Category - Politics

Assessing the UK political climate

Simon Barrow — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:07:35 +0100

The die seems cast for the next General Election, says Simon Barrow. But much can still shift if non-Conservative parties, voters and reformers swing into action.

Questioning the political system

Press Office — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:39:16 +0100

Commenting on the possibility of a new wave of non-party political candidates, including Martin Bell and Terry Waite, emerging, Simon Barrow, co-director of the think-tank Ekklesia, commented:

Not tolerating 'politics as usual'

Simon Barrow — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:28:19 +0100

Look out for a major convention on ‘Real Change’ in the near future, with input from civic groups (including churches) and a manifesto for wide-ranging reform, says Simon Barrow.

Civil society enquiry will harness dissent to practical democratic change

staff writers — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:24:38 +0100

An event to explore the role of civil society groups in creating spaces for dissenting voices, both in the UK and globally, will take place in a major London church tomorrow.

Politics has a new voice of pod

Simon Barrow — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:28:21 +0100

Democratic change and civil liberties, with a local, legal and non-party twist, is the focus of a new politics podcasting and newsletter initiative.

The state of independents: alternative politics

Simon Barrow — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:29:22 +0100

Since 2002, Ekklesia has been arguing that a key element of political and democratic renewal in Britain hinges on the encouragement of independent, citizen-based and associational politics as a counter-weight to the hegemony of top-down party elites, and as a challenge to a parliamentary and voting system badly in need of reform. This paper examines these ideas in theory and in practice. It offers Q&A responses to the criticisms that have been made about non-party candidates and 'alternative politics' in the context of the scandal over MPs' expenses and calls for change. The paper situates 'the rise of independents' in a wider context of 'politics as the people's work'. Finally it offers fresh perspectives on the relation of religion to politics and the creative role the churches can play in renewing democracy - after the 'power games' of Christendom. It includes substantial references and resources.

Simon Barrow

Opportunity lies behind the political crisis

Terry Waite — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:58:48 +0100

Cynicism about politicians and political institutions runs very deep, says Terry Waite. But the current crisis is also an opportunity for change, for reinvesting politics with hope and the participation of people from outside 'the party system'.

Churches and the rejuvenating of democracy

Jonathan Bartley — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:46:36 +0100

Churches could have a vital role to play in rejuvenating democracy, says Jonathan Bartley. But it needs to be through a faith-engagement with politics based on openness and change.

Evangelical leader says 'radical change' is needed in parliamentary system

staff writers — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:24:42 +0100

Christians attending a Pentecostal festival have been urged towards a thoughtful and prayerful engagement with politics in the European and local elections, following the MPs' expense scandal and calls to isolate the racist BNP.

You're missing the point, archbishop told over scandal-hit MPs

staff writers — Sat, 23 May 2009 10:40:58 +0100

Dr Rowan Williams is being accused of complacency and instititutional isolation for his suggestion that MPs are being humiliated in the current expenses scandal, and that this could irreparably damage public engagement with politics. A new poll suggests he is mistaken.