Blogs

How Would Jesus Vote? General Election 2024

By SCM on 13 Jun 2024

SCM Member Josie explores how we can have political values shaped by Jesus as we approach the 2024 General Election. 

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Voting: A Brief History of Theology and Democracy

By WilliamG on 11 Jun 2024

            Democracy is a concept that many of us take for granted, especially those of us who live in the West. Each year the Economist releases their democracy index that provides a full report on the state of democracy around the world. According to their 2023 report, 45.4% of the world live in a democracy, and 39.4% live under some form of authoritarian rule. They conclude that only 7.8% of people live in a full democracy after the US was downgraded to a flawed democracy in 2016.

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Boycotting as Protest

By PhoebeE on 4 Jun 2024

TW: infant death, racism 

boy·cott 

[ˈbɔɪkɒt] 

verb 

withdraw from commercial or social relations with (a country, organisation, or person) as a punishment or protest: 

 

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Subsidiarity and Local Politics

By WilliamG on 4 Jun 2024

In last week’s Christian Political Action podcast I spoke to Revd Luke Larner about his experience as a priest in the Church of England, practical theology, trade unions, and more. While speaking to Luke about his work in the Church as a priest, his PhD, and trade unions, the thing that stood out to me was his emphasis on the practical and the local. I agree with Luke that much of theology, even theology which calls itself practical theology, remains detached from the material contexts that people find themselves in.

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Being a Trans* Ally This General Election

By SCM on 3 Jun 2024

Since the General Election was announced, 9 days ago, on the 22nd May The Times has published a piece of writing discussing transgender people and topics 17 times*. They talk about the Scottish Greens, books, women’s sports, puberty blockers (that are apparently now only safe for cis kids with precocious puberty, not for kids questioning their gender) and She Who Must Not Be Named. All are negative and do not present the truth of ‘the transgender issue’: that trans people are just trying to live their life.

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Artists for Change from Church Action on Poverty

By PhoebeE on 31 May 2024

If we ask you to imagine a meeting aimed at ending poverty, what comes to mind, and where are you?

Perhaps you’re thinking of a gathering of professionals in a formal meeting room, discussing strategies and policies. (Exciting? No?)

Perhaps you’re imagining something more dynamic and grounded in community: people bouncing ideas around and seeking to reclaim power.

It’s maybe less likely you’re imaging yourself at an art exhibition, or a live gig, or a poetry reading.

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Statement on the National Service proposal

By Ruth N on 30 May 2024

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that he would reintroduce national service in the UK if re-elected. He believes this scheme would promote a "shared sense of purpose among our young people”, many of whom are currently studying at, or preparing to study at, university, and “a renewed sense of pride in our country," aiming to ensure that "people mix with people outside their bubble" for "community cohesion."1

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A Quick Guide to the General Election

By WilliamG on 28 May 2024

On Wednesday the 22nd of May Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made an announcement that the next UK general election will be taking place on the 4th of July 2024. This was unexpected for many and welcomed by many more. We have just under six weeks until the electorate will be able to vote for the people they want to represent them in the House of Commons. If this is your first time voting or taking part in a general election, then consider this a quick guide to what happens now.  

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Artists for Change from Church Action on Poverty

By SCM on 27 May 2024

If we ask you to imagine a meeting aimed at ending poverty, what comes to mind, and where are you? 

Perhaps you’re thinking of a gathering of professionals in a formal meeting room, discussing strategies and policies. (Exciting? No?) 

Perhaps you’re imagining something more dynamic and grounded in community: people bouncing ideas around and seeking to reclaim power.  

It’s maybe less likely you’re imaging yourself at an art exhibition, or a live gig, or a poetry reading. 

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Introduction to Political Theology

By WilliamG on 21 May 2024

Welcome to the new series from SCM, Christian Political Action. This is a series of podcasts, blogs and resources designed to equip you with the tools you need to discern what it means to be a politically active and engaged Christian. The series will explore everything from democracy to political parties, trade unions to mutual aid, political theology to non-violent direct action. The series includes a weekly podcast episode and accompanying blog with contributions from activists, theologians, and students. The first podcast episode was with Rev. Dr.

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