God is in the songs we play, and in the silence in between. He is in both the roar and the stillness of the crowd. Whatever force that is, whatever energy, God remains an enigma to me — a mystery to which I bow my head — in worship, yes, but in the most profound gratitude
Nick Cave, The Red Hand Files, 27 May
I walked into a church in 1989 in Holborn in London as a hostile, critical, weary unbeliever and I came out a participant
Richard Coles, interview in The Times, 27 May
The Church’s problem is that renewal must be rooted in ritual, but the two main ritual styles are too partisan and too divisive. So the Church reverts to its comfort zone: a mix of reined-in high, and reined-in low
Theo Hobson, The Spectator, 25 May
I was brought up in a tiny hamlet in Wiltshire, so I’m passionate about rural life and work. The church is sometimes the only public building in a village, and I’ve always wanted them to be unlocked and open for visitors. They can also be great places for village meetings and events, as well as providing worship. We are fortunate to have some wonderful examples of how village churches are at the centre of their local community
Alan Smith, the Bishop of St Albans, interview in the St Albans Times, 23 May
As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free! Members of the House of Commons, you will be asked to appropriate the funds to carry out the services and expenditures authorized by Parliament. May you honour the profound trust bestowed upon you by Canadians, and may God bless and guide you in all your duties
The King’s Throne Speech to the Parliament of Canada, 27 May
As the Genesis creation stories remind us, God created humanity in the image of God and our worth is in our very existence, not in what we do
Paula Gooder, Thought for the Day, Radio 4, 27 May
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