Category Archives: Christianity

A Journey of the Mind to Ancient Antioch

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

A reflection on Acts 11:19-26 for Diocese of Salisbury staff prayers. Try to imagine the world of Antioch as the refugee disciples in our reading would have known it. Antioch was the third largest city of the contemporary Empire, after … Continue reading →

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Praying for Ian Paisley’s Soul

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

Crossposted to Slugger O’Toole… I have prayed for the happy repose of the soul of Ian Paisley. Initially almost to make him turn in his grave, but then with sincerity. The Book of Common Prayer says that Christ died as … Continue reading →

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Jesus Went to Birmingham. Did the People Let Him Die?

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

Every Eucharistic service, in whatever Christian tradition, is a recreation of the Last Supper. I’m at a work conference in Birmingham at the moment, staying in a hotel bang opposite the Cathedral, so I joined the 8 a.m. congregation there … Continue reading →

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Iraqi Christians in Parliament Square

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

I attended the national demonstration on the persecution of Iraqi Christians in Parliament Square, London on Saturday 26 July. There was a large turnout of Iraqi and other Middle Eastern Christians, a healthy and welcome presence of Iraqi Muslims, a … Continue reading →

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Prisoners of Conscience on St John the Baptist’s Day

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gxMq7s0ELE I always had a good appetite as a child, getting stuck into seconds and more whenever I had the chance. My mother, observing this, would often remark, “Son, you’d eat the head of John the Baptist.” John the Baptist’s … Continue reading →

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Why is Cathedral Evensong Growing and What Does It Mean?

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

This piece appeared in the May-June 2014 edition of Salisbury Cathedral News I’ve always preferred the intimate parish church community to a cathedral’s grandeur. I came to mature faith in Belfast’s city centre parish of St. George’s, walking past the … Continue reading →

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The Good Samaritan Visits North Belfast

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

And, behold, a certain pastor stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love … Continue reading →

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In response to Owen Jones: In Defence of the Establishment of the Church of England

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

Owen Jones’ appeal for the separation of church and state showed a deep respect for Christianity in general and the Church of England in particular. But he failed to explain how and why disestablishment would be an improvement. Throughout the … Continue reading →

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So You Follow Jesus? Are You Sure?

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

A common line in blogs and sermons these days is to call on people to be followers of Jesus and not just admirers of Jesus. There’s nothing wrong with that on one level. I like to think I do that … Continue reading →

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No Simple Answers for Christians in Politics

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

I’ve enjoyed the series of posts hosted by Gillan on God and Politics UK, where guest bloggers associated with the three main GB political parties, as well as the Greens and UKIP, say they support their particular party from a … Continue reading →

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