the death of popular culture

I have had a bit of a bonkers 10 days - full of Christmas cheer, popular culture and a viva that nearly tipped me over the edge.

I missed a lot of the run up to Christmas last year because I was caught up in jury service but this year I am getting the full hit of being a priest at Christmas-time. There is so much to do - and advent has been a lively spiritual challenge for me. I am loving the waiting for Christmas and all the lead up to it. That said there have been a few things that have been quite disturbing - The X-Factor for one. I am not sure I can express my disdain for it without rude words but I will have a go. I once thought it was as innocuous as karaoke but now think it is destructive. You know, dear reader, that I love popular culture and can usually find some worth in nearly any of it (even Miley Cyrus has her good points) but xfactor is a cruel twisted popular culture that is sucking the life out of everything that is good about music. It is a vampire draining the life-blood from young people's talent and leaving them with nice teeth, lovely hair, shining legs and a look of vanity. I want it to stop - with all my of my heart I want it to stop. I want our young people to come back and stop following the nasty child catchers into the little box. I want them to run free and make pop music that is about them and not about a strange middle aged man who likes everything to be pretty. So there...

I am a bit tense at the moment (can you tell). I had my PhD thesis viva last Friday and whilst I am not knocking my achievements I still have some more work to do on it...work that I am disappointed about really. They are asking me to shift my work away from my practice and more toward the theory that underpins it. Of course my theory is completely sound and the work they are asking me to do is perfectly reasonable but I am gutted that I didn't express the worth of the practice clearly enough to validate it. It's not the end of the world but I do have to spend some time digesting their comments and working out what my response will be in terms of the work. It shouldn't take me too long to sort it out but at the moment I am not sure where the time will come from. Some reflection and careful prayer about time management, stress and workloads will also need to be done.

Anyway, I hope you are enjoying advent and that your Christmas preparations are bringing you joy. Remember Jesus isn't just for Christmas and that when the heavens and the earth are reunited there will be salvation from xfactor and all bad things. Until then it is up to us to make this world a better place and fight against injustice (wherever we find it) and seek the Lord in all things good and worthy. Lets get to it.

international toilet day

everyday I get an email from Tear Fund with a daily prayer request. This was today's:

MAKE LIFE FLOW: 15 - 21 NOVEMBER

THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER
Today is World Toilet Day. As you use the toilet today,
imagine not having any privacy. Having to go in the open,
getting up early to avoid being seen, fearing attack in
isolated locations. Pray for all those who will face this
humiliation today. Pray for the work of Tearfund partners
as they help people to build pit-latrine toilets.

john pilger

in a speech to mark his award of Australia's human rights prize, the Sydney Peace Prize, John Pilger describes the "unique features" of a political silence in Australia. In it he said:

I believe the key to our self respect - and our legacy to the next generation - is the inclusion and reparation of the First Australians. In other words, justice. There is no mystery about what has to be done. The first step is a treaty that guarantees universal land rights and a proper share of the resources of this country.

Only then can we solve, together, issues of health, poverty, housing, education, employment. Only then can we feel a pride that comes not from flags and war. Only then can we become a truly independent nation able to speak out for sanity and justice in the world, and be heard.

If you would like to read the whole of this moving and compelling speech click here.

making mischief with the daily mail

...well they do ask for it don't they!!!?? If you have a few bored moments do have a go at today's stupid poll (scroll down to the bottom to find the poll) and mess up their statistics...

Don't worry they have one everyday so you'll never get bored countering their reactionary tripe.

hope not hate

If you blink you'll miss me but I am in this video just after Billy Bragg has spoken!




Do please join the Hope Not Hate campaign against the BNP.

A just peace on Israel's 60th anniversary

The number of people who have signed the The Declaration has risen and the signatories are an impressive group of people. If you are a church leader do please have a look and see if you might be able to sign it.

two things

I have been busy dealing with a migraine and writing an essay over the last 48hrs. Not a happy combination but 'thems the shakes'. I have managed to get a draft of the essay despite the headache and am now in a position to say that I have written all my Trinity college essays and only have an nasty exam to go.

