Politics in the Pulpit

Join our host Alex Clare-Young for the final episode of the season as they speak to Father Angus Ritchie and Simeon Mitchell to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday 20th July. Drawing on the lectionary readings: Father Angus Ritchie is the director of the Centre for Theology and Community, which supports churches in their engagement in community organising. An Anglican priest, he has served in east London parishes since 1998, and his books include Inclusive Populism: Creating Citizens in the Global Age. ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

Join our host Alex Clare-Young as they welcome Dr Frances Clemson and Roo Stewart to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 13th July. This week’s discussion draws upon the following lectionary readings: Dr Frances Clemson is Christian Aid's Faith Communications Specialist. In this role she works with churches and communities across the UK and with Christian Aid's partners around the world, exploring how and why our faith compels us to take action on poverty and injustice. Prior to joining Christian Aid in 2023, Frances was Assistant Professor in Theology and Ministry at Durham University. In this role she worked on the Common Awards partnership - the national framework that supports the academic components of ministry training in a range of UK churches. Her theological interests include embodiment, justice, and the arts, particularly drama. Her PhD was on theologies enacted in mid-twentieth century drama, particularly plays by Dorothy L. Sayers. Relevant dates and links: Climate Coalition mass lobby – Join the Mass Lobby of Parliament on the 9th of July, organised by the Climate Coalition – JPIT and Christian Aid will be around! Mass Lobby 2025 - The Climate Coalition Beckley lecture - watch “Whiteness is the Sea, not the shark” with Anthony Reddie here: https://youtu.be/MTrl9eL2ymI?si=t1aHOuslGGW-Ho5S To find out more about the Consituency Action Network head to: https://jpit.uk/can Find the reimagined version of When i needed a neighbour from Christian Aid here: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/news/about-us/when-i-needed-neighbour-reimagined#listen ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young talks to Molly Boot and Roo Stewart to ask the provocative question of how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 6th July. Their discussion draws upon the Lectionary, this week being: - Isaiah 66:10-14 - The Worship God Demands - Galatians 6:1-16 - Bear One Another’s Burdens - Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 - The Mission of the Seventy Revd. Molly Boot is a theologian, musician and priest, currently based in rural Gloucestershire. They’re very enthusiastic about a lot of things, including music, prayer, LGBTQ+ liberation, and the stranger corners of medieval church history. ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young is joined by Mel Beaven and Paul Morrison to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching, drawing upon the Lectionary: 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-25 and Luke 9:51-62. Mel Beaven is a Methodist Deacon and lives in Birmingham. Since 2020, she has been a tutor at The Queen’s Foundation, teaching Pastoral Theology, Mission & Evangelism and Leadership in Social Justice. She is a PhD student at the Institute for Christian Social Practice, Heidelberg University, Germany, researching approaches to diaconal training. In September 2025, Mel will leave Queen’s to take up the role of Director of Discipleship within the Evangelism & Growth Team. Find out more about our conference here: https://jpit.uk/conference Find out more about our Constituency Action Network here: https://jpit.uk/can ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young is joined by Jennifer Smith and Steve Tinning to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 22nd of June, drawing upon the Lectionary: Jennifer Smith is a Methodist Minister serving as Superintendent of Wesley's Chapel and Leysian Mission, the London church opened in 1778 for John Wesley, founder of Methodism. An Honorary Canon of St Paul's Cathedral in London and a US citizen, she is a regular contributor to BBC religious broadcasting and a widely invited speaker and preacher. ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or join our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young is joined by Jo Clare-Young and Paul Morrison to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching for Trinity Sunday, drawing upon the lectionary: Proverbs 8:1-4,22-31 (The Gifts of Wisdom), Romans 5:1-5 (Results of Justification) and John 16:12-15 (The Work of the Spirit). Jo Clare-Young is a minister ordained in the URC tradition, a member of the Iona Community. She currently spend her days navigating around Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire Essex and a tiny bit of Hartfordshire , serving the 105 churches of the Urc’s Eastern Synod providing training and resourcing for mission. ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young talks to Fiona MacMillan and Florence Wright to ask the provocative question of how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 8th June. Their discussion draws upon the lectionary, this week being: Genesis 11:1-9 (The Tower of Babel), Acts 2:1-21 (The Coming of the Holy Spirit) and John 14:8-17 & 25-27 (The Promise of the Holy Spirit). Our guest, Fiona, is a disabled and neurodivergent practitioner, advocate, speaker and writer exploring disability, faith and questions of social justice. She is chair of St Martin in the Fields Disability Advisory Group, an Inclusive Church trustee and the planning lead for an annual disability theology conference. She is a member Church of England's General Synod and the contemplative Nazareth Community, and is a keen knitter of hats. For more information on WAVE for change visit here: https://www.wave-for-change.org.uk/ For more about Tax Justice Sunday visit here: https://justmoney.org.uk/tax-justice-sunday/ ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young is joined by Graham McGeoch and Florence Wright (JPIT Intern) to discuss how politics could appear in our preaching. They draw upon the lectionary: Acts 16:16-34 (Paul and Silas in Prison), Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 Epilogue and Benediction) and John 17:20-26 (Jesus Prays for His Disciples). Graham McGeoch works for the Council for World Mission. He taught Theology & Religious Studies at a small university in Vitoria, Brazil and is visiting Professor at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young talks to Gary Hall and Steve Hucklesby to ask the provocative question of how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 25th of May. Their discussion draws upon the lectionary: Acts 16:9-15 (The Conversion of Lydia), Revelation 21:10,22–22:5 (Vision of the New Jerusalem / The River of Life) and John 14:23-29 (The Promise of the Holy Spirit). Gary is a Methodist presbyter serving at the Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham, and soon to be Superintendent Minister of the Hidden River circuit. Do look at our blog at: https://jpit.uk/whats-new/blog ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

