

Irreverend: Faith and Current Affairs
J.A. Franklin, T.J. Pelham, Daniel French
Are you wondering how a Christian should respond to current events? What are we to think about a world that appears to be going absolutely mad? How are we to discern the signs of the times? In this podcast, featuring The Reverend Thomas Pelham, The Reverend Daniel French, The Reverend Doctor J.A. Franklin and the occasional guest, we attempt to give some answers. Email us at irreverendpod@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter @irreverendpod or on Telegram at https://t.me/irreverendpod. We also have a youtube channel which can be found by searching Irreverend: Faith and Current Affairs! If you would like to support the show, which can be done from £1.50 plus VAT per month, you can join our Patreon community. Please go to www.patreon.com/irreverend
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 9min
The Power of the Book
From the London offices of Hodder Faith Daniel interviews publishing director Andy Lyon super fan of Irreverend and editor for Daniel's upcoming book. They discuss the loss of the Bible in the culture and the importance of books per se particularly physical print. This is a special episode while Tom is on paternity and Jamie is on holiday. Support the show

Jul 12, 2024 • 1h 27min
A Pale Dawn
Church of England revs with a difference Jamie Franklin and Daniel French sit down to talk about the biggest stories in church and state, this time paying special attention to Labour's win in the General Election. We discuss:The post-election mood: how are things different from the last Labour turnaround in '97 and is the most underwhelming general election ever?How should Christians respond to a change in their overlords? Kier Starmer's "historic" speech following the Labour victory, apparently written by the Archbishop of Canterbury's speechwriter. Was it any good?In other news, the Church of England General Synod votes to approve same-sex blessings (sort of).Synod also passes a motion to affirm the dignity of unborn babies with disabilities. But does this go far enough in the abortion debate?Please Support!Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/irreverend) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverend). Subscribe to Jamie's Blog here: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comLinks:Starmer/Archbishop Speech Writer:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/07/05/starmer-address-to-nation-after-hiring-archbishop-writer/Justin Welby Abortion Comments:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/07/archbishop-canterbury-disabled-child-abortion-pressure/https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/synod-backs-motion-affirm-human-dignity-disabled-childrenGay Blessings and Synod:https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/synod-signals-support-anglican-way-forward-same-sex-relationshipsNotices:Find me a church: https://irreverendpod.com/church-finder/Join our Irreverend Telegram group: https://t.me/irreverendpodFind links to our episodes, social media accounts and ways to support us at https://www.irreverendpod.com!Thursday Circles: http://thursdaycircle.comJamie's Good Things Substack: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comSupport the show

Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 27min
The End is Nigh!
Church of England revs with a difference Daniel French, Jamie Franklin and Thomas Pelham sit down on the eve of the UK General Election to talk about the biggest issues in church and state. We round up the important last-minute stories and make our predictions for the big day.Also on the agenda, the Church of England's General Synod is back and so is the question of same-sex blessings. The widely supported Alliance group is threatening to create a parallel province. Several bishops have written an open letter pleading for a change of course. And the liberalising Bishop of Oxford has also hit back. We discuss all the central issues and controversies.Finally, an interview with Charles Wide K.C. on a recent letter sent to the Church Times protesting the use of £100 million (rising to £1 billion somehow) of the Church Commissioner's money to repay the Church's ostensible involvement in, and profiting from, the Transatlantic slave trade.All relevant links available below.Please Support!Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/irreverend) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverend). Subscribe to Jamie's Blog here: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comLinks:Living in Love and FaithThe Alliance Parallel Province Letter11 Bishops call for RethinkBishop Steven Croft hits backSociety Bishops LetterSlavery Reparation Fund:Church Commissioner Report: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/church-commissioners-for-england-research-into-historic-links-to-transatlantic-chattel-slavery-report.pdfOversight Group Report: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/church-commissioners-for-england-oversight-group-report-to-the-board-of-governors.pdf The Church of England’s Historic Links to the Transatlantic Slave Trade by Robert Tombs and Lawrence Goldman: https://www.psephizo.com/life-ministry/the-church-of-englands-historic-links-to-the-transatlantic-slave-trade/Notices:Find me a church: https://irreverendpod.com/church-finder/Join our Irreverend Telegram group: https://t.me/irreverendpodFind links to our episodes, social media accounts and ways to support us at https://www.irreverendpod.com!Thursday Circles: http://thursdaycircle.comJamie's Good Things Substack: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comSupport the show

