Catch up on the latest publications to Pastor's Thoughts, updated weekly.
15 September 2024
Controlling Mobile Phones
It has been reported that schools in England have been given new regulations to prohibit the use of mobile phones during the school day. The government stated the shift was to "minimise disruption and improve behaviour in classrooms". This is not in isolation, as this same ban has already been implemented in many schools already banning phones including one of England’s largest school academy Ormiston Academic Trust
8 September 2024
The Youth, The Elderly, The Future
The tragic incident involving the murder of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli in Leicestershire brings to light a profound moral crisis in our society. A 14-year-old boy is set to face trial for the crime, while four other children were initially arrested but later released without charges. The senseless violence that led to Kohli's death, as he simply walked his dog in a park, underscores a disturbing lack of respect for the elderly— a demographic that should be cherished and protected.
1 September 2024
The Healing Power of Music: "Amazing Grace" and Heart Health
Without doubt, music can change or even impact the atmosphere into which it is played. Some driving school of thought even suggested that certain types of music causes some to drive faster or even slower. It is of no surprise that recent studies suggest that singing thebeloved Christian hymn "Amazing Grace" may help reverse the effects of heart disease
25 August 2024
The greatest treasure of all
The recent discovery of the second-largest diamond ever found in Botswana has sparked excitement and renewed hope in the diamond industry. This massive 2,492-carat gemstone, unearthed by the Vancouver-based mining company Lucara, was found in north-eastern Botswana—a region already famous for producing some of the world’s most extraordinary diamonds.
11 August 2024
The Human Race
In the wake of the tragic murder of three young girls by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, the UK has witnessed a notable increase in far-right protests. The odious crime, which occurred just two weeks ago in Cardiff, has ignited widespread outrage far-right groups have exploited to advance their nationalist and anti-immigration agendas.
4 August 2024
The death of the innocence and the closeness of God
A 17-year-old boy Axel Rudakubana was charged with murder and attempted murder after a mass stabbing in Southport.he unprovoked killing at The Hart Space community centre of three innocent children, six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, resulted in riots on the street as far right group responded in anger of the killing of these innocent girls.
21July 2024
Global WiFi Blackout on Planes and Trains: Navigational Challenges and Implications
In an unprecedented event, a global WiFi blackout has disrupted connectivity on planes and trains worldwide. This blackout has affected not only passengers' ability to access the internet but has also had significant implications for GPS navigation, operational systems, and cashless payment methods.
14 July 2024
Shooting of Donald Trump at Pennsylvania Rally
In a startling change of events, former US President Donald Trump was hurt on Saturday during a rally in Pennsylvania during an attempt to assassinate him. As Trump was giving a speech, bullets were heard out of nowhere. This caused terror in the audience and prompted the Secret Service to take urgent action.
6 July 2024
A Change is Going to Come
On 4th July 2024, the USA celebrated its Independence Day while in the UK, voters went to the polling stations to cast their votes.
This being the UK's first general election post-COVID, it promised to be an election for change, as promoted by the media and opposing parties. Michelle Obama emphasised the importance of voting, saying, “You’ve got to vote, vote, vote, vote. That’s it; that’s the way we move forward.” In response, the UK public did just that; they voted.
30 June
Julian Assange: The Walk to Freedom
Wednesday 26th June 2024, WikiLeaks founder Julian Paul Assange was released from Belmarsh Prison to return to his country of birth; Australia where he was born, July 3, 1971.
As a teenager, he began computer hacking under the name "Mendax" which set the grounds for him in cyber activism and journalism.
23 June 2024
Monday, June 22, 1948, marked the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, bringing passengers from the Caribbean to the United Kingdom. This event is a significant milestone in British history, symbolising the beginning of substantial post-war migration and the pivotal contributions of the Windrush Generation to the UK
15 June 2024
Love Thy Neighbour
The UEFA European Championship 2024, commonly known as Euros 2024, started on Friday 14 June 2024. It is set to be a thrilling showcase of Europe’s premier football talent and hosted by Germany. The tournament promises to cap+vate millions of fans worldwide, celebra+ng the unity and excitement that football brings.