So, just two pieces of action that you might like to engage with. The first is a Avaaz petition to the UN. I received this email from three people today and rather than sending it on I will print it here and you can take whatever action you feel appropriate:

I'm sure you've heard about the world food crisis in the news. Some 100 million people from the continent of Africa are likely to die of starvation if nothing is done. The UN have responded in part but more is needed. You can read a report here

If you want to sign a petition which will be given to G8, UN, and EU
leaders, then click this link.

This video is a Food crisis appeal from Sierra Leone foreign minister




------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The other is a pop related link. You can vote for your Most Musical City by choosing your favourite from the ten nominated cities on the Take it Away website. I voted for Liverpool (of course).

world turned upside down

Last night Mark, Bob, Sue and I went to see Billy Bragg. Reminded that I met Bob and Sue at a Billy Bragg gig 13 years ago - a benefit to safe the Picket, Liverpool (seems like we've been trying to save the Picket ever since!)... and that at another Billy Bragg gig in the same year I also re-met Mark. So, Billy Bragg has been an important catalyst in the making of our friendships. Anyway, we've all got a bit older and I am not sure how much wiser but we definitely still share the same desire to see the world turned upside down. Perhaps each of us has our own (different) reasons for sharing such a vision but it remains a significant topic of our conversations and a business of our endeavors. In my case I remain convinced that poverty and injustice prevent people from hearing the good news of the kingdom of God and that as the people of God we have an obligation to fight injustice at every level wherever we encounter it. This week we have been meditating on The Jesus Manifesto - a vision of the world changed forever (Matthew 5; Acts 17:1-9). Jesus' vision for the world turned upside down was one of the meek and the poor being inheritors and the the peacemakers being called children of God. The first will be last and the last will be first.

Anyway, I post this clip of Billy Bragg - his "World Turned Upside Down". A story of what happens when the dispossessed proclaim what is theirs.

Christian Socialist Movement, Virginia Water and purple/blue hair

I have to finish a book on the Christian Socialist Movement (CSM) today - its a personal pride thing - I decided last night that I can't go to see my Mum until it is read). I am really enjoying it actually. The book is called Possible Dreams: Personal History of the British Christian Socialists by Christopher Bryant. It is out of print but amazon has a few 2nd hand copies if you fancy it. I know I am a hopeless socialist romantic but reading about the history (albeit recalled by an equally hopeless socialist romantic) has warmed the cockles of my cold heart. I don't feel so oppressed by Liberation Theology (which was very sad and really not what my Latin American brothers had intended I am sure). I am just getting on with the long list of books I have to read and hoping for some sort of intellectual breakthrough (could be here some time then!).

Anyway, once that book is read I am off to the centre of suburban capitalism - Virginia Water. Not, unfortunately, to start the revolution but to see my Mum and collect Eva. I think I am going to stay for a few days to soak up the rays that reflect from the beautiful people and visit some old friends (quite literally as one of them is in her 90's). In order to create a stir I have dyed my hair purple/blue again - my mum thinks I do it to annoy her. I don't...but I have to admit it keeps me on my toes. Having blue hair in Virginia Water means that you get away with nothing and the suspicion of all falls on your shoulders.


If I don't get to a computer I guess I will be out of touch for a few days. Please pray for me that armed with my reading about Christian Socialism and liberation theology I don't try to single handedly start the revolution from the hight street Virginia Water. Unlikely though that sounds if one of those great big Mercedes cars comes too near me in my 'ickle Peugeot and doesn't indicate I may lose my temper and call the workers to revolt. Wish me luck.

Counter-Terrorism Bil

Today sees the second reading of the Counter-Terrorism Bill. The government wants to allow police to lock people up for six weeks without even charging them with an offence – a proposal that would undermine civil liberties, damage community relations and have a seriously damaging effect on any individuals who were affected.

Amnesty is asking people to sign the “Not a day longer” e-petition calling on the government to abandon plans to extend the time for which police can hold terrorism suspects without charge.

