth of Divine Motherhood'.

Jacky and Chine discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 17th March:

Jeremiah 31: 31-34
Hebrews 5: 5-10
John 12: 20-33
Psalm 51: 1-12

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Wendy Lloyd.

Wendy lives and works on a croft on the Isle of Mull on the west coast of Scotland. She is a spiritual director, pilgrim guide and retreat facilitator under the name of her own fledgling project, Mull Another Way. She creates and curates worship resources for GoHealth, GoHealth is shorthand for the Guild of Health and St. Raphael – an ecumenical Christian charity with over 100 year’s experience in holistic health and wellbeing. And she works in communications for the Iona Community – a dispersed community of people working for peace and justice, motivated by their Christian faith. She has over 15 years of experience in curating and creating worship resources, including sermon notes in her current and previous work roles. Her masters was in bible and contemporary world issues with a particular emphasis in the relationship between contemplation and activism.

Jacky and Wendy discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 10th March:

Numbers 21: 4-9
Ephesians 2: 1-10
John 3: 14-21
Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Revd John Howard.

John has been a Methodist Minister for over 40 years, working in areas of social deprivation before becoming Chair of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District. His last appointment was as a mission partner in Israel Palestine, where he has also served twice as a human rights observer. He chaired the Methodist Church's Investment Committee from 2008 to 2016.

Jacky and John discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 3rd Marche:

Exodus 20: 1-17
1 Corinthians 1: 18-25
John 2: 13-22
Psalm 19

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Bishop Olivia Graham.

Olivia began her career in teaching and international development, including a period working for Oxfam in Somalia. She was ordained in 1997 serving in Garsington, Princes Risborough, and Burnham in the Diocese of Oxford, before becoming a Parish Development Advisor, and then the Archdeacon. In 2019 Olivia became Bishop of Reading. She is passionate about social justice and the interface the Church has with the wider world. Her priorities include the climate crisis and the challenges facing young people, in particular the scourge of knife crime. She is one of three bishops who lead the national Church of England work on the environment, and she chairs the diocesan environment work. Olivia is married to Keith, and the couple have three grown-up children.

Jacky and Bishop Olivia discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 18th February:

Genesis 9: 8-17
1 Peter 3: 18-22
Mark 1: 9-15
Psalm 25: 1-10

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Revd Yousouf Gooljary, a retired Anglican priest, currently working on projects challenging racism and the legacy of slavery in Scotland. Yousouf has two boys and three grandchildren, and works as a supply teacher in Edinburgh schools teaching science. His current responsibilities include being a committee member of the Cross Party Group at Holyrood on Challenging racism and religious prejudice, and as the Moderator of the Iona Community ‘Challenging Racism’ Common Concern Network.

Jacky and Yousouf discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 11 February:

2 Kings 2: 1-12
2 Corinthians 4: 3-6
Mark 9: 2-9
Psalm 50: 1-6

More on Challenging Racism:

Share your resources & contact Yousouf: mailto:Ccnchallengingracism@iona.org
Yousouf’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@YousoufGooljary?si=im3sen3V612X3XSQ
Yousouf’s website: https://www.challengeracismscotland.co.uk/

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Revd Dr Alex Clare-Young.

Alex is a minister in the United Reformed Church currently in a pioneering role in Cambridge city centre. A member of the Iona Community, Alex is a keen advocate for social justice, with a particular interest in LGBTQ+ theologies.

Jacky and Alex discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 4th February:

Isaiah 40: 21-31
1 Corinthians 9: 16-23
Mark 1: 29-39
Psalm 147: 1-11, 20c

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Professor Anthony Reddie.

Anthony Reddie is the Professor of Black Theology in the University of Oxford. He is the Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture in Regent's Park college, the University of Oxford and is also an Extraordinary Professor with the University of South Africa.

Jacky and Anthony discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th January:

Deuteronomy 18: 25-20
1 Corinthians 8: 1-13
Mark 1: 21-28
Psalm 111

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to JPIT's newest member, Nathan McGuire.

Nathan has long demonstrated a deep care for others and expresses his faith through loving action.

Born and raised in South London, he came to faith during sixth form college before working as a Domestic Violence Prevention Practitioner at London’s leading charity, the Domestic Violence Intervention Project, from 2009 to 2017.

In 2017, Nathan made the transition to become a Baptist Minister. He joined the ministry team at Streatham Baptist Church and achieved accreditation in 2019.

Nathan actively engages in seeking justice, providing support to migrants, and has volunteered with Peaceful Borders in Calais. He seeks to empower and assist local communities in advocating for marginalized people.

He also continues to contribute as a Trustee and consultant at Restored, a Christian charity committed to eradicating violence against women within Christian communities.

Nathan also has a passion for the well-being and spirituality of activists and justice warriors. It is this passion that led him to the JPIT team as their Campaigns and Church Engagement Officer in November of last year.

In his spare time, Nathan writes and shares his photography under the handle @thegodlyirritant.

Jacky and Nathan discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 14th January:

1 Samuel 3: 1-10
1 Corinthians 6: 12-20
John 1: 43-51
Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-18

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our new host, Jacky, is chatting to Alison Phipps.

Alison is UNESCO Chair for Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts and Professor of Languages and Intercultural Studies at the University of Glasgow. She is a Member of the Iona Community.

Jacky and Alison discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 14th January:

1 Samuel 3: 1-10
1 Corinthians 6: 12-20
John 1: 43-51
Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-18

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Chris is chatting to Rev Jacky Embrey.

Jacky is a newly retired URC minister, just arrived in Kendal from Bolton. She has served the URC as Moderator in Mersey Synod, as a partnership minister in Bolton and Salford, and in Birmingham as Area Minister, and minister in five very different churches.

Jacky will be our host for the next season of Politics in the Pulpit, starting on 9th January.

Chris and Jacky discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th November:

Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24
Ephesians 1: 15-23
Matthew 25: 31-46
Psalm 95: 1-7 or Psalm 100

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Chris is chatting to Rev Simon Ruth de Voil.

Simon is an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister, trained to be a sacred presence outside the conventions of traditional religion. As a sacred musician, spiritual mentor and worship leader he incorporates chant, storytelling and mindful practice to create a space for profound connection and sacred witness. Simon provides music for worship, ceremony, and prayer in a wide variety of churches and non-religious spiritual communities. Simon is also an experienced workshop and retreat leader, drawing on 15 years of study, training, and practice that grew from his time living and working in Iona Abbey. Although influenced by many traditions, Simon's spiritual path and teaching is deeply rooted in Celtic Christianity, the wisdom of the earth, and in the Scottish land where he's spent most of his life.

Chris and Simon discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th November:

Judges 4: 1-7
1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11
Matthew 25: 14-30
Psalm 123

Some further resources from Simon, following on from this episode:

The 2 songs Simon sings in the episode:

Deep Peace by Bill Douglas (adapted by Simon) https://simondevoil.com/track/976529/deep-peace

Open my heart by Alexa Sunshine Rose https://alexasunshinerose.bandcamp.com/track/open-my-heart

Transgender day of remembrance prayers and resources:

https://enfleshed.com/liturgy-library/
A simple informal ritual I do with my folks each year is to take one of the names of a trans person who was murdered this year and I write a remembrance card to her and pray for her/them/him and their community for a year. I invite my parishioners to join me and always one or two do. This is a beautiful act of solidarity with my community as we remember the names and light candles on the 20th Nov of each year.
Heart breaking song to pray with https://youtu.be/ouizOWFxuQI?si=_3mMRZnWGSNMLavg
Transgender Day of Remembrance scripture suggestion = Acts 8:26-40 which is the story of Philip and the Egyptian Eunuch.
And example of one of Rev Simon Ruth's TGDR Sunday services https://youtu.be/WggAp3p3vfM?si=0OjUEoCKkeLbBP_W
Bad ass amazing speech by Dr Lourdes Ashley Hunter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HnnpRa2Ov8

You can find Simon's website here: www.simondevoil.com and his Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdBWe_jkzH4nqPUY3_pQA8w

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Chris is chatting to John Cooper.

John Cooper is Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. He finds joy in enabling people to live out their belief in a world built on peace and justice. He has previously worked for Christian Aid, the Joint Public Issues Team and All We Can.

Chris and John discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 12th November, Remembrance Sunday:

Joshua 24: 1-3a, 14-24
1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
Matthew 25: 1-13
Psalm 78: 1-7

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Chris is chatting to Rev. David Hardman.

