Andy Walton

Why it's high time to #ReclaimTheInternet from the trolls
Social media is swimming in a sea of abuse, ranging from mild name calling, through to threats of violence and even worse. Trolling can impact not only the person being abused, but also the person handing out the abuse.

Trinity Sunday: Why we celebrate the dance of Father, Son and Holy Spirit
In a way it's a relatively simple concept. One God, three persons. Yet it is impossible to fully understand. Instead, we are called to enter into the life of the Trinity and then we will experience it.

Why we have to stop talking ABOUT Muslims and start talking TO Muslims
Muslims now represent a significant minority. There are 3.3 million Muslims in the US, with the expectation that figure will rise to 8.1 million people by 2050. In the UK there are currently 2.8 million Muslims, and projections suggest that one in ten of all Europeans will be Muslim by 2050.

Controversial megachurch pastor John Hagee backs Trump for US president
The Texas-based church leader is well known for his frequent interventions in public affairs, especially his unswerving support for the Israeli government.

Should Christians give up meat to save the world?
This week is Vegetarian Week so it seems as good a time as any to ask, should we as Christians be vegetarians?

We should all be worried about Government's plan to tackle 'extremism'
When legislation is brought forward to tackle violent extremism, how can we be sure that the vast majority of peaceful Muslims won't be caught in it? That's before we even get on to the worrying consequences for Christians and those of other faiths whose religious freedom could well come under threat.

The importance of Pentecost in an age of fear and division
Pentecost tells us that though ethnicity, culture, language and place are all important parts of us and our people, they can never, Trump (so to speak) our status as sisters and brothers in the Church.

The non-apology: why it's corroding our public life
Nixon used it in the aftermath of Watergate, Reagan said it after the disgraceful Iran-Contra affair, while Bill Clinton was also recorded as saying it during one of his numerous periods of contrition. Andy Walton examines the rise of the non-apology.

Panama Papers: Avoiding tax isn't a private matter. It's about a decent society
Democracy depends on rule of law â the idea that we are all subject to the same rules. A thriving society depends on us all feeling a part of it and contributing to it.

Liberation and hope: 10 of the best Jürgen Moltmann quotes
One of the world's most prominent theologians is turning 90. Christian Today looks at 10 of his most profound sayings...

Pope speaks to Methodists, calls for unity
Francis says Catholics and Methodists together "give concrete witness to the love of Christ"

Why Tennessee making the Bible its official book is a waste of time
The Bible can look after itself without being the official book of Tennessee or anywhere else. It will carry on being read, sung, wrestled with, preached, discussed, debated and absorbed well into the future.

Peter: The ordinary hero of the Christian faith
Peter gives us a role model we can relate to. He's a man who wore his heart on his sleeve and made many mistakes. Yet ultimately, he recognised Jesus for who he was and he persevered to the end in spreading the good news.

Podcasts: 10 of the best to help you learn, laugh and pray
Ten podcasts covering various genres â some of them featuring specifically Christian themes, others with fascinating content â for you to enjoy...

Why don't Conservatives conserve things any more?
It's not a joke, or a trick. It's one of the most pressing political questions in the US and the UK.

God is Back: It's time society caught up
We can't understand what it means to be human without understanding faith. That doesn't mean we need mandated worship everywhere we turn. It does mean far better engagement with matters of faith from our education system, media, and wider public square.