Quakers have always called each other ‘Friends,’ but what does this mean? Is ‘Friend’ just a quaint hangover from our past, or could it be a site of rich theological reflection? Emerging from my PhD research on Quaker theology and Whiteness, I’ve developed an online course for Woodbrooke reflecting on what it might mean for… Continue reading Whose Friends are we?
Tag: christianity
I’m writing another book!
Great news! I've just signed a contract with Broadleaf Books to write the tentatively titled "Unapologetic: a queer Quaker approach to the Bible." I'm beyond thrilled.
Why God’s wrath and vengeance is necessary
I’m sure there are many of my fellow Quakers who would say that wrath and vengeance cannot possibly be part of who God is, particularly the God revealed in the life of Jesus. But what if wrath and vengeance are actually necessary aspects of the Divine? What if divine anger and retribution are good things?
Is love the central message of the New Testament? A comment on the 2025 BYM Epistle
The BYM Epistle is a letter that attempts to capture the essence and important themes of the gathering. The Epistle is sent to many other Yearly Meetings around the world, and is often read aloud in local Quaker meetings throughout Britain. I want to remark on one sentence of the Epistle: ‘We are reminded that the central message of the New Testament is one of love.’ This statement may seem incredibly innocuous, or so obvious as to need no further comment. But this sentence needs our attention, as I think it’s haunted by the ghost of Judeophobia.
Join my online book group reading ‘A Testament of Devotion’ by Thomas Kelly
There are still some places left on my online book group which begins on Monday 23 June with live Zoom sessions at 19:00-20:30 (UK time) every Monday for six weeks. We'll be reading A Testament of Devotion, a classic of Quaker spirituality. You can sign up here: https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/book-group-a-testament-of-devotion-by-thomas-kelly/ Thomas Kelly (1893-1941) was a Quaker from… Continue reading Join my online book group reading ‘A Testament of Devotion’ by Thomas Kelly
Desiring Jesus in a world of queerphobic Christianity
It’s no secret that Christians do terrible things, or that terrible things have been done in the name of Jesus and the Christian God. As a scholar of Christian theology and racism I know that Christianity has some serious problems. But recent events in my life have brought this truth home to me in a deeply personal way, to the point where I’m questioning whether, as a queer person, being a Christian makes any sense.
Opportunities to work with me in 2025
I’ve got a number of exciting online engagements lined up for 2025. Do come and join me!
Interviewed on Quake It Up
I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Ollie for his excellent Quake It Up YouTube channel. We talked for quite a while about my new book The Spirit of Freedom. You can watch the interview hear: https://youtu.be/E6kPx2K8uTI?si=k0RmwS9w6NekEb8W
Thank you to my readers in 2024
Thank you for journeying with me this year by reading my work. Here’s a summary of my 2024 as a reader and writer.
Advent Reflections Week 4 – The God-bearer
The final of four Advent reflections centred on Mary and her song in Luke 1:46-55. "My soul magnifies the Holy One,and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,for she has looked with favour on the lowliness of her servant.Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;for the Mighty One has done great things… Continue reading Advent Reflections Week 4 – The God-bearer
Jolly Quaker 