Just in case anyone who reads this is in the Glasgow North constituency and interested in attending a hustings, details of the one organised by Glasgow West End ACTS (equivalent to Churches Together in England or Cytun in Wales) and hosted at the Gathering Place can find more details here (or for one in your own area).  It is important to note that the patch covered by our churches does not neatly fit constituency boundaries (I live in another one!) but the issues are the same and it is a good chance to hear what various parties have to say.

On the eve of election we will be meeting to pray - for the nation(s) for the candidates, for the outcome and our part therein, for wisdom, for courage, for integrity... This will be at the C of S located closest to us (where we had our induction tea) and is just as important in our minds.

Important times, so do engage with the process.

This morning I received an email from one of the surviving Christian book retailers.  Whilst the subject line was unhelpful, confusing, I think, an ongoing attack on 'the church as institution' with one on Christianity per se, the body of the message was encouraging.  This retailer is offering you the chance to purchase, through them, Pullman's new novel... along with a Christian 'response' by David Wenham; well done Eden Books.  The book cover title is "Did St Paul get Jesus Right" but if you search for it on Amazon it is listed as "Paul the Scoundrel?  The Apostle and the Divinity of Christ." So, I have now pre-ordered this one.  The overall cost for the two books comes out roughly the same through Amazon or Eden (each discounting one of the two), so maybe it depends who who wish to give your custom to.

In Eden's email is a helpful and encouraging comment from Christian author G P Taylor:

"...what we must do is not fall into the trap of book burning & blockading movie theatres. As Christians it is our duty to be people of integrity and interact boldly with that which could affront our faith."

Ironically, I think the scoundrel St Paul would agree!