Jun 28, 2024 • 1h 15min
Tennant Ally
Church of England revs with a difference Thomas Pelham and Jamie Franklin sit down to talk about the biggest affairs in church and state. This time:Nigel Farage comments on Ukraine and the West provoke a stir.The Tory betting scandal. (Oh no!)David Tennant goes full ally and says Kemi Badenoch should not exist.Julian Assange is out of prison.Some questions about "Christian chauvinism" and fasting, and many other things besides. All that and much much more as ever!Please Support!Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/irreverend) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverend). Subscribe to Jamie's Blog here: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comLinks:Farage comments on Russia/Ukraine: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cldd44zv3kpohttps://unherd.com/newsroom/nigel-farages-ukraine-comments-arent-disgraceful/Tory Betting Scandal:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/06/24/tory-gambling-scandal-accused-leaked-by-met-police-election/David Tennant wins trans ally award, tells Badenoch to “shut up” and “not exist”: https://metro.co.uk/2024/06/21/strictly-star-robin-windsor-honoured-posthumously-2024-british-lgbt-awards-21083694/https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/700962/david-georgia-tennant-photos-children-pride-month-celebrations/Release of Julian Assange: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/06/25/who-is-julian-assange-wikileaks-founder-us-extradition/Notices:Find me a church: https://irreverendpod.com/church-finder/Join our Irreverend Telegram group: https://t.me/irreverendpodFind links to our episodes, social media accounts and ways to support us at https://www.irreverendpod.com!Thursday Circles: http://thursdaycircle.comJamie's Good Things Substack: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comSupport the show

Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 17min
Trash the Tories?
Revs with a difference Jamie Franklin and Daniel French sit down to talk about the biggest issue in church and state. This time:The UK Election continues in much the same way as Tories slip behind Reform in some polls. Are we now voting for the next opposition?Reform UK's "contract" with the British people.Rishi Sunak says he is not in principle opposed to euthanasia.The trouble with "Political Christianity" and our thoughts about "hoping" that Christianity might be true.All that and much much more as ever.Please Support!Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/irreverend) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverend). Subscribe to Jamie's Blog here: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comLinks:Sunak warns of “blank cheque for Labour” https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/14/labour-blank-cheque-polling-replicated-election-sunak-warnsReform Contract with British People: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/0/reform-uk-manifesto-richard-tice-key-policies-glance/Sunak in favour of euthanasia: https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/16/rishi-sunak-not-opposed-assisted-dying?CMP=twt_b-gdnnews The Trouble with Political Christianity: https://unherd.com/2024/06/the-trouble-with-political-christianity/Notices:Find me a church: https://irreverendpod.com/church-finder/Join our Irreverend Telegram group: https://t.me/irreverendpodFind links to our episodes, social media accounts and ways to support us at https://www.irreverendpod.com!Thursday Circles: http://thursdaycircle.comJamie's Good Things Substack: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comSupport the show

Jun 14, 2024 • 1h 18min
We Will Leave Them On The Beaches...
Church of England revs with a difference Jamie Franklin and Tom Pelham sit down to talk about the biggest stories in church and state. This time:A major screw-up in the election campaign for Rishi Sunak as he leaves D-Day celebrations early and gets pilloried for it.Nigel Farage is attacked with rubble.An analysis of the Tory and Lib Dem manifestos.And we debate the biggest question of all (sort of): what are you going to do with your vote?All that, a bit on the vandalism of the King's portrait, President Bukele of El Salvador, the death of German Protestant theologian Jurgen Moltmann, and much much more!Please Support!Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/irreverend) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverend). Subscribe to Jamie's Blog here: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comLinks:D-Day screw-up: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/06/12/rishi-sunak-itv-interview-d-day-nigel-farage-sky-tv/ Are the Tories finished? https://dailysceptic.org/2024/06/11/are-the-tories-finished/Jack Anderton summary video: https://x.com/JACKGUYANDERTON/status/1799495353017745764Christian Concern analysis of Lib Dem policies: https://x.com/CConcern/status/1800569508559757761Conservative Manifesto: https://public.conservatives.com/static/documents/GE2024/Conservative-Manifesto-GE2024.pdfKing Charles portrait “vandalised”: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/06/12/rishi-sunak-itv-interview-d-day-nigel-farage-sky-tv/ Carlson interview Nayib Bukele on how God helped him and his government to turn around El Salvador: https://tuckercarlson.com/bukeleDeath of Jurgen Moltmann: https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/7-june/news/world/professor-juergen-moltmann-dies-aged-98Notices:Find me a church: https://irreverendpod.com/church-finder/Join our Irreverend Telegram group: https://t.me/irreverendpodFind links to our episodes, social media accounts and ways to support us at https://www.irreverendpod.com!Thursday Circles: http://thursdaycircle.comJamie's Good Things Substack: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comSupport the show