David is a British Methodist Minister ordained in 1994, and is currently the Methodist Liaison Officer for Jerusalem. He has served churches and circuits in the city centre, inner-city and suburbs of Manchester and London. He has also worked for Christian Aid as Senior Regional Coordinator in the North West of England and most recently as Methodist Team Leader of the Joint Public Issues Team. Justice and Peace have been at the heart of David’s ministry, he is an accredited mediator with Place for Hope and a committed activist.

Chris and David discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 5th November:

Joshua 3: 7-17
1 Thessalonians 2: 9-13
Matthew 23: 1-12
Psalm 107: 1-7, 33-37

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit Chris is chatting to Revd Sally Foster-Fulton.

The Rt Revd Sally Foster-Fulton is Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for 2023-2024. Born and raised in South Carolina, she came to Glasgow to study on an exchange scholarship, then held roles as a Hospital Chaplain, Church of Scotland minister and co-Pastor, before taking up the role of Head of Christian Aid Scotland in 2016.

Chris and Sally discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 29th October:

Deuteronomy 34: 1-12
1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8
Matthew 22: 34-46
Psalm 90: 1-6, 3-17

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit Chris is chatting to Caro Penney.

Caro is a member of the Iona Community and of the United Reformed Church. She is currently warden of Iona Abbey - where the resident group live out the Community's commitment to radical hospitality. Previously she’s undertaken other roles within the Iona Community; been a URC minister - mainly in two of Glasgow’s housing schemes - also very community orientated; participated in a church partnership with Cuba and led worship at conferences.

Chris and Caro discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 22nd October:

Exodus 33:12-23
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22: 15-22
Psalm 99

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit Chris is chatting to Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal.

Inderjit is currently working with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland to develop and Promote the Church of Sanctuary movement. He is founder of City of Sanctuary, and a former President of the Methodist Church. Inderjit is married to Kathy, they live in Sheffield.

Chris and Inderjit discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 15th October:

Exodus 32: 1-14

Philippians 4: 1-9

Matthew 22: 1-14

Psalm 106: 1-6, 19-23

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our new host, Chris, is chatting to Bishop Rob Wickham.

Raised in Surrey, Bishop Rob Wickham studied geography at Durham University, specialising in urban regeneration. Bishop Rob has also completed an MA in Theology, politics and faith-based organisations, and has written another thesis on the creative use of church buildings.

Before training for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, he witnessed high unemployment while working in a Tyneside council estate in the declining years of the nearby the Swan Hunter Shipyard, where decades earlier his grandfather had worked.

As rector of St John’s, Hackney, in east London, then-Fr Rob oversaw a re-ordering of the 2,000-seater church to allow for greater community use. The church hosted concerts, job fairs, a food bank, a night shelter, debt advice, the local branch of the credit union, and what became the most-used knife bin in London.

In 2012 the Speaker of Hackney Council gave him an award for outstanding community building during and after the London riots the previous year. In the days after the disturbances, he led a peace vigil with other faith leaders, headed a clean-up operation, hosted community meetings in the church and organised a community street party for 400 people, to help restore trust.

In 2015 was made Bishop of Edmonton in north London, becoming the country’s youngest bishop, at 43, and in 2023 he became the CEO of Church Urban Fund.

Chris and Bishop Rob discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 1st October:

Exodus 20: 1-4, 7-9, 12-20

Philippians 3: 4b-14

Matthew 21: 33-46

Psalm 19

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Steve is chatting to Revd Chris Upton.

Chris grew up on a small island in Essex, but has recently been landlocked in Haworth, West Yorkshire where he has been served as a Baptist minister since 2000 and a pastoral supervisor since 2019. At the start of this year he stood down from the pulpit and took up the role of church funding officer for Christians Against Poverty, and in August he also became the National lead for the Waterways Chaplaincy. In his spare time he runs the local cinema, enjoys cycling and playing cards.

They discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 1st October:

Exodus 17: 1-17

Philippians 2: 1-13

Matthew 21: 23-32

Psalm 78: 1-4, 12-16

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Steve is chatting to Revd Terry Hinks.

Terry is a United Reformed Church minister serving two churches in High Wycombe and Bourne End, Buckinghamshire. He has a longstanding concern for the environment and care for God’s creation, and is a member of the URC Thames North Synod’s Green Team. He is also the author of a number of books on prayer.

They discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 24th September:

Exodus 16: 2-15

Philippians 1: 21-30

Matthew 20: 1-16

Psalm 105: 1-6, 37-45

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

This week, we share again a special episode of Politics in the Pulpit for the Season of Creation and Harvest, originally recorded in 2022. It features Revd David Coleman and Dr Ruth Valerio in conversation.

David is a URC special category minister, working full-time and ecumenically across the whole of Scotland with Eco-Congregation Scotland, as their Eco-Chaplain.

Ruth is Global Advocacy and Influencing Director at Tearfund. She is the author of several books on Christian environmental ethics, and is a regular contributor on Radio 4 and the BBC World Service.

Find out more about Ruth and Tearfund here:

Tearfund's website

Ruth's website

They discuss how we might approach preaching about food, farming and the environment in the midst of climate breakdown. They focus on some of the lectionary readings suggested for Harvest :

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Matthew 6:25-33

Psalm 65

This special episode was originally produced as part of JPIT’s Season of Creation 2022 resources. Find them, and more resources, at jpit.uk/creation

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

We're back! On this week's handover episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to incoming host, Revd Steve Tinning.

Steve is currently the Baptist Union’s Public Issues Enabler, and a member of the Joint Public Issues Team. He’s previously served as a local minister in Southend on Sea where he was very involved in supporting refugees. At heart, Steve describes himself as “an activist, with practical theology and community-organising theory working as the foundations of a ministry of justice and compassion.”

They discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 30th September:

Exodus 12: 1-14

Romans 13: 8-14

Matthew 18: 15-20

Psalm 149

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to Niall Cooper.

Niall Cooper has been Director of Church Action on Poverty since 1997, and has been responsible for piloting a range of new approaches to anti-poverty work in the UK, and running high profile campaigns on asylum destitution, debt and food poverty. He is passionate about creating space for people struggling against poverty the opportunity to speak truth to power, and to reclaim dignity, agency and power together. Action on Poverty's latest initiative is the Your Local Pantry – a network of nearly 100 member-run food clubs, hosted by churches and other local partners, which offer dignity, choice and hope to more than 20,000 member households across the UK.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 9th July: Zechariah 9: 9-12

Romans 7: 15-25a

Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30

Psalm 145: 8-14

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to Rev. Charmaine Mhlanga.

Charmaine is serving as a Newly Accredited Baptist Minister at Sundon Park Baptist Church in Luton. Charmaine is a Student Governor at Spurgeons College. Charmaine holds a Master’s Degree in Christian Thought and Practice, Professional Ministry and Practice, a BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care and various other qualifications and experience in the field of health and social care. Charmaine is part of the Baptist Union Racial Justice Hub and Churches Together Luton Racial Commission. Charmaine is part of EQUIP, a course aimed at EQUIPPING 18-30 year olds to lead with confidence and humility in GOD’s church. Charmaine has interests and involvement with matters of racial equality and justice; immigration and asylum; quality control and quality assurance; leadership, science and technology; mentoring, coaching and training. Charmaine is an active member of a Zimbabwe Community Group in Luton. As a mother, Charmaine is passionate about helping eradicate holiday hunger and volunteers for the Breakfast Battery Box, which is a group of local Luton residents, helping individuals and families to access breakfast parcels during school holidays. Charmaine enjoys reading, art, music, bird watching, scenic walks and cooking.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd July: Jeremiah 28: 5-9

Romans 6: 12-23

Matthew 10: 40-42

Psalm 89: 1-4, 15-18

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to Emily Shepherd.

Emily is one of two Joint CEOs of the charity Welcome Churches and lives near Manchester. She co-founded Welcome Churches with Karina Martin in 2018, a charity whose vision is for every refugee to be welcomed by the local church.

They discuss some of the lectionary readings for Sunday 25th June, which is observed as ‘Sanctuary Sunday’ by many churches and marks the end of Refugee Festival Scotland and Refugee Week in England and Wales:

Genesis 21:8-21
Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17
Jeremiah 20:7-13 (alt. reading)
Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18 (alt. reading)
Romans 6:1b-11
Matthew 10:24-39

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

Useful links:

https://welcomechurches.org
https://www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk/
https://refugeeweek.org.uk/

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to Deacon Angie Allport.

Angie is a Methodist Deacon based in Hereford, where her role is primarily one of community engagement. Angie is an active campaigner on issues of peace and justice. She’s a co-founder of the Network of Methodist Activists and Secretary to the Methodist Peace Fellowship.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 18th June: Exodus 19: 2-8a

Romans 5: 1-8

Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23)

Psalm 100

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to Sarah Edwards.

