All articles by George Pitcher – Page 2
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Opinion
I’ll quit being a vicar on Sunday
The gospel may need no refreshing, but we do. It’s time to go, says George Pitcher
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Opinion
The Reckoning: Hard but necessary viewing reminds us of the worst of human nature
The BBC’s four-part drama-documentary about Jimmy Savile, The Reckoning, concluded this week. Is it TV titillation asks George Pitcher, or a reminder that we do not have the moral option of looking away from such crimes?
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Opinion
Israel must be defended. So too must innocent Palestinians
Following Hamas’ brutal terror attacks, George Pitcher understands the pledges from Western leaders to “stand with Israel”. But he wonders if such statements of support are incomplete
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Opinion
Braverman cannot dispense with human rights. They’re God’s idea
In declaring her intention to rip up the UN refugee convention, the Home Secretary is creating the extreme politics she espouses to fear, says George Pitcher. Until the UK looks after its global neighbour, our migration problems cannot be solved
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Opinion
Political demise may be inevitable, but it isn’t a sign of end times
Is there is something of the end times about our government, asks George Pitcher? And if so, what does this say about God’s created order?
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Reviews
Dialogues des Carmelites: The opera that lifts the lid on female martyrdom
The devastatingly powerful opera is a testament to human courage and, distinctly, female martyrdom. It also points to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross, says George Pitcher
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Opinion
What Christians can learn from Just Stop Oil
Is climate activism the new religion? Amid the party politics surrounding green policies - from the Uxbridge by-election to new oil and gas drilling licences in Scotland - George Pitcher argues there is much the Church could learn about loving our enemies from those on the frontlines of campaigning for change
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Opinion
There's a God-shaped hole in the BBC's science documentaries
Two new films from the BBC and Humanists UK, featuring Chris Packham and Dr Alice Roberts, seek to explain the origin of our planet from a scientific, secular point of view. But in ignoring the divine, they raise more spiritual questions than they answer, says George Pitcher
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Opinion
Why cricket is the Church of England at play
Cricket is probably the only field game that men play fully clothed, observes George Pitcher. It reminds him of the "dressing-up wing of the Church”
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Opinion
Prince William’s bid to end homelessness has Christian values at its heart
The Christian faith has a long tradition of caring for the least, the last and the lost. So it was a joyous surprise to hear the heir to the throne – and future Defender of the Faith – champion such Christian values through his new scheme to end homelessness, says George Pitcher
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Opinion
There is only one true source of truth, and it’s not Boris Johnson
When we exchange objective truth for the lies and deceit of self-interest, we make an idol of ourselves, says George Pitcher. Only in Jesus do we find a better way
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Opinion
AI can run a church service or it might end the world. But it can’t replicate God’s divine love
As a consortium of AI experts warn of the risk of human extinction at the hands of AI, hundreds attended a church service in Germany generated and hosted by ChatGPT. How should Christians view such things, asks George Pitcher? Can we find a theology of AI?
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Opinion
Christians cannot withhold forgiveness, no matter what Phillip Schofield has done
In daytime TV, as in all aspects of our lives, we are often eager to reach a quick resolution. But sometimes, the work of forgiveness takes time, says George Pitcher. And rushing it doesn’t help anyone
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Opinion
Braverman and Welby were caught speeding. So what?
Good law should protect most of the people, for most of the time, says George Pitcher. He won’t condemn the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Home Secretary for speeding, but he does expect them to face the consequences honourably
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Opinion
Our society wants justice. But God’s justice doesn’t always seem fair
God’s justice isn’t the same as ours, explains George Pitcher
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Opinion
Christians should only swear allegiance to Jesus. The coronation oath is not OK
In introducing an oath of allegiance into the coronation service, the Church of England has forced Christians – even those who support the monarchy – into a difficult position. We have only one King, says George Pitcher, and his name is Jesus
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Opinion
Diane Abbott was wrong to claim a hierarchy for racism
In looking to the Bible’s example of humility, we can all learn something about empathising with others, rather than fighting our own causes, suggests George Pitcher
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Opinion
Rishi is wrong. Maths isn’t missing from children’s education, RE is
The prime minister has called for all pupils in England to study some form of maths up until the age of 18. But Rev George Pitcher believes education should help children to understand the world they live in – and numbers can only go so far in doing that
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Opinion
If King Charles wants a multi-faith coronation, it might be easier to disestablish the Church of England
The reported wranglings over the shape of the King’s coronation service suggest that Church and state need to be kept separate, argues George Pitcher
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Opinion
There’s no excuse for treating migrants as human cargo. We are all made in God’s image
When we fail to see people as made in God’s image, we fail them as humans, says George Pitcher. It is our ability to ‘other’ people and put them in categories that leads to the worst of human behaviour