The petition is on the No.10 website

If you are on facebook you can join the NOT A DAY LONGER! group

darkness

How did you find Earth Hour? It was very strange at our house because Saturday evening TV was dominating so to have to and all the lights turned off it was at first quite eerie. Not unpleasant - just odd! Becky was round and despite the fact Eva had a bath run she didn't get in it because she was scared of the dark. So we all sat around with the candles glowing in the living room and told stories and jokes. We really had a great time chatting - it was like the olden days!

None of us got up early enough to get to church this morning. The clocks changing always flummoxes me. Even when I don't forget (I didn't this year though the last 2 years have been a bit embarrassing as I have turned up for church late). This year I just didn't wake up. This will be a serious matter next year as I will have official duties so this really has to be the last time I mess the clock change timing up!!!!! Mark has been for a run and we are just about to have 2nd breakfast. Then a walk about the park (it is a lovely day) and that's about the plan really.

earth hour

Get your candles out. Tonight at 8pm we must all turn the lights out (and unplug every electrical item) for an hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming. Earth Hour is orgainised by WWF. Google have more information - click here.

Gordon Brown will meet the Dalai Lama

I'm not saying that my signing the petition made all the difference but the fact that so many of us did must surely have had an impact - According to the BBC he is going to meet him in London in May.

It has not been a peaceful week in China particularly in Tibet where we read in the same BBC report that: "More than 100 people have turned themselves in to police following anti-China riots in Tibet's main city, Lhasa, Chinese state media have said."

My prayers for peace go out to all of those who have been affected on all sides by this latest protest.

Petition the Prime Minister to meet the Dalai Lama in May 2008

I heard the Dalai Lama speak at the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool a few years back and was impressed by his loving and gentle call for peace and reconciliation. We have to remember that this man has been exiled from his own country for nearly 50 years. Recent documentaries have reminded us of the situation in Tibet. I wonder if I might interest you in signing a petition to encourage the prime minister to meet with the Dalai lama in May. The petition has been signed by over 5,000 people - perhaps this quotation might encourage you...

"For once there is good news for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet.

Since 1959 world leaders have not met with His Holiness publicly because the Chinese Government makes scary threatening phone calls and warns the country concerned that they consider meeting H.H. 'interference in Chinese domestic affair' and that HH is a 'dangerous splittist, terrorist, separatist etc' And for years every country in the world has been scared and done as China demands in order to safeguard their relations and economic interests.

But this year, in the run up to the Olympics, some world Governments have said 'Actually no - HH is talking about non-violence, peace, human rights and reconciliation and we think it's time you listened to him.'

The German Chancellor met him publicly, then Australia and Austria, then the US gave him the Congressional Gold Medal (for more info on this and for links to watch his acceptance speech see the latest blog onwww.isabellosada.com) Canada is expected to be next.

Britain, of course, lags behind. To our shame, Blair refused to meet the Dalai Lama in 2004 and instead rolled out the red carpet, literally, forthe Chinese visit. Gordon Brown now has an opportunity to show that he has more guts. Next year, His Holiness will visit Britain again. It is time that the UK joined those countries showing support for His Holiness. Obviously it is in China's best interests to allow The Dalai Lama back into Tibet and to grant Tibet genuine autonomy."

Isabel Losada, author of 'For Tibet,With Love' and 'A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World'

Please sign the petition to the Prime Minister to make an official announcement that he will meet with the Dalai Lama when he visits the UK in May 2008. - on the No 10 petition page.

Those of you on facebook there is a group (of the same name) that you can join to show your support. The quotation here was taken from this group.

Amnesty - urgent action required

I have just heard from Amnesty asking me to place this request on my blog. Please respond if you feel you are able.

18-year-old Behnam Zare' is at risk of imminent execution for a murder committed when he was 15 years old. Iran remains one of just a handful of countries that continue to execute child offenders – people under 18 years old at the time of their crime, despite its obligations under international law.