Sarah is the Executive Director of the JustMoney Movement, which aims to equip Christians and churches to connect faith and finance, so as to shape a fairer, greener world. She has worked in advocacy and campaigning on social justice issues for the past two decades, most recently at Tearfund, and previously at Jubilee Debt Campaign, Anti-Slavery International, and Health Poverty Action. Sarah lives in North London with her husband and two children, where she is involved in preaching and teaching in her local church and is a trustee of the local Foodbank. She enjoys reading, exploring nature, running and eating chocolate!

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 11th June:
Hosea 5: 15-6: 6

Romans 4: 13-25

Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-25

Psalm 50: 7-15

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to Rev. Dr Neil Thorogood.

Neil is currently URC minister of two congregations in the South Western Synod: Trinity-Henleaze in Bristol and Thornbury URC. The first is a larger congregation in a city suburb, the second a smaller congregation in a market town 10 miles away. He moved there in July 2020 amidst lockdowns. Before this he spent 15 years as tutor and then principal of the URC's Westminster College in Cambridge. He's also had ministries in Welwyn Garden City and Halifax since being ordained in 1992. He's active as an artist in oils on canvas and charcoal on paper and makes much use of the visual in worship and mission. He is married to Jenny and they have 2 adult sons.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th May: Genesis 1: 1 – 2: 4a

2 Corinthians 13: 11-13

Matthew 28: 16-20

Psalm 8

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to Rev. Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson.

Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson is a Minister of the Word and Sacraments in the United Reformed Church. She is Moderator-Elect of the General Assembly of the URC, to be inducted into the role on July 3rd 2023. Tessa is an Associate Tutor at Westminster College, Cambridge, and a Womanist Practical Theologian who is interested in the empowerment of global majority communities, women in particular. She is a member of the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Practical Theology, and the International Journal of Black Theology.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th May:
Acts 2: 1-21

1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13

John 20: 19-23

Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to Rev. Philip Brooks.

Revd Philip Brooks was ordained in 2007, following a career in the motor and finance industry. He now serves as the URC’s Deputy General Secretary with responsibility for Mission, which includes the denomination’s ecumenical relations and its involvement with JPIT. Philip is the URC General Secretariat representative on the denomination’s Faith & Order Committee. Previously he was minister to two Methodist/URC LEPs in Bolton and Salford and Bolton Town Centre Chaplain. He was a trustee of Greater Manchester Industrial Mission, which had oversight of several workplace chaplaincies, including Manchester Airport. During his time in Bolton, he represented the churches on Bolton Council’s Local Strategic Partnership, which brought together leaders from the education, health, police, commercial and charity sectors. Philip now lives in Coulsdon with wife Debs, who is a primary school teacher. They have a grown-up son and two grandsons, who live in Germany, as well as a daughter who lives at home and works for the NHS in the field of mental health.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 21st May:
Acts 1: 6-14

1 peter 4: 12-14, 5: 6-11

John 17: 1-11

Psalm 68: 1-10, 32-35

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to Rev. Dr Leão Neto.

Leão, is a Latino from Brazil. A son of the manse and Methodist minister himself. Served for 10 years at Hinde Street Methodist Church in the WLM and for 8 years in Harlesden Church and Circuit in Brent. Now he serves the Connexion in the areas of ecumenism, inter-faith relations, and language diverse ministries. He was the chair of Grassroots Ecumenical and Interfaith programme in Luton for 9 years, where he also served as a Mission Partner in the Luton Circuit. He was the chair of the Brent Multi Faith Forum and the Harlesden Neighbourhood Planning Forum. He has a passion for understanding the Gospel in relation to current affairs.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 14th May:
Acts 17: 22-31

1 Peter 3: 13-22

John 14: 15-21

Psalm 66: 8-20

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Ali is chatting to Rev. David Musgrave.

David is a retired Methodist presbyter, now living in Bath, with a longstanding commitment to issues of social justice. He has travelled widely, especially during an earlier career in the diplomatic service, and has a particular interest in Africa. He also has a concern for inter faith understanding and is currently Chair of the Bath Inter Faith Group.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 7th May:
Acts 7: 55-60

1 Peter 2: 2-10

John 14: 1-14

Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, new host Deacon Ali McMillan is chatting to Rev. Rachel Parkinson!

Rachel has been in full-time ministry for twenty years, prior to which she was a Factory Inspector with the Health & Safety Executive inspecting workplaces in West Yorkshire. She is currently Chair of the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District and from September will also become Chair of JACEI (Joint Advisory Committee on the Ethics of Investment). Rachel enjoys running, cycling, long-distance walking and fusing glass.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 30th April:
Acts 2: 42-47

1 Peter 2: 19-25

John 10: 1-10

Psalm 23

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Simeon Mitchell.

Simeon is the URC’s Secretary for Church and Society, and current JPIT team leader. He is a Methodist local preacher and lives in Oxford.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd April:
Isaiah 50: 4-9a

Philippians 2: 5-11

Matthew 21:1-11

Psalm 118

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Sienna Sexton.

Sienna is a recent graduate of Politics and International relations, during university she was involved in establishing The Switch: Ethical Banking Campaign. She now works for Just Love UK, working to equip students and support graduates to pursue justice with their whole lives. Sienna works with students in Oxford and Nottingham, and with alumni. She's passionate about equipping people to reach their potential, and working for impactful social justice. In her free time Sienna can be found trying to learn French, running, reading, rock climbing, and volunteering to support refugees.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th March:
Ezekiel 37: 1-14

Romans 8: 6-11

John 11: 1-45

Psalm 130

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Rev. David Copley.

David has been a minister for over 50 years. His ministry was entirely in the North West, with most in Liverpool and Manchester. Wherever he was called to serve, he sought to focus on issues of social justice. He was married to Margaret for 52 years and has three children and four grandchildren. Margaret was a Roman Catholic also with a powerful sense of the God of justice. She died of dementia last November.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th March:1 Samuel 16: 1-13

Ephesians 5: 8-14

John 9: 1-41

Psalm 23

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

David reads a poem at the end of the episode - you can read it here: https://jpit.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FINDING-THE-WAY.docx

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Rev. Dr Jonathan Dean.

Jonathan works in the Methodist Church’s Connexional Team, with responsibility for theological education and ministerial formation. He is a Methodist minister, who has worked in local churches, as a chaplain to a prison and a university, and in higher education, both in the UK and the US. His interests include reading, music, politics, walking, running, drinking coffee, visiting new places and trying not to lose heart whilst supporting Norwich City FC.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 12th March:Exodus 17: 1-7

Romans 5: 1-11

John 4: 5-42

Psalm 95

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Rev. Lucy Berry.

Lucy is an ex-advertising writer, art therapist and performance poet. She was poet in residence for 4 years on BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine Show before training for ordination in the United Reformed Church. She's a Mum in a mixed heritage family, currently writing a book about preaching. She has worked with prisoners wives and taught in prison and although "straight' she is a founding trustee of The Open Table Network - a charity that helps establish, within welcoming host churches, safe, loving, LGBTQIA-led worship communities.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 5th March:Genesis 12:1-4a

Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17

John 3: 1-17

Psalm 121

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Rev. Ken Benjamin.

Formerly President of Baptists Together, and for more than 20 years Senior Minister of Chichester Baptist Church, Ken joined LICC (The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity) in September 2020. He is a leading voice in the whole-life discipleship movement. As Director of Church Relationships at LICC, Ken is responsible for leading LICC’s church-facing work, helping fuel a sustainable whole-life disciplemaking culture in the UK church. He is married to Sue, and they have two adult children. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and tennis as well as time away in his VW camper.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th February:Genesis 2: 15-17; 3: 1-7

Romans 2: 12-19

Matthew 4: 1-11

Psalm 32

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

NB: Geoffrey mentions the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine - this will be on Friday 24th February, not Sunday 26th February. Apologies for the wrong date.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Ruth Whitehead.

Ruth Whitehead is a minister of the United Reformed Church, currently serving as Moderator of the South Western Synod, but due to be inducted as minister of the Landsker pastorate in Pembrokeshire on April 1st. She is happy to be thought of as a ‘fool for Christ’.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th February:Exodus 24: 12-18

2 Peter 1: 16-21

Matthew 17: 1-9

Psalm 2 or Psalm 99

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Furaha Mussanzi!

Furaha is the Pastoral Care Leader for the Light Church in Bradford and the Ecumenical Canon at Bradford Cathedral. Originally from Democratic Republic of Congo, Furaha and her family migrated to Bradford as a refugees fleeing the war 20 years ago. Furaha’s deep Christian faith is central to everything she does and outside of her job she is an avid storyteller, singer and community activist.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 12th February (Racial Justice Sunday):

Deuteronomy 30: 15-20 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9 Matthew 5: 21-37 Psalm 119: 1-8

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Rev. Esther Mason.

