The Faith Column: economy 2009

It was cold, and silent in the Aldewarke Primary Mill at Corus Engineering Steels in Rotherham. It is always cold in the mill in winter but usually there are pockets of warmth. On this day it was the silence which struck me. I had never before been able to hear my footsteps on the metal walkways – this is an environment where ear defenders are not just advisable, but essential. ... read more

The basic comfort of the Christian tradition is that God is with us. The pastoral response for those whose lives are being affected by the economic crisis is not that you won’t lose your job, or that the downturn will be short-lived. The guidance is simply a reminder that God is in our midst – that whatever happens, God promises companionship.

From our vantage point in New York City, the ... read more

Each morning at the early service at St Paul’s Cathedral prayers are offered for different groups of City workers in turn. Everyone – office cleaners, financiers, insurance workers, restaurateurs, waiters, street cleaners, builders, and so on – is prayed for. As the credit crunch has bitten harder, so there have been more prayers: those affected are mentioned at the larger services of evensong every night and at the Sunday morning ... read more