Update

Child offender Behnam Zare' is now facing execution within 72 hours. The order to carry out his execution has been sent to the prison where he is held. If you feel able to protest against the execution of this young man please do so through the Amnesty website (please note: you do not have to be a member of Amnesty to register your request)

nativity

Elise and I watched the Liverpool nativity again last night and found it very emotional experience the 2nd time around. There was something about the grounded way they told the story - with all it's impossibleness, confusion, pain and unlikely heroes. It is a challenge to keep telling this story in a way that refreshes us to not just what happened but more importantly why it happened. I think the Liverpool Nativity succeeded in reminding us why this story is still relevant:

God intervened in our world not so powerful people could get what they want but so those who are running scared, who have nowhere to stay, who are not welcome, who are living outside the comfort of society, they get a chance to get what they need. In Jesus we all have a small child full of hope. So, at Christmas we tell this story and remember that the baby Jesus was born in very humble circumstances, had a precarious start to life, was an asylum seeker - a refugee. But his birth was the start of new hope for the whole world.

But I wonder who is listening to this story? Do we like to keep Jesus wrapped up in swaddling clothes, a baby saviour is safer than one that grows up, heals people, challenges society and dies a bloody and shameful death as a common criminal. I wonder if some of us like the baby Jesus more than the grown up one?

I have been sent a few other nativity scenes this year. Each reminding us of other aspects of this story and the twenty first century applications.

The Glasgow Nativity














Walled Nativity, distributed by the Amos Trust - A nativity set with a difference - this year the wise men won't get to the stable.

Poignant, ironic and made in Bethlehem.
Apart from a small administration fee takings go to the manufacturers we work with in Bethlehem.










There has been quite a lot of blogging interest in these modern nativities - Cramner takes a political view; The Cartoon Church leaves it to others to have their say; John Davies has a local view; Steve B incorporates his own advent meditations into his response.

I took part in St Peter's carol service yesterday and despite some family irritations (can't be bothered to even raise them again here) we had a lovely Sunday as the family gathered to watch films, eat and chill out. Mark is at the Amnesty bookshop doing his last volunteer of the year, I am in bed, Mum is making angels with Eva and Elise is watching tv. All is well in the Loudon house. Our own imperfect nativity is set.

Help Amnesty stop UK government attempts to lock people up for six weeks without charge!

Amnesty International needs your support for a new campaign called - Not a Day Longer – to stop the government extending pre-charge detention limits yet further and undermining basic human rights.

We’re asking people to sign an e-petition on the Number 10 website stating their opposition, which 600 have signed up to already (and it only went up on Friday).

Sunny Hundal’s leading the bloggers’ charge over at Liberal Conspiracy – the campaign page is here - while Frank Dobson is reportedly doing the same in parliament.

The UK government seems determined to give the Home Secretary the draconian power to lock people up for 42 days – that’s six weeks – without even charging them. Given that the current limit of 28 days pre-charge detention for terrorism suspects is already longer than in any other common law country and is an unacceptable ‘special measure’ that has to be renewed by parliament every year, this new attempt is outrageous.


1. UNDERMINES one of our most basic rights, enshrined in UK law as far back as Magna Carta and now at the heart of the European Convention on Human Rights, to which UK is a signatory: the right for anyone who is detained by the state to be told promptly why they are being held and what they are charged with.

2. COMMUNITY relations will suffer if the Muslim community appears to be particularly targeted for prolonged pre-charge detention. This could have an impact on intelligence gathering and policing, and could undermine positive efforts to engage with Muslims in the UK.

3. IMPACT on any individuals detained for such a long time – in terms of their job, family, house, friendships and relationships within their community – would be devastating.

4. QUESTIONED widely by experts – Lord Goldsmith (former Attorney General), Stella Rimington (former MI5 Chief), Sir Ken Macdonald (Director of Public Prosecutions and head of the Crown Prosecution Service) and parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights.

5. UNDERMINES presumption of innocence –Two months in prison is roughly equivalent to the length of time someone might serve in prison for assault. Lengthy pre-charge detention would impose what is in effect a ‘sentence’ of two months on somebody who may never be charged with any crime.

