-
Youse are the Salt of the Earth – sermon preached 9 February 2020
In the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. I seem to have reached a particular age. I seem to have reached the particular age which is that whenever I got to the doctor about anything I come out with a prescription for another regular medicine and an instruction to give something up. Red…
-
Five Thoughts On Losing Elections (and a referendum)
Everyone has their own speciality. Mine is losing elections. It seems to have become a primary passtime. More than a hobby, less than a national identity but part of who I am. I’ve lost elections in school, university, the church and civic society. I’ve not become president of my College student association, nor a Member…
-
Predictions for 2020
Scotland will not vote for Independence in 2020 No progress for those hoping for Equal Marriage in the Church of England. Narrow Democrat victory in American election – country as divided as ever – widespread belief that the election was rigged. Scottish government proposals on reforming the Gender Recognition Act go through largely as proposed…
-
Last year’s predictions – how did I do?
The UK will begin leaving the EU on 29 March 2019. It will take 10 years to leave, 10 years for it to be evident to the whole country how stupid it was and 10 years to get back in, with none of our current special measures. (Hope this prediction doesn’t come to pass but…
-
Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance 2019
Earlier this year, someone was convicted in Glasgow Sheriff Court of sending me threatening and abusive messages. The offence was found to be aggravated by prejudice related to both sexual orientation and transgender identity. Someone had threatened my life, and my own association and support for trans people was one of the reasons for the…
-
What was the worst sermon you ever heard?
In the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. I was at a clergy conference some years ago down in England. At the end of the evening meal one evening, someone suddenly said, “what is the most stupid prayer you ever heard”. And I have to say that there then followed a very funny…
-
Sermon for Oliver Brewer-Lennon – 27 October 2019
In the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Oliver! The time has come! The removal van has departed. You told me this week that you can see the floor in every room in the flat. And you spoke as though that was your greatest ever achievement. After what seemed to take forever: advertising…
-
How Awesome is this Place – sermon preached for Dedication Sunday 2019
How awesome is this place! In the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. How awesome is this place – it is none other than the house of God and this is the gate of heaven. Now Jacob was on the move. He wasn’t at home when he had that dream about Jacob’s ladder.…
-
Tosca Review – Scottish Opera 16 October 2019 – ****
If the fascists came to power, how far would you go to stand up to them? Would you save a prisoner on the run? Would you betray a friend? Would you be prepared to die for love? Scottish Opera’s endlessly revived production of Tosca asks all these questions and more. Thirty nine years ago, almost…
-
Sermon – Reading the Signs of the Times
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. One of the nicest things that I’ve been at this week was the annual dinner that the Shia Muslim community put on to celebrate Eid-al-adha. The festival of the sacrifice. Islam has the same story that Christians and…