News

Do you believe in God?

Julian of Norwich

Day 3 of #MonthOfMinistry A big question. The short answer is “no”; a longer answer depends on (1) what do you mean by “God”? and (2) what do you mean by “believe”? Of course, this is a really big deal for many religious people, particularly many Christians and Muslims, for whom belief in God is … Read more

Head for the hills! A Scottish elopement wedding

Glencoe wedding (photo: Bernadeta Kupiec, https://bernadetakupiec.co.uk

It’s becoming very popular these days for couples to choose an “elopement” wedding, in one of the many picturesque, romantic and wild locations that Scotland abounds with. Nowadays, elopement doesn’t (necessarily) mean that you run away because your parents don’t approve of your marriage or your choice of partner. It’s just that you choose to … Read more

What is an Interfaith Minister?

Day 2 of #MonthOfMinistry I’m one of a group of people called “interfaith ministers” who have trained with the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. We’re all very different, and our spiritual practice, and what we do that we call “ministry” covers a very wide range. What we have in common, I think, is a motivation to look … Read more

This is me

Chris does a headstand on the beach

February is #MonthOfMinistry, the month when OneSpirit Interfaith ministers get to post each day following a series of prompts. It’s a chance for us to share and explain more about ourselves, our beliefs, and what we actually do under this strange label of “ministry” A big thanks to fellow ministers Jo Royle and Sass Adams … Read more

A DIY funeral for a peace activist

Brian's homemade coffin

Last summer I had a call from my friend Brian, to ask if I would help to plan his funeral. He had been living with cancer for several years, but now no more treatment was possible, and he was facing death with his typical courage and resilience. Brian and I had first met in November … Read more

Noctiluca scintillans

Noctiluca scintillans

Fire in the dark, sparks fly up.
Kai! Kai! – Eat! Eat!
Handfuls of rice, an offering to the Protector spirits of this place.

Tiny luminous dinoflagellates, doing what they must do.

Creation story

No one saw how it began.

Before (if it was a before), there was neither non-existence nor existence, time nor space. We can still see the traces, the echoes, of when time and space became, in a sudden outpouring from emptiness.

Cressida, the Tidal Octopus

Cressida the Tidal Octopus

Hail to thee, Cressida! Great eight-limbed cephalopod, dweller in the brine and guardian of our tidal streams.

Have mercy on us poor swimmers, guide us through your ebbs and flows, that we may be welcomed in the embrace of the constant ocean.

The change I’d like to see in the world

Support the right to refuse to kill

#MonthofMinistry Day 8: The change I’d like to see in the world Oh, there are so many things I could say here! Anything and everything that helps humans change from being motivated by greed and fear, and more towards loving and caring, justice and peace, and helping preserve our delicate, lovely world. This image is … Read more

Who do I work with?

Aerial view of the queue for the Eiffel Tower

#MonthofMinistry Day 7: Who I work with &/or who I do not work with I’m open to working with anyone who feels drawn to what I offer, and I doubt that I’d say no to anyone who is interested enough in what I offer to approach me. But I particularly like working with people who … Read more