Category - Power

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

Human rights are not just for individuals

Savi Hensman — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:45:21 +0100

Much contemporary human rights discourse is individualistic. But, Savi Hensman points out, human beings are also shaped by economic, social, cultural and religious forces which work for justice - or against it.

Moving politics beyond pantomime

Simon Barrow — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 03:47:00 +0000

Modern democratic politics is in danger of turning into a beauty contest and an electoral pantomime, says Simon Barrow. It needs reconnecting with people in civil society, changing institutions and the grassroots.

Christian Aid calls for major re-think on World Bank power policy

staff writers — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:16:43 +0100

As world financial leaders gather in Washington DC for the annual joint strategy meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, Christian Aid is calling for an urgent rethink of the World Bank’s approach to tackling energy poverty.

Subversive Preaching in a Postmodern World - A Targum based on Colossians 1:15-20 by Brian J Walsh

staff writers — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:31:25 +0000

In an image-saturated world a world of ubiquitous corporate logos permeating your consciousness a world of dehydrated and captive imaginations

People and Power

Jonathan Bartley — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 13:25:04 +0000

Ekklesia is working on proposals to encourage more proportional systems of voting and independent politics.