Esther is a Baptist Minister currently serving God at Christ Church in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. Christ Church is a longstanding Local Ecumenical Partnership of Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Church. They have a heart for inclusion, justice and welcome. Prior to this role she was interim chaplain for a year at Regent's Park College, Oxford having trained for ministry there whilst at Wallingford Baptist Church. She lived in Australia for 15 years which has influenced her in many ways including her accent.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 5th February:Isaiah 58: 1-9a (9b-12)

1 Corinthians 2: 1-12 (13-16)

Matthew 5: 13-20

Psalm 112: 1-9 (10)

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Rev. David Pickering.

David studied environmental science and undertook research in environmental chemistry prior to candidating for the ministry for the URC. He has served pastorates in Teesside (1990-99) and Leeds (2004-16) and has carried his concern for the environment and love of nature through his ministry. To mark the 1992 Earth Summit he shaped the URC publication Roots and Branches, in 1998 he was appointed to develop Eco-Congregation in a full-time ministry (1999-2004). Eco-Congregation continues in Scotland and has been renamed as Eco-Church in England and Wales. From 2005 to 2010 he Chaired the Board of the climate change charity, Operation Noah. During his recent term as Moderator of the National Synod of Scotland (2016-20) he led the URC to become the first Church in Britain to divest its investments in fossil fuels. Since 2020 he has returned to local pastoral ministry, serving suburban churches in West Wickham and Elmers End. David has a love of Scottish isles, holidaying and leading several pilgrimages to sites of early Christian worship on the isles. He enjoys time with his family, and spotting, chasing and watching butterflies.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 29th January:Micah 6: 1-8

1 Corinthians 1: 18-31

Matthew 5: 1-12

Psalm 15

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Kirsty-Ann Mabbott.

Kirsty-Ann Mabbott is a Church Related Community Worker in the United Reformed Church. They are a practical, political and queer theologian. Many currently believe that 2020 was the most life changing year they have faced recently, but for Kirsty 2022 was that year, having had emergency spinal surgery and finding out they were becoming physically less able-bodied (differently-abled) and also gaining their Post Graduate Diploma in Contextual Theology (completing the MA wasn't possible while recovering from major surgery). More academic study in the future is a definite possibility. For now Kirsty is learning to live differently, reading philosophy and popular culture books and has joined a Christian dating site. They don't have a favourite philosopher, but their theologian ideal is Marcella Althaus-Reid, Their favourite books are The Hobbit & The Lord of The Rings Trilogy (J.R.R. Tolkien) and The Wayward Children Series (Seanan McGuire). They believe books are always better than the film and punk/grunge/rock/metal is the best type of music as it is political and personal, protest and riot and most of all real.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 22nd January:Isaiah 9: 1-4

1 Corinthians 1: 10-18

Matthew 4: 12-23

Psalm 27: 1, 4-9

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Geoffrey is chatting to Rev. Dr. Mike Long.

Revd Mike Long is currently the minister at Notting Hill Methodist Church in West London, following appointments in the London area and North Wales over the past thirty years or so. He studied Theology & Politics during his ministerial training, and has always had a keen interest in community engagement, poverty and economics as well as politics. His PhD was on the Jubilee 2000 campaign and the theology of international debt. He serves on the Church’s advisory panel on the ethics of investment and assists with the theological work attached to the Walking With Micah project. Mike chaired Shelter’s Commission on Social Housing which published its report in 2019 and remains passionate about this – not least amid the gross overcrowding and stark inequalities of Notting Hill.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 15th January:Isaiah 49: 1-7

1 Corinthians 1: 1-9

John 1: 29-42

Psalm 40: 1-11

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to her successor, our new host – Rev. Geoffrey Farrar.

Geoffrey Farrar is a Methodist minister in Putney, south west London. Before he was ordained, he served for ten years in the House of Commons as a clerk, one of the permanent secretariat at parliament. He worked with select committees and in the legislation service, and was able to see how politics affected every area of our society. He is committed to connecting how we pray and read our scriptures to how we vote and live.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 27th November: Isaiah 2:1-5

Romans 13:11-14

Matthew 24:36-44

Psalm 122

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Rev. David Hardman.

Dave joined the JPIT team as the Methodist Team Leader and Deputy JPIT Team Leader in September 2021. He is a Methodist Presbyter who has served city-centre, inner city and suburban congregations in Manchester and London. Previously, he worked for Christian Aid as Senior Regional Coordinator in the North West. He lives in Manchester.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 20th November: Jeremiah 23:1-6

Colossians 1:11-20

Luke 23:33-43

Psalm 46 or Luke 1:68-79

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Rev. Dr Jasmine Devadason.

Jasmine is currently working as a learning and development officer for the North West & Mann Region of the Methodist Church. She served as a tutor of Hebrew Bible at the Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme, Sarum College, Salisbury, before moving to Manchester. She worked for the Diocese of Manchester as a World Mission officer and has been ordained by the diocese of Manchester. She has completed her PhD at the University of Manchester on examining the Book of Job from a Dalit woman’s perspective. Her academic interest focuses on the Hebrew Bible, Dalit Feminist Liberation hermeneutics and the post-colonial hermeneutics.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 13th November: Isaiah 65: 17-25

2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13

Luke 21: 5-19

Isaiah 12: 1-6

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Rev. Dr Susan Durber.

Susan Durber is a URC minister, Moderator of the Faith and Order Commission of the WCC and WCC President from Europe.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 6th November: Haggai 1:15b-2:9

2 Thessalonians 2:15, 13-17

Luke 20:27-38

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 or Psalm 98

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Rev. Dr Susan Durber.

Susan Durber is a URC minister, Moderator of the Faith and Order Commission of the WCC and WCC President from Europe.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 6th November: Haggai 1:15b-2:9

2 Thessalonians 2:15, 13-17

Luke 20:27-38

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 or Psalm 98

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Rev. Dr Lina Toth.

Rev. Dr Lina Toth is Assistant Principal and Lecturer in Practical Theology at the Scottish Baptist College, UK, and Senior Research Fellow at the IBTS Centre, The Netherlands. A musician and artist as well as a theologian, she is particularly interested in ethics, spirituality, and theology of culture. She is the author of Singleness and Marriage after Christendom and Transforming the Struggles of Tamars: Single Women and Baptistic Communities. She is Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy, Editor of Theology in Scotland journal, and Chair of the Worship and Spirituality Commission of the Baptist World Alliance.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 23rd October: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

Luke 19: 1-10

Psalm 119:137-144

Lina also suggested the use of Carolyn Winfrey Gillette's song about Zacchaeus in worship services responding to the lectionary, which you can find here: http://www.carolynshymns.com/zacchaeus_was_a_tax_man.html

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Rev. Dr Lina Toth.

Rev. Dr Lina Toth is Assistant Principal and Lecturer in Practical Theology at the Scottish Baptist College, UK, and Senior Research Fellow at the IBTS Centre, The Netherlands. A musician and artist as well as a theologian, she is particularly interested in ethics, spirituality, and theology of culture. She is the author of Singleness and Marriage after Christendom and Transforming the Struggles of Tamars: Single Women and Baptistic Communities. She is Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy, Editor of Theology in Scotland journal, and Chair of the Worship and Spirituality Commission of the Baptist World Alliance.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 23rd October: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

Luke 19: 1-10

Psalm 119:137-144

Lina also suggested the use of Carolyn Winfrey Gillette's song about Zacchaeus in worship services responding to the lectionary, which you can find here: http://www.carolynshymns.com/zacchaeus_was_a_tax_man.html

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Gary Hopkins.

Gary is passionate about how the Church helps people encounter God in daily life and how spirituality breathes life into our justice-seeking and radical inclusion as part of God’s mission. He is part of the core leadership at Inclusive Gathering Birmingham and is the Ministry Development Officer for Chaplaincy at the Methodist Church.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 23rd October:

Joel 2:23-32

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Luke 18:9-14

Psalm 65

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Gary Hopkins.

Gary is passionate about how the Church helps people encounter God in daily life and how spirituality breathes life into our justice-seeking and radical inclusion as part of God’s mission. He is part of the core leadership at Inclusive Gathering Birmingham and is the Ministry Development Officer for Chaplaincy at the Methodist Church.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 23rd October:

Joel 2:23-32

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Luke 18:9-14

Psalm 65

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Holly Adams.

Holly is the Evangelism and Contemporary Culture Officer for the Methodist Church, a role which brings together her passion for equipping local churches for inclusive evangelism and her passion for helping Christians speak relevantly into contemporary spaces and issues. Holly also serves on the leadership team of her local church in Canterbury where she lives.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th October:

Jeremiah 31:27-34

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Luke 18:1-8

Psalm 119:97-104

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Holly Adams.

