In the run-up to Christmas you probably heard on the news a couple of rather unfamiliar phrases, like Black Friday or Cyber-Monday. As a reminder to those keeping up with modern life, or as an explanation for those who don’t, these are terms used by retailers to boost their Christmas sales, to place some additional pressure on potential customers to…

Over the last few years each church in our pastoral area has had some major works carried out. At great cost we try to keep them sound and safe, and still open and operable, even if only on an irregular basis like St Gregory’s. We make all possible effort for various reasons: emotional attachment, family connections, our personal stories, and…

The political scene appears to have its own set of rules. One of them seems to be: ‘never admit that your political opponent is right and you’re wrong’; another one: ‘never own up to your misdeeds unless you’re totally exposed’; and yet another one: ‘when you’ve run out of arguments, stick a label on your political opponents or call them…

Last week the moderator of the Church of Scotland challenged the Kirk to find 100,000 new members by 2025. His wish has been deemed ambitious; by some, even over-ambitious. One of several ways suggested to achieve this outcome is by redefining the membership; another one is by reaching out through the internet. His proposals have been scorned by the moderator…

The Egyptian version of the Arab Spring toppled a despot who had ruled that country for three decades. Calls for Freedom, democracy and welfare were the main driving forces of the revolution. Since then the transition of power has been quite a bumpy affair, but seemingly the problems have been overcome by a greater desire to establish public order and…