We've come to expect the politically correct and increasingly “woke” posture of many of the Church of England’s official statements and policies in recent years. Recent announcements on issues such as race, Islam, sexuality, and even evangelism, showcase a desire to “play nice” with the secular and multicultural political establishment rather than offering a genuinely prophetic voice. 

But is the CofE’s descent into ever more progressive viewpoints is inevitable? What about those who seek to reform Anglicanism from within, restoring its evangelical roots? Is there a case for disestablishing the Church of England altogether? What would we lose (or gain) if we did?

Andy (a reluctant Anglican) and Aaron (a Methodist exile) dive into this entirely non-controversial topic with the usual mix of wit, wisdom, and insight.

RESOURCES ETC MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

* CofE Press Release: https://bit.ly/48XQiEF

* CofE "Healing, Repair and Justice" report (see clause 32): https://bit.ly/49Pnj7u

* Justin Welby's Ramadan video: https://bit.ly/3PjxqJt

* ChatGPT's attempt at impersonating the Archbishop of Canterbury: https://bit.ly/4c9ZkBt

* Michael Hampson, "Last Rites: The End of the Church of England " (Granta, 2006)

* Ben Merkle, "The White Horse King: The Life of Alfred the Great" (Thomas Nelson. 2009)

Episode 76 - Is It Time to End the Church of England?

Shannon is back! We discuss the current college protests and whether teaching competition in education leads to war. We also discuss Russell Brand's baptism and conversion to Christianity, which he says will allow him to "leave the past behind." Can you ever truly leave the past behind? We also discuss the idea of Christian pluralism and the plan of trying out various religions to make sure your bases are covered.

Episode 290: Covering Your Bases

https://www.routledge.com/Revolutionary-Republicanism-Participation-and-Representation-in-1848-France/Hayat/p/book/9781032190914

Samuel Hayat on Revolutionary Republicanism

In his recently published book, Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect, John Inazu reflects on his experiences as a law professor and considers how we can build bridges with our neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones.  Dr. Inazu talks with Aaron about the unique approach he takes in this book and what we can learn about how to disagree better.

Learning to Disagree, with John Inazu

Diskuze nad knihou Jiřího Přibáně Sázka na svobodu se uskutečnila 8. ledna 2025 v Knihovně Václava Havla. Pozvání přijali Věra Jourová, Jacques Rupnik, Petr Zelenka a Josefína Formanová. Večerem provázel Karel Hvížďala.

Diskuze nad knihou Sázka na svobodu

Today’s culture celebrates tolerance of other faiths, but for Christians, engaging neighbours of different religions while opposing what they believe can be tough. How do we do this robustly, truthfully, and lovingly? Aaron and Andy dive into this complex issue, share personal stories—including Aaron’s recent visit to Iraq—and discuss how Christians can build meaningful bridges to those of other beliefs as a pathway to Christ. Much depends, of course, on why such bridges are built—and how much we expect them to carry.

Enjoy Pod of the Gaps? Help us keep the show going ... https://patreon.com/wkop

The book Aaron mentioned:

Austen Henry  Layard, "Nineveh and its remains" - online at https://archive.org/details/ninevehanditsre03layagoog

Episode 92 - How Should Christians Engage With Other Religions?

Paper Title:
The New Syria: Stories Yet to Be Told

Date:
03 June 2025

Publishers: 
LUGARIT + The New Arab

Author: 
Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj

Summary:
This article calls for a just, inclusive transition in Syria—one that rejects singular narratives and centers plural voices, public accountability, and forward-looking justice. It urges civic dialogue, structural transformation, and locally grounded legitimacy, warning that external normalization alone cannot rebuild trust or prevent the return of authoritarian reflexes.

Link:
https://link.lugarit.com/FknK

Photo: 
Al Marjeh Square, Damascus — Photos of the missing displayed beneath the building where Syria’s first constitution was drafted in 1920. A haunting intersection of memory, absence, and the unresolved promise of justice.  Photo © Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj / LUGARIT.


