Doctrine or Discrimination? Why the Church of England’s Advice Misses the Heart of the Gospel

In the last week the Church of England has published four substantial papers intended to provide theological, legal, and doctrinal clarity on matters arising from the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process. They cover everything from the nature of doctrine itself (GS Misc 1429), to the doctrine of marriage and the Prayers of Love… Continue reading Doctrine or Discrimination? Why the Church of England’s Advice Misses the Heart of the Gospel

A Church That Still Cannot Love Freely

Church of England: Reflection on the House of Bishops’ failure of leadership The Church of England’s latest decision on same-sex blessings and clergy relationships has left me questioning whether I can continue in the discernment process for ordained ministry—or even remain an active member. Once again, the Church has given in to the forces of… Continue reading A Church That Still Cannot Love Freely

Brown Shirts Around the Corner? Why We Must Confront Britain’s Slide to the Far Right

Yesterday’s scenes in London — tens of thousands rallying behind Tommy Robinson, violent clashes with police, and chants straight from the darkest pages of European history — were not an aberration. They were a symptom of something far more dangerous: a political culture that has normalised far-right populism and is increasingly dancing to its tune.… Continue reading Brown Shirts Around the Corner? Why We Must Confront Britain’s Slide to the Far Right

In the Image of God: a queer Christian response to the UK Supreme Court ruling on Sex and Gender Identity

This post was written for OneBodyOneFaith and was published on the charity’s website on Monday 26 May 2025 For it was you who formed my inward parts;    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139.13-14 On April 16, 2025, the UK Supreme Court delivered a… Continue reading In the Image of God: a queer Christian response to the UK Supreme Court ruling on Sex and Gender Identity

Trans youth are loved

In the summer of 2024, in the face of open hostility towards trans people and especially trans young people, in the media, social media, and in political life, the Trans Solidarity Alliance invited celebrities, politicians, and the general public to record short videos telling trans young people that they are loved. Here is mine.

Time for change that will bring a more equal share in God’s kingdom for everyone – a homily on the parable of the wicked tenants

In a departure to my usual occasional blog posts, this one records the first time on which I have preached in church and hopefully will be the first of several such posts where I have the opportunity to publish homilies and sermons as I begin to explore my vocation towards ordained ministry. I hope readers… Continue reading Time for change that will bring a more equal share in God’s kingdom for everyone – a homily on the parable of the wicked tenants

Pride in the City 2023

I had the privilege of hosting the reception at Guildhall following the Pride flag raising in June 2023. Here is the speech I gave welcoming the over 200 guests that evening.

The Oxford Union: The Commercialisation of Pride has Done More Harm Than Good

On 1 June 2023, I was invited to speak at The Oxford Union, supporting the motion “This House believes that commercialisation of Pride has done more harm than good”. It also gave me the opportunity to comment robustly on the Union’s decision to platform gender critical academic Kathleen Stock who espoused her transphobic views without… Continue reading The Oxford Union: The Commercialisation of Pride has Done More Harm Than Good

Trans rights should be supported not reversed. A cautionary note to the Minister for Women and Equalities, Liz Truss

On Wednesday this week, the UK Government Minister for Women & Equalities, Liz Truss MP, who serves in Boris Johnson’s Cabinet as Secretary of State for International Trade, set out her priorities for the Government Equalities Office in a statement to a House of Commons Select Committee. To the distress of many in LGBTQ communities,… Continue reading Trans rights should be supported not reversed. A cautionary note to the Minister for Women and Equalities, Liz Truss

Diversity Champion: It is time for me to ‘come out’ – I am a Freemason

I like to think of my life as being an open book. Whether it be my membership of the Liberal Democrats (or even that I used to be a Tory), my passion for Rochdale Football Club, or my sexual orientation; it is all out there clearly on public display. I’m even reasonably open that I… Continue reading Diversity Champion: It is time for me to ‘come out’ – I am a Freemason