6. UK ALREADY has by far the longest pre-charge detention period for offences related to terrorism of any common law state.

7. INTERNATIONAL STANDING – it is much harder for the UK to criticise the human rights records of other countries that lock people up without charge when we are doing so at home. This measure would give other countries a ‘green light’ to curtail civil liberties.

8. HISTORY – from Northern Ireland and Amnesty’s experience all over the world - shows that locking people up without charge doesn’t work.

9. STATEMENTS obtained from suspects could be deemed inadmissible at trial if detention conditions are considered to be unduly harsh.

10. SAFEGUARDS discussed are insufficient – the kind of judicial oversight proposed is in no way the same as charging someone and giving them the chance to defend themselves in a fair trial.

This is a pressing issue - the Home Affairs Select Committe were quizzing Jacqui Smith about it today, politicians are discussing it now and the vote will be early next year. I hope you can help us ensure that this measure doesn't get through.

harvest

This weekend is St Peter's, Lawrence Western harvest supper (which was tonight) and Harvest Sunday service (tomorrow). Many Trinity people have gone to the New Forest for the Trinity College weekend away but I thought I should stay here to help with St Peter's stuff. I am very pleased I did because I have met some really amazing people today who are doing volunteer work at the Rock (the community centre that is next to the church). I was very impressed with the amount of work they put in to doing events for the older people in Lawrence Western - particularly providing lunches and special dinners such as today's harvest supper. Though I am not sure it would be appreciated by anyone outside their age group it was great to see them having such a good time together. This is one of the biggest issues for the church community there - the people who go have known each other for 40-50 years, they are a tight group, they have particular ways of doing things - how will new people fit into this? How will new things happen? How will younger people or families fit into their patterns? Anyway, I am not full up with quiche, potatoes and ham as well as apple pie and chocolate swiss roll. So, I am happy enough. But cakes and chitter chatter doesn't appeal to everyone.

I have put Eva to bed and am thinking about going to my bed myself. Mark is away in Wales with Lisa and Aide - they have been up a mountain! Elise is off out with her new boyfriend - Wayne. So, I don't have to be awake to talk to anyone. I have to be up for church at 9.30am so I should really get an early night to my body feels like it has had a lie in. I have the paper to read and a chapter in the Lawrence Western local history book to finish. So, that'll send me off nicely.




If you don't know who to give your harvest offering to this year can I suggest Farm Africa. FARM-Africa is an international non-governmental organisation that aims to reduce poverty in eastern and South Africa. They work in partnership with marginal farmers and herders, helping them to manage their natural resources more effectively and build sustainable livelihoods on their land.

Burma crisis

You may well have heard the news today about the concern for Buddhist monks who appear to have gone missing in Burma. It seems that the situation may have gotten a lot worse than we thought. Amnesty have released this press statement. If you can take a moment to take this action then please do.

bristol half marathon

Don't be alarmed I am not going to run the Bristol half marathon on . Never will that happen. I am built for comfort not speed. Mark on the other hand is honing a finely tuned running body and is going to attempt it. I am so impressed and really pleased for him. Since we arrived in Bristol Mark has been determined to get fit and this really is the proof.

The event takes place on Sunday 9 September 2007 so Mark is stepping up his training regime. He is going to run for a charity called Motivation , their website describes their work:
Motivation is an international disability and development charity working in low-income countries to enhance the quality of life of people with mobility disabilities. Our programmes aim to improve opportunities by positively impacting on disabled people's physical, social and economic situation to enable their full participation in society.

Mobility is an essential human right that enables people to achieve inclusion in all aspects of life. Motivation works in partnership with a range of organisations - from grassroots disability groups to national governments and international actors - to ensure that local people and organisations have the skills to meet the needs of disabled people in their communities and to affect positive lasting change.

He needs sponsors and support so please do contact him if you can spare some money. Also, if you would like to run give him a shout because the charity still has places. I will be going to provide moral support and after run cakes so do let me know if you woud like to join me as a spectator.