The New Syria: Stories Yet to Be Told

العنوان 
سورية بلا عقوبات غربية: التحديات المحلية التي تنتظر

تاريخ النشر
٣ حزيران ٢٠٢٥

الناشر 
لوغاريت + العربي الجديد

المؤلف
عمر عبد العزيز الحلاج 

الخلاصة
مقالة تدعو إلى انتقال عادل في سوريا، يرفض السرديات الأحادية ويُعلي من شأن التعددية والمساءلة العامة والعدالة المستقبلية. تشدد على أهمية الحوار المدني والتحول البنيوي والشرعية المحلية، محذرة من أن رفع العقوبات والتطبيع الخارجي وحده لا يكفي لإعادة بناء الثقة أو منع عودة النزعات السلطوية.

الرابط
https://link.lugarit.com/FknK

الصورة
ساحة المرجة، دمشق — صور المفقودين أمام المبنى الذي شهد صياغة أول دستور سوري عام ١٩٢٠. تقاطع مؤلم بين الذاكرة والغياب والوعد بالعدالة غير المنجز.  الصورة © عمر عبدالعزيز الحلاج / لوغاريت.



سورية بلا عقوبات غربية: التحديات المحلية التي تنتظر

The dialogue centers on solutions-focused, community-driven responses to global challenges like climate change, social unrest, and rapid technological advances such as AI. Key initiatives discussed include the creation of vibrant community hubs called Living Unity Innovation PODs or #StoryPODs, which serve as centers for healing, education, cultural preservation, digital access, and climate resilience. These hubs blend ancient wisdom and modern tools, connecting youth and elders, and support programs such as after-school dance (as in Oakland), indigenous partnerships (like in Kenya), and Canadian demonstration projects (e.g., in Markham).

A recurring theme is the ethical alignment of AI: moving from abstract digital ethics to “measurable digital alignment” rooted in community-defined values. The Virtual Voice of Community Network (VCN) and projects like #Winalto aim to make marginalized voices central in data collection and AI training, ensuring AI systems promote justice, plurality, and real-world benefit—particularly through initiatives like AI for Peace Labs.

Youth leadership and intergenerational learning are emphasized, along with global bridge-building via forums (like the Canada Global South Ideas Forum) and initiatives such as Pedal for Peace and Climate Smart Corridors. The dialogue references indigenous frameworks (e.g., “dish with one spoon”), radical inclusion, and pluralistic governance as foundations for a regenerative, globally connected future.

From Local Hubs to Global AI: Building a Regenerative Future (Unity Net Initiatives & Community Voices)

Explore the groundbreaking Canada Global South Ideas Forum 2026 and the UnityNet International plan for regenerative peace and foundational security. 
This episode unpacks how Indigenous, Afro-diaspora, and Western perspectives come together in the Declaration of Unadulterated Pluralism, blending wisdom across continents for concrete action.
Discover how twinned global events, real-world grassroots projects, and innovative data monitoring—anchored in the IDEAS framework—are reshaping the future of AI, universal basic services, and ecological regeneration. 
Dive into practical steps, diverse partnerships, and a year-round global movement aimed at measuring progress by real community wellbeing, not just economics.

Unpacking UnityNet Global Peace AI and Foundational Security 2025-10-11

LUGARIT is a small think tank active in international development.

Beer, Conversation, and God. People have been gathering in pubs and public spaces for ages, talking about life, philosophy, faith, and deep questions of meaning. Now we're bringing the conversation to the interwebs. Visit pubtheology.com for more info and to start a gathering of your own. Visit patreon.com/ptlive for more content including pre and post show discussions and interviews with special guests.

km.t (pronounced Kemet) means the fertile black soil of the Nile Delta, it is also Egypt's oldest name.

Karolinum, nakladatelství Univerzity Karlovy, se zaměřuje na vydávání učebních textů, vědeckých monografií, odborných časopisů a vědeckých sborníků všech oborů univerzity. Vydáváme také beletrii a díla Karla Šiktance.

An occasional podcast featuring Aaron Edwards and Andy Bannister. Each episode sees the two friends take a contemporary issue in culture and explore it from a Christian perspective.

Featuring banter, philosophy, culture, theology, bad jokes, apologetics, and more — the podcast aims to help Christians think wisely about the challenges of living in the 21st century.

=========================================

Theological and Political Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast does not represent the views of any institutions, colleges, networks, churches, or secret government organisations with which we are affiliated or employed."

New tracks tagged #pluralism