We are shrinking in numbers and influence, and we feel it is our responsibility to do something — anything — to avoid this existential threat. . . No wonder there’s so much weariness. . . We’re trying so hard to scramble out of the situation that we don’t seem able to stop and consider whether God might actually be saying something to us in these very circumstances

Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, lecture at the Festival of Preaching, 16 September

The constant mantra that we must grow, indeed that we are going to grow if we follow the strategy, the deliberate setting of targets to increase the number of worshippers, the judging of a church’s success according to its size — all this is putting undue pressure on clergy who are overstretched and congregations whose morale is low. . . We cannot and must not continue placing unreasonable and unrealistic expectations of growth in numbers on the shoulders of our clergy. If growth is to happen, it will be God’s doing

ibid.

Every religion is a way to arrive at God. They are sort of like different languages in order to arrive at God. But God is God for all. And if God is God for all, then we’re all sons and daughters of God

Pope Francis, remarks at inter-religious dialogue with young people in Singapore, 13 September. Paul Vallely

This year you’ll be able to buy cheese Advent calendars, makeup Advent calendars, coffee Advent calendars, stationery Advent calendars and bath bomb Advent calendars.

But why? Because this is a chance for brands to commemorate the sanctity of the birth of our lord Jesus Christ.

Is it? No, it’s so they can flog even more junk to impressionable idiots.

Pass Notes, The Guardian, 16 September

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