Holly is the Evangelism and Contemporary Culture Officer for the Methodist Church, a role which brings together her passion for equipping local churches for inclusive evangelism and her passion for helping Christians speak relevantly into contemporary spaces and issues. Holly also serves on the leadership team of her local church in Canterbury where she lives.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th October:

Jeremiah 31:27-34

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Luke 18:1-8

Psalm 119:97-104

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Amie Buhari.

Amie is CEO & Founder of The Hebe Foundation – a Christian Youth charity. She specialises in ‘Purpose & Vision’ and ‘Equality, Diversity & Inclusion’. She is also an Actor & Worship Leader.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 9th October:

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

2 Timothy 2:8-15

Luke 17:11-19

Psalm 66:1-12

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on Politics in the Pulpit, Lee is chatting to Amie Buhari.

Amie is CEO & Founder of The Hebe Foundation – a Christian Youth charity. She specialises in ‘Purpose & Vision’ and ‘Equality, Diversity & Inclusion’. She is also an Actor & Worship Leader.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 9th October:

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

2 Timothy 2:8-15

Luke 17:11-19

Psalm 66:1-12

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Lee is chatting to Trey Hall.

Trey is Director of Evangelism and Growth for the Methodist Church. He is a Methodist pioneer, church planting strategist, and evangelist. Since 2000 he has established and led churches in the United Kingdom and the United States, served as Mission Advisor for the Birmingham District of the Methodist Church in Britain, and coached scores of practitioners renewing inherited forms of church or launching fresh expressions of church.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd October:

Lamentations 1:1-6

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Luke 17:5-10

Psalm 137

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Lee is chatting to Trey Hall.

Trey is Director of Evangelism and Growth for the Methodist Church. He is a Methodist pioneer, church planting strategist, and evangelist. Since 2000 he has established and led churches in the United Kingdom and the United States, served as Mission Advisor for the Birmingham District of the Methodist Church in Britain, and coached scores of practitioners renewing inherited forms of church or launching fresh expressions of church.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd October:

Lamentations 1:1-6

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Luke 17:5-10

Psalm 137

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Lee is chatting to Revd Ian Rutherford.

Rev. Ian Rutherford is the City Centre Minister based at Central Hall Manchester. Ian is committed to civic engagement and social justice and his current priorities in Greater Manchester are Homelessness and Housing, Food Security, Refugee Support, Challenging Hate Crime, Cost-of-Living Crisis Response and Climate Change. Ian is the Faith Sector Lead on Homelessness and Housing and on Food Security for Mayor Andy Burnham and is on the National Leadership Teams of both Citizens UK and Movement for Recovery.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 25th September:

Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

1 Timothy 6:6-19

Luke 16:19-31

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Lee is chatting to Revd Ian Rutherford.

Rev. Ian Rutherford is the City Centre Minister based at Central Hall Manchester. Ian is committed to civic engagement and social justice and his current priorities in Greater Manchester are Homelessness and Housing, Food Security, Refugee Support, Challenging Hate Crime, Cost-of-Living Crisis Response and Climate Change. Ian is the Faith Sector Lead on Homelessness and Housing and on Food Security for Mayor Andy Burnham and is on the National Leadership Teams of both Citizens UK and Movement for Recovery.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 25th September:

Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

1 Timothy 6:6-19

Luke 16:19-31

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Lee is chatting to Revd Phil Jump.

Phil is Regional minister for the North Western Baptist association- serving not only Baptist churches across North Wales and North west England, but committed to working with God's people across our Christian family to help us be an effective voice in our world. He writes a regular feature for Faith in Business quarterly, seeking to relate key Christian principles to the theology of work. He also chairs industrial Christian Fellowship - a charity that has been supporting Christians in business and public life. He recently co-authored and published "Love: Work” - a collection of prayers and reflections to help Christians relate their faith to everyday life.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 18th September:

Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Luke 16:1-13 Psalm 79:1-9

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Lee is chatting to Revd Phil Jump.

Phil is Regional minister for the North Western Baptist association- serving not only Baptist churches across North Wales and North west England, but committed to working with God's people across our Christian family to help us be an effective voice in our world. He writes a regular feature for Faith in Business quarterly, seeking to relate key Christian principles to the theology of work. He also chairs industrial Christian Fellowship - a charity that has been supporting Christians in business and public life. He recently co-authored and published "Love: Work” - a collection of prayers and reflections to help Christians relate their faith to everyday life.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 18th September:

Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Luke 16:1-13 Psalm 79:1-9

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week, our new host Lee Battle talks to Revd Dr Craig Milward.

Craig is a Baptist minister, an educator, a political lobbyist and author. He lives in South Yorkshire and is about to embark on a new venture with friends Roy Searle & Kate Pozzo. Northumbria Collective aims to help Christians to listen well, think deeply and live authentically in a world that is often interested in Jesus when he isn't mentioned in the same conversation as church.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 11th September:

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Luke 15:1-10

Psalm 14

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week, our new host Lee Battle talks to Revd Dr Craig Milward.

Craig is a Baptist minister, an educator, a political lobbyist and author. He lives in South Yorkshire and is about to embark on a new venture with friends Roy Searle & Kate Pozzo. Northumbria Collective aims to help Christians to listen well, think deeply and live authentically in a world that is often interested in Jesus when he isn't mentioned in the same conversation as church.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 11th September:

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Luke 15:1-10

Psalm 14

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

PoliticsInThePulpit is back, and we have a new host! In this episode, Jenny hands over to Revd Lee Battle, who will be our host for the next series of episodes.

Lee is a minister in the United Reformed Church and currently serving in Cardiff in an ecumenical church. She is passionate about social justice and full inclusion in all areas of life, especially in faith settings. Get to know more about Lee in this week's episode!

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 4th September:

Jeremiah 18:1-11

Philemon 1-21

Luke 14:25-33

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Jenny speaks to Stephen Norrish.

Stephen is the Director of MK Christian Foundation, a local charity birthed from the ecumenical adventures in Milton Keynes, exploring and developing new approaches to mission and church through social enterprise. You can find out more about MK Christian Foundation here: https://mkchristianfoundation.co.uk/.

Jenny and Stephen discuss the readings for Sunday 31st July:

Hosea 11:1-11 Colossians 3:1-11 Luke 12: 13-21 Psalm 107: 1-9, 43

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

We’re delighted to share a special episode of Politics in the Pulpit ahead of Season of Creation (1 September – 4 October 2022) and Harvest with Revd David Coleman and Dr Ruth Valerio.

David is a URC special category minister, working full-time and ecumenically across the whole of Scotland with Eco-Congregation Scotland, as their Eco-Chaplain.

Ruth is Global Advocacy and Influencing Director at Tearfund. She is the author of several books on Christian environmental ethics, and is a regular contributor on Radio 4 and the BBC World Service.

Find out more about Ruth and Tearfund here:

Tearfund's website

Ruth's website

They discuss readings for a typical Harvest service, as a guide to preaching about food, farming and the environment in the midst of climate breakdown. They focus on the readings set for Harvest in the lectionary:

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Matthew 6:25-33

Psalm 65

This special episode was produced as part of JPIT’s Season of Creation 2022 resources. Find more resources at jpit.uk/just-desserts.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Jenny speaks to Revd Simon Jay.

Simon is a Baptist minister and works for a Christian Pioneering organisation called Urban Expression. He leads a team in Welsh House Farm, Birmingham and since 2001 Simon and his family have been part of an incarnational Christian community within that neighbourhood. During this time he has set up a local charity called The Haven Community Project, that aims to work alongside the residents. In addition to this Simon and his wife Rachel have been fostering children for 17 years and are involved in delivering training to prospective foster and adoptive families. Simon has recently completed an MA at Bristol Baptist college in Theology and mission.

Jenny and Simon discuss the readings for Sunday 24th July:

Hosea 1:2-10

Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19)

Luke 11:1-13

Psalm 85

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Jenny speaks to Revd David McLachlan.

David and his wife Mary are joint pastors of Dormansland Baptist Church in Surrey. David trained at Spurgeons, where he is now an associate tutor. His particular area of research is Christian theology and disability.

Jenny and David discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 17th July:

Amos 8:1-12 Colossians 1:15-28 Luke 10:38-42 Psalm 52

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Jenny speaks to Revd Helen Cameron.

Helen is Chair of the Northampton District of the Methodist Church, Moderator of the Free Churches Group and one of the six Presidents of Churches Together in England.