Alex Clare-Young and Roo Stewart speak to our guest this week, Alison Webster. They discuss this week's lectionary readings: Acts 11:1-18 (Peter’s Report to the Church at Jerusalem), Revelation 21:1-6 (The New Heaven and the New Earth), and John 13:31-35 (The New Commandment). Alison is General Secretary of Modern Church and Mission Theologian in Residence at Citizens UK, the Community Organising Charity. She was, for many years, Deputy Director of Mission (Social Justice) at the Diocese of Oxford. She has written widely on issues of sexuality, wellbeing and identity. Most recently ‘Found Out: Trangressive Faith and Sexuality’. Alex Roo and Alison discuss themes of inclusion, community organising, listening to the most vulnerable and our ultimate commandment to love others. Sign up for the next Constituency Action Network (CAN) Webinar here: https://jpit.uk/can-webinars In this webinar we will be discussing community organising practices further, (looking at how churches can build relationships with each other) with Kerry Scarlett, Faith-Rooted Community Organising Officer at the Methodist Church. ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week our host Alex Clare-Young talks to Sam Wells and Paul Morrison to ask the provocative question of how politics could appear in our preaching for Sunday the 11th of May. Their discussion draws upon the lectionary, this week being: Acts 9:36-43 (Peter and Dorcas or Tabitha), Revelation 7:9-17 (The Multitude from Every Nation) and John 10:22-30 (Jesus is Rejected). Our guest this week, Sam Wells, speaks, preaches and broadcasts on a range of pastoral, political and theological issues. He has been Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, London, since 2012 and is also Visiting Professor of Christian Ethics at King’s College London. Sam has served as a parish priest for 27 years–10 of those in urban priority areas; and also spent 7 years in North Carolina, where he was Dean of Duke University Chapel. Samhas published 47 booksand the most recent is ‘Constructing an Incarnational Theology.’ ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

Politics in the Pulpit is back after a short break! This season is hosted by Alex Clare-Young, JPIT’s new Campaigns and Churches Officer. This week we have Simon Cross helping us discuss the lectionary for Sunday the 4th of May from a faith and politics perspective, looking at Acts 9:1-20 (The Conversion of Saul), Revelation 5:11-14 (The Scroll and the Lamb) and John 21:1-19 (Jesus Appears to the Seven Disciples). Simon Cross is a minister in the United Reformed Church, based in East Yorkshire. He is the chair of the Progressive Christianity Network (Britain) and is a writer and activist. We are also joined by Simeon Mitchell, head of the JPIT team. ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200/

This week we have Revd Roy Searle helping us discuss the lectionary for Sunday the 23rd of March from a faith and politics perspective, looking at Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9. JPIT’s Steve Hucklesby also joins this conversation with Clare Williams as our host. They discuss the importance of remembering God as the source of life amidst injustice and leaning into the prophetic. Alongside they consider how to balance this with living out a life of seeking justice, showing a positive alternative story as ambassadors for Gods Kingdom. Roy is a passionate preacher and former president of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and founder of the Northumbria community, dedicated to loving God, our neighbours, and the planet. He joins JPIT’s Steve Hucklesby and host Clare Williams to discuss God as the source of life amid injustice and how to seek justice as ambassadors for God's Kingdom. https://www.northumbriacommunity.org You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at / jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host Clare Williams and JPIT Team member Paul Morrison, chat to Revd David Mayne. David Mayne is a a previous host of politics in the pulpit and Regional Minister Team Leader for the Eastern Baptist Association, supporting 170 Baptist churches in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Dave is Essex born and bred, and his work has consistently focused on topics of justice and inclusion particularly in relation to gender, economics and sexuality. Clare, Paul and David discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th March, which are: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35 or Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a) ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at / jointpublicissues Please note this episode has been recorded a week in advance!

