Confrontation or Compromise, Discrimination or Freedom of Religion, and Mary Magdalene

Here's a few more articles, picture and videos that have made me think, made me smile or made me laugh.

Paul Morrison on the Joint Public Issues Team blog reflects on when to compromise and when to confront society
"Archbishop Rowan spoke on the feast of St Peter and St Paul. He argued that Peter’s messy mind led to confusion and compromise, whilst Paul’s ruthless integrity, incapable of compromise, led to confrontation. Both compromise and confrontation are elements of apostolic ministry – and both are at the heart of many questions we face as churches and as a Joint Public Issues Team."
[Disclaimer: I'm currently doing work Experience for the Joint Public Issues Team but I still think it's an interesting thing for SCM to think about]

Staff writers from Ekklesia look at the leader of the Catholic Church in the UK attack on the previous government
"What is being seen as an attack on the Labour Party by the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, is ruffling feathers in Westminster and beyond. In an article in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols praised the new coalition Government for its "fresh attitude" while simultaneously accusing the previous government of "dangerous" interfering over religion and belief. Catholic and other church leaders have been angered by equality legislation which requires them not to discriminate against gay people, in particular - demanding opt-outs and exemptions instead. In contrast, equality campaigners have complained that Labour was too compliant over these issues."

Giles Fraser in the Church Times looks at the right place of Mary Magdalene
"THE problem with thank-you speeches, especially when done on the hoof, is that it is ever so easy to miss someone out inadvertently. Just as you sit down, you have that sinking feeling when suddenly it hits you that you have completely forgotten to mention some es sential party."

Something I saw on failblog which I felt SCM might appreciate:
because what would God do without his AK-47?

Finally a music video which I was introduced to at the General Council Visioning Weekend and has been in and out of my head ever since. I think the Robocop cameo saves it from being too cheesy.