Jenny and Helen discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 10th July:

Amos 7:7-17 Colossians 1:1-14 Luke 10:25-37 Psalm 82 You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Jenny chats with Revd Kate Gray.

Kate works as a United Reformed Church minister in Wythenshawe amongst The Dandelion Community focussing on healing, peace building, creativity and learning with the Holy Spirit. She is a PhD research student exploring theology and activism: Christian responses to poverty in 'Breadline Britain' and is a member of Christian Climate Action.

Jenny and Kate discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 3rd July:

2 Kings 5:1-14

Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Psalm 30

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Jenny chats with Cameron Hume.

Cameron Hume is the Resource Writing and Editing Officer for the international development charity All We Can, a job he does from his home in Newcastle. He is also a Methodist local preacher, and a former JPIT intern where he spent half his time working in the House of Lords.

Jenny and Cameron discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th June:

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Luke 9:51-62

Psalm 77:1-2,11-20

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

After a mid-series break, we're back with a new episode of #PoliticsInThePulpit! This week, Jenny chats with Rev Daleen Ten Cate.

Daleen is Missional Discipleship Mentor for Lancashire Area in the North West Synod. She works alongside 31 United Reformed and LEP Churches. She is also one of the Green Apostles for the Synod, DEO for Lancashire and Governor for Northern College, Luther King Centre. Daleen is one of the founders and trustee member of Kairos Housing for destitute Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

Jenny and Daleen discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th June:

1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a Galatians 3:23-29 Luke 8:26-39 Psalms 42, 43 You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Jenny speaks to Revd Dr Ash Barker.

Ash is the founder of Seedbeds. For over 30 years Ash has lived intentionally on the front line of urban poverty and seen the unique potential of urban people and places released around the world. Since 2014, the Barkers have been planted in Winson Green, inner city Birmingham, UK and have been building a new team with a fresh vision to grow the capacities of urban leaders and their communities wherever they live.

Jenny and Ash discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 29th May:

Acts 16:16-34 Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 John 17:20-26 Psalm 97 Join JPIT on 11 June for our 2022 conference, From The Ground Up: bit.ly/JPIT2022. Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 10% discount using the code podcast10. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Jenny speaks to Revd Lynita Conradie.

Lynita was born in South Africa; a qualified barrister and worked for 19 years in Namibia as a human rights lawyer. Lynita moved to the UK in August 2013; in 2021 she was awarded a professional doctorate in practical theology by the University of Chester.

Jenny and Lynita discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 22nd May:

Acts 16:9-15 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9 Psalm 67 Join JPIT on 11 June for our 2022 conference, From The Ground Up: bit.ly/JPIT2022. Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 10% discount using the code podcast10. You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Jenny speaks to Philip Powell.

Philip is the co-director of the Justice Conference, UK. He is also the Theology and Network Engagement Manager (UK) with Tearfund, having previously worked for eight years at the Cambridge-based Christian think tank Jubilee Centre. Philip has a passion for serving as an ecumenical bridge-builder across cultural differences and theological streams.

Jenny and Philip discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 15th May:

Acts 11:1-18 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35 Psalm 148 Join JPIT on 11 June for our 2022 conference, From The Ground Up: bit.ly/JPIT2022

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

PoliticsInThePulpit returns! New host Jenny Mills chats to Revd Al Barrett for the first episode of this series.

Al is Rector of Hodge Hill Church in east Birmingham, a partnership between the URC and Church of England. He’s also a co-convener for the locally-rooted Common Ground Community. His recent book ‘Being Interrupted: Reimaging the Church’s mission from the Outside, In’ calls the church to open a door to a creative disruption of the status quo.

Al is also one of the many brilliant speakers at our 2022 conference From The Ground Up. Like what you hear? Get your tickets at bit.ly/JPIT2022

Jenny and Al discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 8th May:

Acts 9:36-43 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30 Psalm 23 You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On the final episode of this season of #PoliticsInThePulpit, Raj hands over to our new host: Revd Jenny Mills.

Jenny is an ordained Minister in the United Reformed Church. Currently she is serving in the role of Secretary for Education and Learning in the URC, having been in local pastorate ministry and a Primary School teacher- roles which have many similarities and transferable skills!

We are so grateful to Raj for how he has blessed us with profound wisdom, gentleness and hard work. We wish him all the best in his future ministry!

Raj and Jenny discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 10th April:

Luke 19:28-40 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

Politics in the Pulpit will now take a short break and return with Jenny on May 3rd. In the meantime, why not listen back to some old episodes?

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Raj speaks to Shermara Fletcher.

Shermara is the Principal Officer for Pentecostal, Charismatic and Multi-cultural Relations at Churches Together in England and also steers CTE’s Racial Justice Working Group. Shermara is a dynamic millennial leader with significant experience in community organising, ecumenical engagement, leadership development and public speaking. She is also committed to engaging young people by creating opportunities for them to exercise leadership and to enter service in the public square.

Raj and Shermara discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 3rd April:

Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 Psalm 126 You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Raj speaks to Revd Ruth Harvey.

Ruth leads the Iona Community, an international, ecumenical Christian movement working for justice and peace, the rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship. She supports its volunteer membership, acting as its public representative, offering theological direction and pastoral support. She is a Church of Scotland minister and a Quaker.

Raj and Ruth discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 27th March:

Joshua 5:9-12 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Psalm 32 You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Raj is chatting to Revd Delyth Liddell.

Rev Delyth Liddell is a Methodist Minister, Coordinating Chaplain at Cardiff University and a member of the Justice, Dignity and Solidarity Committee of the Methodist Church. She lives in Cardiff where she runs The Gathering, a LGBTQI church.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 20th March and explore together how unpacking the justice issues present can help us to be good news in the world today.

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit.

This week on Politics In The Pulpit, Raj is chatting to Revd Gale Richards.

Gale is currently a part-time regional minister with the Eastern Baptist Association, and the part-time Interim Cambridge Chaplain for Anglia Ruskin University.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 13th March and explore together how unpacking the justice issues present can help us to be good news in the world today.

‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, Ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Raj speaks to Revd Simon Woodman.

Simon is Minister of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in the West End of London, and the Baptist chaplain for King's College London. He has previously been a market stall holder on Camden Market, a Baptist Minister in Bristol, a Tutor at South Wales Baptist College, and a lecturer at Cardiff University. He is married to Liz.

Raj and Simon discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 6th March:

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Romans 10:8b-13

Luke 4:1-13

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Raj speaks to the Very Revd Dr Susan Brown.

Susan is currently Convener of the Church of Scotland's Faith Impact Forum, a Chaplain to the Queen in Scotland, and ministers in the Presbytery of Duns. She is a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and was the first woman to be in charge of a Cathedral in the UK as minister of Dornoch Cathedral.

Raj and Susan discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 27th February:

Exodus 34:29-35

2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2

Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a)

Psalm 99

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

It's our birthday! On this special episode marking one year since the first episode of #PoliticsInThePulpit, Raj speaks to Revd Beth Allison-Glenny, creator and first host of the podcast.

Beth is the new Chaplain, Head of Welfare and Fellow in Theology at Regent’s Park College, Oxford. She is an ordained Baptist minister and a practical theologian, and previously worked as the Public Issues Enabler for Baptists Together as part of the JPIT team.

Raj and Beth discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 20th February:

Genesis 45:3-11, 15

1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50

Luke 6:27-38

Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Raj speaks with Revd Dr Peniel Rajkumar.

After serving the World Council of Churches as Programmed Executive for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation for the last 9 years, Peniel recently joined the Anglican Mission agency United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG) as Global Theologian. When he is not engaged in theology or reading detective novels, you will find him playing badminton or going on walks with his wife Rebecca and their two sons Ebenezer and Cleon.

Raj and Peniel discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 13th February:

Jeremiah 17:5-10

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Luke 6:27-38

Psalm 1

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Raj speaks with Victoria Turner.

Victoria is a PhD Candidate in World Christianity at the University of Edinburgh. Her studies explore changing theologies and practices of mission from the middle of the 20th Century. She is a member of the United Reformed Church and is a Trustee of Churches Together in England, alongside working with the Council for World Mission, Tearfund and the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Her edited book, 'Young, Woke and Christian: Words from a Missing Generation' is being released with SCM Press in February 2022.

Raj and Victoria discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 6th February:

Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13)

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Luke 5:1-11

Psalm 138

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Raj spoke to Canon Peter Dobson.

Peter is the Canon for Outreach and Discipleship at Newcastle Cathedral. Part of Peter’s role is to hold responsibility for how the Cathedral, in the heart of the City, continues to be a place of radical welcome for all people and a place of empowerment for all who come into contact with the Cathedral’s life.