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our guest host and JPIT Team Leader, Simeon Mitchell, chats to William Gibson. William Gibson is a candidate for ministry in the Church of Scotland and PhD student at the University of Glasgow researching secularisation, mission and the Church of Scotland in the 1960s. Prior to this William worked as the Student Christian Movement’s theology and resources project worker and hosted their podcast for two seasons, discussing Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life and theology as well as Christian political action. Simeon and William discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th March, which are: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to Cathy Bird. They are joined by Florence Wright, another member of the JPIT team. Cathy is a Methodist Minister, currently with permission to serve the Congregational Church. She is minister at Union Chapel, in the Highbury area of London; Union Chapel, as well as being known as a leading performance venue, is also a community of Christians of diverse backgrounds who are committed to living lives that are spiritual, sustainable and responsive to the Gospel’s prophetic call for justice and peace. Cathy has served her ministry mainly in London - in Tottenham, Kings Cross and Hackney - although was more recently in Stockport in Greater Manchester. She has a heart for ministry on and with the margins and is the author of ‘The Divine Heart of Darkness’ published in 2017. She also serves as a mediation practitioner with Place For Hope and is a supervisor, coach and spiritual director. Clare, Cathy and Florence discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd March, which are: Exodus 34:29-35 - Psalm 99 - 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 - Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a) ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to JPIT member Florence Wright. They are joined by Aoife Wright, another member of the JPIT team. Florence brings a strong background in environmental justice and student activism, having been actively involved with ‘Just Love,’ a Christian student social justice society at Durham University. She is deeply committed to the intersection of faith and politics and is eager to inspire Christians to embrace the call to pursue justice. She is also keen to contribute to the development of the newly launched Constituency Action Network and is excited to support its growth. Clare, Florence and Aoife discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 16th February, which are: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 and Luke 6:17-26. Get involved with the Constituency Action Network here: jpit.uk/can ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to Hannah Fremont Brown. They are joined by Roo Stewart, a member of the JPIT team. Hannah coordinates Let’s End Poverty, a movement of people united behind a vision of the future where poverty can’t keep anyone down. She is passionate about supporting churches and Christians to campaign and walk alongside our communities for justice. She is a member of Hinde Street Methodist Church, and currently completing an MA in Theology, Mission and Ministry. Clare, Hannah and Roo discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 9th February, which are: Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13), Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 and Luke 5:1-11 ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to Jeronne Rudder. They are joined by Steve Tinning, a member of the JPIT team. Jeronne is a pastor, theologian, speaker, and all-around Bible nerd who is passionate about seeing people live lives shaped by love and justice. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in theology, he brings a deep well of knowledge and insight to his work. Jeronne is the founder of Uhambo The Journey, an online video Bible study resource aimed at helping individuals and churches understand the Bible for themselves. His mission is to empower people to become confident followers of Jesus, bringing ancient truths to life and applying them to modern-day situations. In addition to his work with Uhambo The Journey, Jeronne is also a team member of Sankofa Collective, an ecumenical racial justice and reconciliation community for Christians. Clare, Jeronne and Steve discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd February, which are: Jeremiah 1:4-10 - Psalm 71:1-6 - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - Luke 4:21-30 ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues

In this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our host, Clare Williams, chats to Tom Price. They are joined by Aoife Wright, a member of the JPIT team. Tom Price studied Philosophy at university and later completed an MA in Christian Apologetics, and is currently undertaking doctoral research in theology, philosophy and film. In recent years Tom has spoken to all kinds of audiences – at various levels of questioning – in different countries. In the UK, he has worked with well known conferences, organisations and media outlets. He was previously the Founding Editor of UCCF’s website www.bethinking.org, and more recently he has created www.beliefmapping.com (a worldview survey and analysis system). Tom has expertise and experience in outreach, mission, apologetics, cultural engagement, film, theology and discipleship. He is passionate about philosophy and theology that fundamentally takes people seriously, values the individual and engages with the serious questions and objections they may have about life and religious beliefs. Tom is married to Caroline, has three kids, and they live in Oxford. Clare, Tom and Aoife discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th January, which are: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues