HMG obsessed wth prison capacity and the myth of streets safer if more locked up and for longer! HMG must focus on: content of sentence; what reduces reoffending; data and evidence; holistic community solutions. Sending more to prison will not reduce reoffending or make streets safer!

Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, Twitter, 1 December

In Bucha and Irpin, I saw the face of Christ in those who have suffered so profoundly and cared so courageously. The evil unleashed by this invasion is why we must stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The darkness does not overcome the light

Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, Twitter, 3 December

It is evident that Churches have become centres of resilience in this conflict. And Ukrainian people have found comfort in their faith and seen many miracles of salvation over this last year

Robert Innes, Bishop in Europe, blog about accompanying Archbishop Welby on a visit to Ukraine, 5 December

I had very mixed feelings when our train pulled out of Kyiv on Friday evening leaving most of the city in darkness. For us it was a return to safer territory. But we were leaving behind our hosts facing a dark, uncertain and dangerous winter. I was humbled by the warmth of the welcome we received and grateful for the kindness of those we met. The trip left me determined that we must continue our prayers and practical support for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Kyiv and for all the people of Ukraine

Ibid.

For Christians, however, the story that defines our identity has never been one of overwhelming numerical growth nor fear of extinction. Amid the complexities of identity, values and nation, Christians strive to live by the story of the Good News of Jesus Christ — a story notable for the absence of success by the world’s usual standards

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, The Sunday Telegraph, 4 December

I wonder what the census results would have shown if people were instead asked to report the number of times they had been inside a local church building: whether for weddings or funerals, Easter or Christmas services, parent and toddler playgroups or debt centres, food banks or warm spaces for those struggling with the cost of living and energy bills

Chine MacDonald, director, Theos, Financial Times, 3 December

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