If you are looking for power on a warhorse, you may miss the baby in Bethlehem or the carpenter in a village

Nick Baines, former Bishop of Leeds, Thought for the Day, Radio 4, 29 June

I can never understand why some Christians, and bishops amongst them, want so much unemployed love in the Church and the world

Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark, speaking at a conference on LGBTQ senior religious leadership and human rights, House of Lords, 25 June

It’s a scandal for there to be so many clergy whose gifts and experience have been considered surplus to requirements, and who at the end of decades of ordained ministry know that their potential has been squandered. And by “squandered” I mean “wasted by the Church”

Alice Goodman, Prospect, July issue

Even when life changes, churches and cathedrals can still find a way to inspire, welcome and console those who pass their doors. A kind of theology of place

Catherine Pepinster, journalist, Thought of the Day, Radio 4, 26 June

I believe cathedrals should recognise their “public and civic purpose” in the round. In this sense they equate to a local museum, library or art gallery. These are usually the responsibility of county or borough authorities. So should be cathedrals

Simon Jenkins, The Times, 26 June

We think there might be life after death, but we’re not quite sure it’ll be a good place

John Curtice, political scientist, summarising polling on people’s views about eternal life, Religion Media Festival, 29 June

The first rule of journalism is the exceptional gets noticed, and the routine and boring . . . tends not to get noticed

ibid.

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