Raj and Peter discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 30th January:

Jeremiah 1:4-10

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Luke 4:21-30

Psalm 71:1-6

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community - find the group from the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

We're back! In his first episode as host, Raj Patta chats to Revd Michaela Youngson.

Michaela is Assistant Secretary of the Methodist Conference and Connexional Ecumenical Officer for the Methodist Church. Her previous roles in the church include circuit ministry in Lancashire, and Ealing, as well as serving in the Connexional Team as Secretary for Spirituality and Pastoral Care. She is the author of two books, Making the Colours Sing (2005) and The Weaver, the Word and Wisdom: worshipping the triune God (2007). Michaela can often be heard on BBC Radio 2, when she offers a Pause for Thought on the Early Breakfast Show, or on BBC Radio 4, leading the Daily Service.

Raj and Michaela discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 23rd January:

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

Luke 4:14-21

Psalm 19

You can join in the conversation on Twitter @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on the Joint Public Issues Team's Facebook page.

In the final episode of this series of #PoliticsInThePulpit, David hands over to our new host, Revd Raj Patta.

Raj Bharat Patta currently serves as a minister of the Methodist Church in the UK at the United Stockport Circuit. He completed his PhD with a thesis on “Towards a Subaltern Public Theology for India” at the University of Manchester, UK. Prior to this, he served the Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) as its national general secretary and the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) as one of its executive secretaries for the Commission on Dalits and Adivasis. He also worked as an Honorary Chaplain at St. Peter’s Church and Chaplaincy ministering the higher education University communities in Manchester.

We're so grateful to David Mayne for being such a brilliant host in this season. Why not add your thanks over on our Twitter page, @pulpit_politics, or on the Joint Public Issues Team Facebook page?

David and Raj discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th November:

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36

Politics in the Pulpit will return in January, with Raj as the new host, an exciting range of guests, and more ways to interact with the podcast online. Until then, enjoy our mini-series of bonus episodes with Revd Dave Hardman for the five Sundays of Advent, and listen back through our back catalogue!

Welcome to Hope is Here, a bonus series of five mini-episodes for each Sunday in Advent!

This Advent season, join Revd Dave Hardman, Methodist Team Leader at the Joint Public Issues Team, as he draws out the theme of hope in our Advent readings.

Dave has recorded a short reflection for each week of Advent, to accompany the candle-lighting prayers he has produced for use in Advent services. You can find all of JPIT’s Advent resources here: jointpublicissues.org.uk/advent

In this third week of Advent, he reflects on Luke 3:7-18. JPIT’s work is centred on our Six Hopes for society, and this week connects to our hope for a just economy that enables the flourishing of all life. Read more at https://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/economy

HopeIsHere

Welcome to Hope is Here, a bonus series of five mini-episodes for each Sunday in Advent!

This Advent season, join Revd Dave Hardman, Methodist Team Leader at the Joint Public Issues Team, as he draws out the theme of hope in our Advent readings.

Dave has recorded a short reflection for each week of Advent, to accompany the candle-lighting prayers he has produced for use in Advent services. You can find all of JPIT’s Advent resources here: jointpublicissues.org.uk/advent

In this first week of Advent, he reflects on Luke 21:25-36. JPIT’s work is centred on our Six Hopes for society, and this week connects to our hope for a planet where our environment is renewed. Read more at https://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/issues/environment/

HopeIsHere

Welcome to Hope is Here, a bonus series of five mini-episodes for each Sunday in Advent!

This Advent season, join Revd Dave Hardman, Methodist Team Leader at the Joint Public Issues Team, as he draws out the theme of hope in our Advent readings.

Dave has recorded a short reflection for each week of Advent, to accompany the candle-lighting prayers he has produced for use in Advent services. You can find all of JPIT’s Advent resources here: jointpublicissues.org.uk/advent

In this fourth week of Advent, he reflects on Luke 1:39-55. JPIT’s work is centred on our Six Hopes for society, and this week connects to our hope for a society where the poorest and most marginalized are at the centre. Read more at jointpublicissues.org.uk/issues/poverty-and-inequality

HopeIsHere

Welcome to Hope is Here, a bonus series of five mini-episodes for each Sunday in Advent!

This Advent season, join Revd Dave Hardman, Methodist Team Leader at the Joint Public Issues Team, as he draws out the theme of hope in our Advent readings.

Dave has recorded a short reflection for each week of Advent, to accompany the candle-lighting prayers he has produced for use in Advent services. You can find all of JPIT’s Advent resources here: jointpublicissues.org.uk/advent

In this second week of Advent, he reflects on Luke 3:1-6. JPIT’s work is centred on our Six Hopes for society, and this week connects to our hope for a world that actively works for peace. Read more at jointpublicissues.org.uk/peacemaking

HopeIsHere

Welcome to Hope is Here, a bonus series of five mini-episodes for each Sunday in Advent!

This Advent season, join Revd Dave Hardman, Methodist Team Leader at the Joint Public Issues Team, as he draws out the theme of hope in our Advent readings.

Dave has recorded a short reflection for each week of Advent, to accompany the candle-lighting prayers he has produced for use in Advent services. You can find all of JPIT’s Advent resources here: jointpublicissues.org.uk/advent

For this Christmas Day, he reflects on John 1:1-14. JPIT’s work is centred on our Six Hopes for society, and this week connects to our hope for a society that welcomes the stranger. Read more at https://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/issues/asylum-and-immigration

HopeIsHere

In the penultimate episode of this current series, David chats to Revd Martin Hodson.

Martin is the General Director of the Baptist Union of Scotland. After an initial career in industrial management he served as minister of Baptist churches in Aberdeen and Worcester. He initially joined the Baptist Union of Scotland team as Ministry Development Coordinator, then two years ago became General Director.

David and Martin discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 21st November:

2 Samuel 23:1-7

Revelation 1:4b-8

John 18:33-37

A very exciting guest this week, as David chats to Lord Paul Boateng!

Paul is a former MP (1987-2005) and Cabinet Minister, and served as Her Majesty’s High Commissioner to South Africa 2005-2010. He is a Methodist lay preacher and a former Vice Moderator in the World Council of Churches. He is Moderator Emeritus of the Bible Societies African Biblical Leadership Initiative and currently Chairs the Church of England’s Archbishops Commission on Racial Justice.

Together David and Paul discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 14th November:

1 Samuel 1:4-20

Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25

Mark 13:1-8

This week, David chats to Revd Peggy Kabonde. Peggy is a minister with a wealth of experience on justice issues, especially on gender. She is currently serving as a minister with Bradford on Avon United Church, Melksham United Church and Whitely Methodist Church in the Wiltshire United Area.

They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 7th November:

Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

Hebrews 9:24-28

Mark 12:38-44

This week, David chats with Revd Diane Watts. Diane is a Baptist minister and leads the Faith & Society Team at the Baptist Union. They discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 31st October:

Ruth 1:1-18

Hebrews 9:11-14

Mark 12:28-34

This week, David chats to Revd Alex Clare-Young. Alex is a minister in the United Reformed Church and is currently researching the experiences and theological insights of other trans and non-binary Christians.

David and Alex discuss the lectionary readings for 24th October:

Job 42:1-6, 10-17

Hebrews 7:23-28

Mark 10:46-52

This week, David chats to Revd Emma Nash. Emma is a Baptist Union accredited evangelist seconded to The Methodist Church’s Evangelism and Growth Team. She is also the author of ‘A Pastoral Theology of Childlessness’ which was published by SCM Press earlier this year.

David and Emma discuss the lectionary readings for 17th October:

Job 38:1-7 (34-41)

Hebrews 5:1-10

Mark 10:35-45

In this week's episode, David speaks with Revd Grace Thomas about the lectionary readings for Sunday 10th October 2021. Grace is an Anglican priest serving in the parishes of Moss Side and Whalley Range in the Diocese of Manchester. She is also a Diocesan Environment Officer and has published on issues relating to Christian responses to the changing climate.

Readings:

Job 23:1-9, 16-17

Hebrews 4:12-16

Mark 10:17-31

This week, David sits down (virtually) with Rodney Coker to discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 3rd October 2021.

Rodney is a former JPIT intern, who has a degree in Constitutional Politics, Law & Theory. He has a particular interest in social justice and the intersection of faith and politics, encouraging Christians to make a positive impact on the political landscape. He worked with JPIT and with Conservative MP Derek Thomas from 2020-21.

Readings:

Job 1:1; 2:1-10

Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12

Mark 10:2-16

This week, David was in conversation with Revd Fiona Bennett, Minister of Augustine United Church in Edinburgh. An ordained minister since 1996, Fiona has worked in local churches with both the Methodist Church and the Church of Scotland, before being inducted as the minister of AUC in 2009.

