"If the church can’t speak peace into moments like this, when fear and suspicion are rising, then what are we for? We’re not called to hide behind the walls of our institutions."
In this episode of Cross Section, the team dives into a wide-ranging conversation that weaves together faith, current events and culture. The discussion opens with a cultural and political news round up. Danny Webster shares his thoughts on the new Taylor Swift album (spoiler, he was disappointed) and they chat about Steven Bartlett’s (Diary of a CEO) recent thoughts on faith. You can listen to his podcast episode discussing faith and atheism here.
The conversation then turns to the horrifying attack at the synagogue in Manchester. The team reflect on the grief and shock of this story and the fact that for many Jewish communities, the threat of violence is not an exception but a lived reality. They explore how synagogues routinely operate under tight security, and how that should challenge Christians to consider what “freedom of worship” truly means in the UK today.
The team then reflect on the anniversary of the October 7th attacks and bring the reminder that when we don’t know what to say, we can pray. They point to a prayer written by David Smyth as we think about all that has happened in Israel and Gaza over the last two years.
Turning to UK politics, the team analyses the latest developments from the Conservative Party conference, noting the shifting dynamics in British politics and the rise of alternative parties. For the first time, the party conference feels less relevant and is barely even making the headlines. Will there be a Conservative Party conference as we know it next year? They also touch on the Green Party conference and the evolving political spectrum, highlighting the complexity and unpredictability of the current landscape.
A significant portion of the episode is devoted to the announcement of Dame Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. The hosts discuss the theological, cultural and institutional implications of this historic appointment, sharing a range of perspectives and talking about what it means for the Church of England and the wider Christian community. The team helpfully unpick how we can respond and pray when we might not agree with all her views. If you are feeling conflicted and confused, we hope you find this conversation helpful as you process the update. Dame Sarah Mullally will start in this role in January and be installed in March.
The episode closes with a prayer for peace and reconciliation, inviting listeners to join in reflection.
We would love to engage with you and hear your thoughts or encouraging stories about people discussing faith. You can find us on the main social media platforms and email us at cross.section@eauk.org.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:37 – Taylor Swift album review
02:31 – Steven Bartlett’s comments about faith
06:32 – Manchester synagogue attack and security in worship
09:29 – Social cohesion and the role of the church
13:11 – October 7th attacks: anniversary and impact
17:23 – Conservative Party conference analysis
28:22 – New Archbishop of Canterbury
41:54 – Closing thoughts and prayer
