This episode of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Rachel Summers!

Rachel Summers is an ordained pioneer priest in the Church of England. She lives in East London and loves that she has the forest on her doorstep and the city all around her. Being in nature is an important part of her spirituality and something she takes joy in sharing with others through forest church. She enjoys hosting refugees in her spare room and the interesting conversations that happen in her kitchen because of this. Rachel has a fabulous ADHD brain which takes her on all manner of exciting sidequests, one of which at the moment is DTh study through Roehampton university. She has many good ideas, some of which actually happen, and her hands are never quite mud free.

This week, William, Rachel and Roo explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 22nd February.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro
• 04:40 - Genesis 2: 15-17; 3: 1-7
• 15:33 - Psalm 32
• 22:44 - Romans 5: 12-19
• 33:00 - Matthew 4: 1-11

Mentions

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Nuremberg (2025)

The next episode of this season of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Jack Wakefield!

Jack is a campaigner with over a decade of experience influencing change across climate, health, justice and inequality. His work has included grassroots youth organising, regular preaching and training for churches, and leading delegations at UN negotiations. He's part of a new church plant in the southwest and is a trustee for Green Christian.

This week, William, Jack and Hannah explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 15th February.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro

• 05:28 - Exodus 24: 12-18

• 10:29 - Psalm 2

• 16:27 - Psalm 99

• 19:45 - 2 Peter 1: 16-21

• 26:39 - Matthew 17: 1-9 The Transfiguration

Mentions

Joseph Rowntree annual UK poverty report (2026) - https://www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-2026-the-essential-guide-to-understanding-poverty-in-the-uk

The Iona Community - https://iona.org.uk/about/our-story/

Theology and Joy by Jürgen Moltmann

Episcopal Bishop predicts “new era of martyrdom” - https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/bishop-warns-of-new-era-of-martyrdom-amid-immigration-tensions

Poem written by Bonhoeffer before his execution by the Nazis in 1945 - https://www.praise.org.uk/hymns/by-gracious-powers-so-wonderfully-sheltered

The next episode of this season of Politics in the Pulpit for Spring 2026 is hosted by William Gibson, and features our special guest, Laura Durrant!

Laura is a reporter and editorial team member for S(h)ibboleth magazine and a co-host of the Beer Christianity podcast. She is a communications specialist and has worked in the faith-based charity sector for the last seven years.

This week, William, Laura and Thomas explore the lectionary readings for Sunday 8th February.

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Intro
• 05:35 - Isaiah 58: 1-9a(9b-12)
• 15:56 - Psalm 112: 1-9(10)
• 22:00 - 1 Corinthians 2: 1-12(13-16)
• 30:38 - Matthew 5: 13-20

Mentions

S(h)ibboleth magazine - https://shibbolethmag.com/pages/about-shibboleth

Beer Christianity podcast - https://www.beerchristianity.co.uk/

The Gen Z Quiet Revival report (Bible Society) - https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival

Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence research and book about the Far Right - https://www.csbvbristol.org.uk/the-church-the-far-right-and-the-claim-to-christianity/

Watch Revd Dr Helen Paynter’s lecture, ‘Unpacking the theology of Christian nationalism’ (Better Story, January 2026) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgHMeOm5uBA

Notes from Rev Prof Joseph Mante’s keynote on the Gospel passage in relation to colonial history (27th General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches) - Theme-A_20251016_OtisMoss_Keynote.pdf

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland resources for Racial Justice Sunday 2026 - https://ctbi.org.uk/resources/racial-justice-sunday-8-february-2026/