“When the Chapter heard that he had been made a bishop, everyone groaned.” I’m not saying which Chapter—that is, the group of Anglican clergy serving a particular area of parishes—except that it was nowhere near here and not one I have ever attended. Nor am I saying which bishop. I occasionally chatted with him at various conferences, but he belonged to another diocese and was someone with whom I have never worked. So there is no way you can work out whom I am talking about.

Keir Starmer's biggest problem is not the 24,927 votes cast for his rival Andy Burnham in yesterday's by-election at Makerfield, but the number 174—Labour's majority in the House of Commons, the second largest of the past fifty years. Large majorities create their own dangers, and not just in politics. As the former Conservative politician Michael Heseltine warned many years ago, overwhelming parliamentary majorities can breed arrogance, poor decision-making and a growing sen

What quality does Jesus most desire in his servants? Well, Bill had it in abundance. This Monday, my good friend and co-worker Bill Evans—in the words of the apostle Paul—fell asleep in the Lord. We will miss him deeply: his humour and loyalty, his kindness and friendship. Over the last few years he showed remarkable resilience in facing significant health challenges. Bill was extraordinarily fit. An avid cyclist, he played football well into his late seventies and even ran a

What does it mean to pray for someone? Clearly this was a key priority for the apostle Paul, who seems to be praying for lots of people all the time. For example, he writes to Timothy: “I am grateful to God ... when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.” (2 Timothy 1:3) But he also expected others to pray for him. So he asks the Christians in Thessalonica: “Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be