David and Fiona discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th September:

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

James 5:13-20

Mark 9:38-50

To consider the lectionary readings for Sunday 19 September, host David Mayne was in conversation with Bishop Paul Bayes.In 2014, Paul accepted an invitation to be installed as the eighth Bishop of Liverpool, and for the past eight years has been leading the church in Liverpool to share the good news with groups who have been excluded and on the edge of political and personal deprivation. Paul has been the co-chair of Christian CND and involved in the Ecology Party – now the Green Party of England and Wales.

Readings for Sunday 19 September:

Proverbs 31:10-31 James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a Mark 9:30-37

New host, David Mayne, talks to Revd Anne Bennett about current issues concerning justice and peace in the UK and around the world. They explore the justice issues emerging from the lectionary readings for 12 September 2021, and how preachers might approach these while preparing to speak at Sunday services.

Anne is Team Vicar at The Ascension church in Blackheath. A former prison chaplain, she is passionate about justice and rehabilitation.

Readings for Sunday 12 September:

Proverbs 1:20-33

James 3:1-12

Mark 8:27-38

This week guest host Mollie Pugmire is chatting to Revd David Gregory.

Wondering how to preach about COP26, the all-important UN Climate Conference happening in Glasgow this autumn? This week we're excited to welcome guest host Mollie Pugmire, one of the Methodist Church's COP26 Campaigns Workers, to chat about all things COP, climate, and faith.

Mollie's guest is David, a Baptist minister at Croxley Green Baptist Church. David is a convenor of the Baptist Union Environmental Network.

Mollie and David discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 29th August:

Song of Solomon 2:8-13

James 1:17-27

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

This week Beth is chatting to Revd David Mayne.

Beth is moving on from JPIT to become the new chaplain of Regent's Park College, Oxford. We're sad to see her go, but so excited to hand over to a new host of Politics In The Pulpit for the new season: Revd David Mayne!

David is a Baptist minister at Shoeburyness & Thorpe Bay Baptist Church and has served as Moderator of Baptist Union of Great Britain Council. David’s work with local churches, national and international Baptist groups, and with ecumenical partners has consistently been focused on issues of justice and inclusion, particularly in relation to gender. David is also the Chair of Trustees for the charity 28 Too Many.

Beth and David discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 1st August:

2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a

Ephesians 4:1-16

John 6:24-35

This week Beth is chatting to Revd Ali Boulton.

Ali is a practitioner, consultant, researcher in New Housing Engagement. She has been a pioneer Baptist minister living on a new housing estate for over 10 years. She is part of the Fresh Expressions National Core team.

Beth and Ali discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 25th July: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 Ephesians 3:14-21 John 6:1-21

This week Beth is chatting to Revd Andrew Hammond.

Andrew is the Chaplain of St John's College, Cambridge. In the past he has been Chaplain of King's College, Cambridge, and has worked in two London parishes and St Paul's Cathedral. Two years ago, he founded HeartEase, an alternative student church.

Beth and Andrew discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 18th July: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

This week Beth is chatting to Revd Lucy Berry.

Lucy is a performance poet and a minister with United Reformed Church. She's been the poet in residence for the Joint Public Issues Team and has run workshops and performed her poetry all around the UK.

Beth and Lucy discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 11th July: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29

This week Beth is chatting to Steve Chalke, in a bumper hour-long episode!

Steve is the founder of the charity Oasis, who have pioneered sustainable, holistic community development for 35 years. He is a Baptist minister, a canon at Southwark Cathedral, and a former United Nations' Special Adviser on Human Trafficking.

Beth and Steve discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 4th July: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Mark 6:1-13

This week Beth is chatting to Cassius Francis.

Cassius is Transforming Communities Together's Finance Development Worker (CE Diocese of Lichfield) and a minister with the Wesleyan Holiness Church. He is also an advisor and ambassador for the charity Ataloss.org, signposting the bereaved to support.

Beth and Cassius discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 27th June: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43

This week Beth is chatting to Sue Richardson.

Sue is currently the chair of Church Action on Tax Justice, having recently retired from 25 years at Christian Aid as a Theological Education Adviser and Church Relations Officer. She has served as a local councillor and set up local environment action groups.

Beth and Sue discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 20th June: 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Mark 4:35-41

This week Beth is chatting to Revd Dr Michael Jagessar.

Michael is the Mission Secretary for Europe for the Council for World Mission, having previously spent 12 years heading up the United Reformed Church (URC)’s Global and Intercultural Ministries.

Beth and Michael discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 13th June: 1 Samuel 15:34 - 16:13 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 Mark 4:26-34

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Beth is chatting to Dr Katie Cross.

Katie is a Lecturer in Practical Theology at Aberdeen University, with particular research interests in secularism, trauma and suffering. Her first monograph, The Sunday Assembly and Theologies of Suffering, was published in 2020.

Beth and Katie discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 6th June:

1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15) 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Mark 3:20-35

This week on #PoliticsInThePulpit, Beth is chatting to Jude Levermore.

Jude is the Head of Mission for the Methodist Church in Britain. She's previously chaired the board at Greenbelt Festivals and spent four years as head of a small NGO working with excluded young people.

Beth and Jude discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 30th May:

Isaiah 6:1-8 Romans 8:12-17 John 3:1-17

In this episode, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Andy Fitchet. Andy is trained as a Baptist minister, and has experience as a local Councillor and for various charities. He is currently pioneering a new church plant on a new housing development, Picket Twenty, in Andover. He's the Minister at Bridge St and St Andrew's Methodist Churches. Beth and Andy discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 23rd May: Acts 2:1-21 Romans 8:22-27 John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

In this episode, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Simeon Mitchell. Simeon is the interim JPIT Team Leader. He was previously Deputy Team Leader, and has been Secretary for Church and Society for the United Reformed Church since January 2018. His background is in international development and enabling Christians and churches to respond to issues of global poverty and injustice. Beth and Simeon discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th May: Acts 1:15-17, 21-261 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19

In this episode, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Archbishop Doye Agama. Archbishop Doyé is a Christian leader within the Pentecostal Holiness and Convergence movements. He is presiding prelate and executive director of Apostolic Pastoral Congress, and is involved with Churches Together in England. Beth and Archbishop Doye discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 9th May: Acts 10:44-48 1 John 5:1-6 John 15:9-17

In this episode, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Kerry Scarlett. Kerry is a Learning & Development Officer for the West Midlands region. She's a Methodist Deacon who was Tutor for the Centre for Ministerial Formation. Beth and Kerry discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd May: Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8

In this episode, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Selina Stone. Selina is a Tutor and Lecturer in Political Theology at at St Mellitus College, and a PhD student at the University of Birmingham researching the impact of Pentecostal theology and ministry on issues of social justice. Beth and Selina discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 25th April: Acts 4:5-12 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18

In this episode, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Steve Holmes. Steve is Head of the School of Divinity at St Andrews University, and a Senior Lecturer in Theology. He is a Baptist minister on the leadership team of St Andrews Baptist Church. Beth and Steve discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 4th April, Easter Day: Acts 10:34-43 Corinthians 15:1-11 John 20:1-18

In this episode, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Tim Haines. Tim is a Pioneer Community Worker with a development charity. He's a community and social services professional with a degree focused in Christian ministry from Spurgeon's College. Beth and Tim discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th March: Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Mark 15:1-39

In this episode, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Helen Paynter. Helen is is the Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, and Coordinator of Theological Education at Bristol Baptist College. Beth and Helen discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 21st March: Jeremiah 31:31-34 Hebrews 5:5-10 John 12:20-33

In this episode, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Martin Johnstone. Martin has worked with loads of different national and community groups.

Beth and Dan discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 14th March: Numbers 21:4-9 Ephesians 2:1-10 John 3:14-21

In episode three, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Rev Dr Dan Pratt. Dan is founder and antislavery co-ordinator of The Together Free Foundation, and a URC Minister.

Beth and Dan discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th February: Exodus 20: 1-17 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25 John 2: 13-22

In episode two, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Rev Dr Ian Birch, Principle of the Scottish Baptist College.

Beth and Ian discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th February: Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16 Psalm 22: 23-31 Romans 4: 13-25 Mark 8: 31-38

In episode one, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to Hannah Rich, Senior Researcher at Theos Think Tank.

Beth and Hannah discuss the lectionary readings for Sunday 21st February: Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25:1-10 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15

Hear their conversation about how politics can be explored in the pulpit, and how the themes of justice and peace in the text can be explored alongside the justice and peace issues we see in the world today.

Welcome to Politics in the Pulpit, a new lectionary resource from the Joint Public Issues Team.