Ekklesia | Columns | The Savi Hensman Column

Remembering a warrior who became a peacemaker

Savi Hensman — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:19:31 +0000

Martin of Tours was a soldier who became a Christian champion of peace, and his Saint's day is 11 November, the same as Armistice Day, says Savi Hensman. Here is someone who can model for us what Remembrance should be about.

Anti-gay bill tests core Christian witness

Savi Hensman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:48:02 +0000

What Christians do, or fail to do, regarding the abusive new anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda will affect their ability to witness to a God who does not abandon the abused and exploited, says Savi Hensman.

Setting all God’s people free

Savi Hensman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:35:01 +0000

The whole people of God, including the clergy, are part of a living church present in communities throughout the world, says Savi Hensman. But the centrality of an empowered laity to a liberating faith can often be lost amidst debilitating church squabbles.

Care and control at life's end

Savi Hensman — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:03:15 +0100

It is disappointing, says Savi Hensman, that so many people who are passionate about the assisted dying debate (whether for or against legalisation) do not seem nearly as concerned to tackle violations of dignity which can be prevented at present.

Conservatives or radicals?

Savi Hensman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:24:56 +0100

Regarding people as good or bad simply on the basis of religion or ideology is risky, says Savi Hensman. Similarly, those who call themselves conservatives are often advocating radical change.

Keeping the flame of solidarity alive

Savi Hensman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:14:06 +0100

Acts of solidarity can offer opportunities for growth, to connect at a deeper level not only with other humans but also with the divine, says Savi Hensman, drawing upon recent events and biblical wisdom.

An uncertain future for Sri Lanka

Savi Hensman — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:00:03 +0100

The war in Sri Lanka is over, say the headlines. Savitri Hensman, a native of the troubled land who now lives in Britain, offers a more complex account of the continuing struggle for peace with justice.

US Anglicans forty years after Stonewall

Savi Hensman — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:37:40 +0100

The Stonewall riots in June 1969 in New York helped to transform society in the USA and beyond, says Savi Hensman. The General Convention of the Episcopal Church in July 2009 is far more sedate, but the issues facing Christians of all traditions are profound.

Honouring members of the armed forces

Savi Hensman — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:14:33 +0100

Armed Forces Day will be celebrated in the UK for the first time on 27 June 2009. Savi Hensman asks whether the government's rhetoric is matched by reality.

Will Anglicans learn the lessons of Jamaica?

Savi Hensman — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:45:59 +0100

The Anglican Consultative Council has been meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, writes Savi Hensman. But when will Christians really learn the harsh lessons about how hatred and homophobia are inimical to the Gospel?

Holding onto hope for Sri Lanka

Savi Hensman — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:07:02 +0100

The grim situation in Sri Lanka shows the hazards of extreme ethnic nationalism, says Savi Hensman. In today’s world, many people – whether they regard themselves as atheists, agnostics or religious believers – in reality put their ‘nation’ first, often symbolised by a flag.

Resisting the urge to scapegoat

Savi Hensman — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:37:34 +0100

The targeting and scapegoating of vulnerable groups can undermine the very values which are supposedly being defended, says Savi Hensman. She also sets out the strong Christian case against such practices.

Moving faith forward on civil liberties

Savi Hensman — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 09:31:40 +0000

There are many people in Britain's faith communities who have not yet grasped the importance of taking action now on threats to civil liberties, says Savi Hensman. She would like to see that change.

The Christ child, the vulnerable and human rights

Savi Hensman — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:55:45 +0000

Confusing divine greatness with human notions of power and grandeur can end up justifying human rights abuses, says Savi Hensman. The Christmas story is a radical corrective.