Author Archives: Gerry Lynch

The Pope is Still a Catholic

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

Cross-posted at Slugger O’Toole… Lefty atheists from North London to Northern California are in outrage today at the latest shock revelations that Pope Francis is, in fact, a Catholic. “The pope played us for fools, trying to have it both … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Global, LGBT, USA | Comments Off on The Pope is Still a Catholic

To A Young Fisherman

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

TO A YOUNG FISHERMAN Fairer still than a rose, your cheeks aglowing, Your feet more graceful than a tulip’s stem And in your eyes there sparkled like a gem, For friendship, such an infinite deep longing. Behind us was the … Continue reading →

Posted in LGBT, Poetry | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on To A Young Fisherman

The Strange Death of Catholic Ireland

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

This piece was published in the print edition of Prospect magazine in July 2015. In the referendum held in Ireland on 22nd May, voters chose overwhelmingly—by 62 per cent to 38 per cent—to endorse a proposal to amend the country’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, history, Ireland, Journalism | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on The Strange Death of Catholic Ireland

“A Battle A Day” Is Creating A Political Wasteland

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

This blog was originally posted on Slugger O’Toole… “It will always be a battle a day between those who want maximum change and those who want to maintain the status quo”. Recognise the quote? It came from Gerry Adams’ speech … Continue reading →

Posted in Northern Ireland | Tagged , | Comments Off on “A Battle A Day” Is Creating A Political Wasteland

On Charlie Kennedy

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

Originally posted at Slugger O’Toole… There’s lots of talk about Charlie Kennedy’s talents and his ‘flaws’, often a euphemistic way of talking about his alcoholism. Alistair Campbell has blogged movingly and directly about their shared illness. It was never exactly … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe | Tagged , | Comments Off on On Charlie Kennedy

Sermon Preached at St James’ Church Alderholt on Sunday 3 May 2015 (Easter 5)

Posted on May 3, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

Readings – John 15:1-8; Acts 8:26-40. Pruning doesn’t seem like a very pleasant process for whomever is being pruned. It carries connotations of being taken down to size, perhaps of having one’s wings clipped. Christ says in today’s Gospel that … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Prayer and Worship, Reflection | Tagged , | Comments Off on Sermon Preached at St James’ Church Alderholt on Sunday 3 May 2015 (Easter 5)

A Good Week for Democracy Globally

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

This was originally posted to Slugger O’Toole… There was something discomfiting about the funeral of Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore’s achievements under his rule were extraordinary, but the story presented on his death was a sanitised fable. World leaders queued up … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections, Global | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on A Good Week for Democracy Globally

Your Guide to Israel’s General Election

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

Originally posted at Slugger O’Toole… Israel goes to the polls on St Patrick’s Day to elect a new parliament, which in turn will either confirm incumbent Binyamin Netanyahu in office or oust him in favour of the centre-left. The St … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle East | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Your Guide to Israel’s General Election

Two Tribes, The Winds of Change and an old man’s death

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

Originally posted at Slugger O’Toole… 30 years ago today a man only moderately old died in an élite Moscow hospital; he had smoked incessantly for six of his seven decades and drank heavily for five, and after years of mounting … Continue reading →

Posted in Global | Comments Off on Two Tribes, The Winds of Change and an old man’s death

Lent

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

What am I giving up for Lent? I’m going to try giving up cynicism and unhappiness. Cynicism is worn as a badge of maturity in 2010s Britain. To dare to be optimistic, to dare to hope, is a sign of … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglicanism, Christianity, Reflection | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Lent