Re: 'Don't pass Assisted Dying Bill'
It is right that we value each life and provide the best care we can when it is needed. However, when you have watched someone die a painful and humiliating death despite all the care you can give, you have to ask the question, is this best for the person enduring the suffering, or are we simply consoling ourselves.
David Steele

Re: How we welcomed the Tour de France
A great event which put Huddersfield on the map as a town that knows how to celebrate and Huddersfield's Lockwood Baptist, being a Church that freely gives as Jesus did.
Jean Walters

Re: In the gap between Israel and Gaza
I thought that this was an interesting article, but I would love a more rounded treatment of such deep issues. I cannot remember when a non-Arab viewpoint has been allowed in the BT and I also know that alternative views have also found it almost impossible to get a hearing in any form at the Assembly. This troubles me, when anyone insists on presenting me with only one side of any argument I begin to wonder about what it is they don't want me to know. As a thinking Christian (and a Baptist) I don't need the Union to filter the news I hear - I happen to believe that the truth, not propaganda (from either side) will set me free.
Peter Cook

Thank you brother for a thoughtful, moving, and helpful insight. Probably like many other believers in Britain, I find myself hugely confused and conflicted in knowing what to think, hope, and pray in response to these desperate events. I will certainly pray as you suggest - but are you also able to suggest any particular focus/recipient for our material action/support? Or specific ways in which the community of God's people can be practically effective as 'peacemakers'? With love and tears and prayers.
Keith Jowett

Re: Baptist welcome for General Synod vote
Have we forgotten that we are Baptists? Surely we don't believe that anyone should be a bishop, man or woman? It says, on the BU website, when talking about the characteristics of a Baptist church, 'There is no hierarchy of bishops or priests exercising authority over their members.’
Graham Nind

Re: Ministering in the Third Space
Chaplaincy ministry in all sectors of human life and work - essential and frontline ministry. Well done, Carolyn! Prayers for you.
Michael Banfield (via Facebook)

Thank you, Carolyn for all you and your team are doing! How exciting!
Chris Bennett (via Facebook)

Re: Does your church have a vacant pulpit?
OR... we could stop with the stereotype image of what UK pastors need to be and open our minds to what our Lay ministers have to offer by supporting them in their Ordination training! but we wouldn't want to encourage those who've worked hard in ministry for decades to become full time ministers now, would we?
David Carr (via Facebook)

Re: The gift of organ donation
I whole-heartedly support this but, as a former blood donor and someone who is now precluded from donating (having had a cancer diagnosis) I always feel that these appeals would be more helpfully expressed as 'if you are eligible...' whilst I'd love to donate, the reality is no way would I risk passing on a single dodgy cell to anyone.
Please people, if you are eligible, register, sign-up, donate...
Catriona Gorton (via Facebook) 


Were you in the OICCU?
The Oxford Inter-Collegiate Christian Union (OICCU) is once more gathering former members for an afternoon of renewed fellowship, news and stories. The speakers will be Andrew Atherstone (Wycliffe Hall, who is preparing a history of the OICCU), and Lindsay Brown (IFES/Lausanne Movement, a former OICCU President). Current student leaders will tell of plans for the 2015 Oxford University mission with Tim Keller.
OICCU for Life will be held on Saturday, 15 November in Woodstock Road Baptist Church, Oxford, from 2.00 - 5.30pm. Coffee will be served from 12.30pm for those who wish to meet with friends and bring their lunch. To register and find out more, readers should visit https://www.oiccu.org/
David Earle, Chairman
The OICCU Standing Committee