8 June 2024
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day: A Tribute to Bravery and Sacrifice
The 6th of June 2024 commemorated the 80th anniversary of a pivotal day in World War II, D -Day. The courage displayed by the soldiers on that fateful day remains etched in history. Facing formidable defences, rough seas, and relentless enemy fire, they advanced with unwavering resolve.
1 June 2024
The Covering
After six weeks on trial, the former President Donald Trump was found guilty in a hush-money lawsuit involving payments to former adult entertainment star Stormy Daniels. What is significant about this outcome is that it is the first time a former US president has been legally charged and convicte
26th May 2024
The Blood
It has been reported that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced his apologies to the victims and families affected by the infected blood scandal given to patients for decades
19th May 2024
Defecting from sin
Natalie Elphicke, a Tory MP, recently moved to the Labour Party following Labour's victories in local elections. Another Conservative MP had crossed the floor to join Labour. These political switches are unusual, but Natalie Elphicke has followed in the footsteps of former Tory minister Dan Poulter, who recently switched to Labou
12 May 2024
Ireland's Bambie Thug Delivers Gothic Showstopping Performance at Eurovision
Ireland's Bambie Thug captured the attention of Eurovision fans with a gothic performance, an amalgamation of dark aesthetics with an intense vocal. Bambie Thug, 31, a non-binary artist from County Cork, delivered a performance of their song Doomsday Blue in Malmo, Sweden which began trending on X/Twitter during the show being described as artistic yet demonic.
5 May 2024
Finding Comfort Amidst Tragedy: The Impact of the Hainault Sword Attack on the Local Community
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, shortly
before 7:00am has devastated the peace of this quiet London neighbourhood, leaving residents reeling in utter shock and disbelief. The brutality of the attack has not only sparked concerns about safety but has also shaken the sense of security that once characterized the area. Families are left questioning the safety of their streets, and parents are grappling with how to explain such senseless violence to their children.
28 April 2024
The E
volution of Assisted Dying in Britain
In recent years, the debate over assisted dying in Britain has intensified, sparking discussions on ethics, law, and compassion. This has reached a crucial point as Britain appears to be moving towards accepting assisted dying as a viable option for terminally ill individuals to choose their end-of-life care.
21 April 2024
Praying for Peace
On the eve of the Jewish Passover and in response to Iran's missiles, Israel sent a bombing message back to them.This came as a surprise as much of the West had asked Israel not to respond in the name of peace.
14 April 2024
Thoughts, Words and Deeds
On April 10th, 2024, Orenthal James Simpson, known as O.J. Simpson, passed away at his Las Vegas home at the age of 76, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
31 March 2024
Hallelujah
More than 2,000 years ago, in the early morning following the Sabbath, three frightened women made their way to a tomb where the body of a man who had been wrongfully convicted and was innocent..
24 March 2024
Royalty's Seasons
Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through both the Royal family and the public. In moments like these, the vulnerability of even the most prominent figures becomes starkly apparent, reminding us of the indiscriminate nature of illness.
17 March 2024.
The Strength of a Woman Against Racism: A Tribute to Diane Abbott
In a society where political polarisation and ethnic conflicts are common, resilience frequently appears out of the blue. This resiliency is personified by Diane Abbott, whose dedication to justice and equality shines through the murkiness of racial discrimination
10 March 2024
The Celebration of Women and Mothers
With today being Mothering Sunday, we come together to celebrate the multifaceted essence of womanhood, beautifully embodied in the myriad roles of mothers.
3 March 2024
The essence of Change
George Galloway's victory in the Rochdale by-election has sent shockwaves through the British political scene, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's political narrative. Known for his strong personality and controversial opinions, Galloway's win for the Workers Party caught both observers and opponents off guard.
25 February 2024
Praying for our Nations and Government
The issue of Israel and the Gaza Strip has dominated the news even more than before. The images of innocent victims being killed or injured and operated on without any anaesthetic are truly gut crunching. In response, the recent parliamentary debate on a ceasefire in Gaza has