Sexuality and difference explored at Open Church conference
Views have changed throughout Christian history and differences can be found in the Bible, said Steve Chalke, a Baptist minister and founder of Oasis.
Benefit ‘reforms’ damage work prospects and independence, research finds
Benefit ‘reforms’ which are supposed to get more people into paid work have often made life harder for those in, or seeking, jobs, research reveals.
Planned new benefit cuts stoke social insecurity
Many carers, disabled and unemployed people are likely to have their benefits slashed if the Conservatives return to power, leaked plans suggest.
Privatising NHS cancer and palliative care at patients’ expense
Controversy over the biggest NHS privatisation deal so far has intensified after details were leaked.
Gagging civil servants and charities, suppressing inconvenient truths
New rules aimed at preventing civil servants from speaking to the media without ministers’ approval have been strongly criticised. They follow a drive to gag charities receiving public funding.
Disadvantaged worst hit if obesity, drug or alcohol problems are punished
People unable to work because of obesity, drug or alcohol problems may have their social security payments cut if they do not undergo treatment, UK prime minister David Cameron has threatened. He has asked Professor Dame Carol Black, an adviser to the Department of Health, to carry out a review.
HSBC scandal also puts spotlight on church leadership concerns
The latest scandal to hit HSBC, Britain’s biggest bank, again throws a spotlight on the enormous failings of the finance sector. It is also a source of embarrassment for governments present and past – but also for the Church of England.
Benefit sanctions: MP's reply shows magical thinking
An MP’s defence of benefit sanctions left many other UK parliamentarians stunned. It also showed how common magical thinking has become among those wanting tougher treatment of people receiving social security.
Archbishop of Canterbury continues to speak against stark inequality
Gross inequality is a “great challenge for our world,” Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby warned. On a visit to the USA, he spoke more forcefully on the issue than perhaps he has ever done before.
As hospitals struggle, NHS tops voter concerns
The NHS is now the greatest concern by far for UK voters, according to the results of a Guardian/ICM poll published on 20 January 2015.
