Sport must safeguard participants and ensure equity and fairness, but this must be done based on science and fact and not as a kneejerk reaction to political or cultural pressure. Today I have written to Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee, whom I deeply admire and whose election I celebrated just over a… Continue reading Protecting women’s sport: a line drawn too bluntly – my message to the IOC President
Tag: inclusion
British basketball’s future requires reform and major investment in the women’s game
Last night I was courtside to see the Great Britain women’s basketball team victorious over Austria in a Women’s EuroBasket 2027 qualifying match. The GB players were full of talent and enthusiasm and the atmosphere in the arena was fantastic. Hundreds of fans, including large numbers of young girls, many of whom were clearly basketball… Continue reading British basketball’s future requires reform and major investment in the women’s game
Beyond medals: why the Paralympics change the world
Standing in Cortina d’Ampezzo at the start of the Winter Paralympic Games this week, surrounded by athletes, officials and supporters from across the world, I was reminded once again why the Paralympic movement matters so profoundly. There are sporting events that entertain us.There are sporting events that inspire us.And then there are the Paralympic Games,… Continue reading Beyond medals: why the Paralympics change the world
A Church living without love: the CofE’s failure to include LGBTQ+ Christians
Yesterday I sat in the public gallery at Church House and watched the Church of England step back from the modest, careful and prayerful work of Living in Love and Faith, which was meant to move towards providing a loving Christian welcome for LGBTQ+ people in England’s established Anglican faith. I left feeling numb. Not… Continue reading A Church living without love: the CofE’s failure to include LGBTQ+ Christians
25 Years at Guildhall: opening doors in the City of London and beyond
Twenty‑five years ago, at the age of 29, I walked into Guildhall as a newly elected Common Councillor with far more opinions than experience and a touching faith that if one simply memorised the Standing Orders, everything would turn out all right. I still believe that last bit, although experience has taught me that rules… Continue reading 25 Years at Guildhall: opening doors in the City of London and beyond
Hampstead Heath Ponds: A clear Judgment. A clear voice from London. And a clear path forward.
This morning’s High Court judgment refusing the judicial review application brought by Sex Matters against the City of London Corporation is an important moment for common sense, good governance, and decency. At the same time, the publication of the Corporation’s consultation on future access to the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds tells a powerful and hopeful… Continue reading Hampstead Heath Ponds: A clear Judgment. A clear voice from London. And a clear path forward.
Permission to Hate revisited: Britain five years on
In December 2019 I warned that Britain was sliding towards a culture that licensed prejudice and exclusion. Five years on, that “permission to hate” has hardened. This is a reflection on what has happened since, how that permission lives on in politics and the media, and what defenders of an open, inclusive society can –… Continue reading Permission to Hate revisited: Britain five years on
A Church still afraid to Love
The House of Bishops has issued yet another statement on Living in Love and Faith (LLF), the Church of England’s years-long programme of exploration to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. The statement, in essence an admission of the abject failure of LLF, is long, careful, heavily footnoted, and saturated in the language of process,… Continue reading A Church still afraid to Love
Women’s rights and Trans dignity are not opposed: a Christian rebuttal to a false choice
A persistent claim in contemporary debate is that the inclusion of trans people, particularly trans women, comes at the expense of women’s rights. This claim has gained renewed prominence in church and media commentary, often presented as a sober and commonsense position. It is neither. It rests on theological misunderstanding, scientific overreach, and a deeply… Continue reading Women’s rights and Trans dignity are not opposed: a Christian rebuttal to a false choice
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
C. E. Lord OBE 