"Conversations around peace, reconciliation and redemption are theological. A religious conversation needs to be at the forefront."
This episode starts with a series of shorter conversations centred on different news stories.
The team begin with Andy Burnham’s address at Theos, where the Mayor of Manchester urged government to “do God”, highlighting how faith communities deliver vital social action. Yet Burnham’s own struggle with his Catholic upbringing prompts a wider conversation about the tension between valuing faith’s social impact and personally embracing it.
From there, discussion turns to Canterbury Cathedral’s controversial graffiti-style art installation that has sparked impassioned responses – even JD Vance, the vice president of the United States, has spoken up about it. The team discuss the buzz this story has created and share their opinions on the art itself.
Next, the conversation returns to Tommy Robinson and his current court case around his refusal to let police look at his phone. The team reflect on state power, digital privacy and the delicate balance between national security and civil liberty.
For the main bulk of the episode, the team discuss the hugely significant peace plan in the Middle East, which has brought the freeing of hostages and an end to the attacks in Gaza. Can this new agreement genuinely bring lasting peace or merely pause the conflict? The team wrestles with how Christians should pray, respond and engage in interfaith dialogue amid shifting allegiances, polarised opinions and a world weary of war. Stay tuned for the team’s bold predictions about the likelihood of Trump winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his involvement in the deal.
The episode finishes with a closing discussion about the rise of religious hate crimes in the UK and Sadiq Khan’s claim that “All beliefs are welcome” in London. Is that really the case? Do individuals of different faiths agree? How as Christians can we ensure the safety and respect of others despite huge difference in our beliefs?
The team bring biblical truth to these conversations, helping us as individuals and churches think about how we can respond to the biggest cultural and political stories of today.
We would love to hear from you – get in touch with us at cross.section@eauk.org to join the conversation.