Jun 7, 2024 • 1h 10min
Election Shake Up
Church of England revs with a difference Tom Pelham and Jamie Franklin sit down to talk about the biggest events in church and state. This week: Cathedral watch as St Alban's tries out an inflatable obstacle course.The General Election gets a shake up (quite literally) as Nigel Farage re-enters the fray as Reform UK leader.And Trump is convicted in controversial circumstances. (Aren't they always?)That and much, much more as ever!Please Support!Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/irreverend) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverend). Subscribe to Jamie's Blog here: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comLinks:St Alban’s Obstacle Course: https://x.com/FrDavidPalmer/status/1797368154068308254 The Return of Farage: https://x.com/Nigel_Farage/status/1797665496990654769Farage Milkshake: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/06/04/woman-mcdonalds-nigel-farage-jeremy-corbyn-onlyfans/Lib Dem David Campanele deselected for being a Christian: https://www.premierchristianity.com/interviews/david-campanale-an-anti-christian-faction-of-the-lib-dems-is-bullying-me-for-going-to-church/14211.article?mkt_tok=OTA3LU9EWS0wNTEAAAGTfBQ7GckqFUS5tSTqMFOeijNv-gyHaq3bj42T__yvlTr67XgdQHcuqa2GQT2p-J_8hNRyCQ--Z5o3pINQGL-mj-gn77R8LqAt_mwd3pK2t_h-k7yzeAhttps://x.com/pmounstephen/status/1797011673967996948Trump Conviction:https://x.com/damonimani/status/1797310260845142517Notices:Find me a church: https://irreverendpod.com/church-finder/Join our Irreverend Telegram group: https://t.me/irreverendpodFind links to our episodes, social media accounts and ways to support us at https://www.irreverendpod.com!Thursday Circles: http://thursdaycircle.comJamie's Good Things Substack: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comSupport the show

May 31, 2024 • 57min
Tory Wets: General Election Announcement Special
Church of England revs with a difference Thomas Pelham and Jamie Franklin sit down to talk about the biggest issues in church and state. This time:General elections announcement special: military service, quadruple lock for pensioners, who will we vote for, and "symbolism happens".The cosmic insignificance of humans?Atheist musicians in the church.All that and much, much more as always!Please Support!Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/irreverend) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverend). Subscribe to Jamie's Blog here: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comLinks:Election Announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXB2EzDd8MoSymbolism Happens: https://x.com/implausibleblog/status/1794641404636877229CofE Official Advice: https://x.com/churchofengland/status/1793318770825429398New atheist wannabe with piano: https://x.com/nickdixoncomic/status/1793444383171219766Notices:Find me a church: https://irreverendpod.com/church-finder/Join our Irreverend Telegram group: https://t.me/irreverendpodFind links to our episodes, social media accounts and ways to support us at https://www.irreverendpod.com!Thursday Circles: http://thursdaycircle.comJamie's Good Things Substack: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comSupport the show

May 24, 2024 • 1h 17min
Butcher's Mixed Legacy
Church of Englands revs with a difference Daniel French and Jamie Franklin sit down to talk about the big stories in church and state. This time: Death of the Iranian President - "The Butcher of Tehran" - provokes surprisingly sentimental response from the West.Our take on the new "demonic gore" portrait of King Charles III.Gay blessings opponent Bishop Jill Duff inexplicably participates in ordination of gay Welsh bishop.Is it possible to return the BBC coverage of anything?Russell Brand and Quantum Physics.That and much, much more as ever.Please Support!Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/irreverend) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverend). Subscribe to Jamie's Blog here: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comLinks:Death of Butcher of Tehran: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/21/courage-of-iranian-people-shames-craven-international-elite/Portrait of King ‘emerging demonically from a sea of gore’:https://www.skynews.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity-life/king-charles-unveils-unexpected-pink-painting-by-artist-jonathan-yeo-at-buckingham-palace-as-first-official-portrait-since-coronation/news-story/88e5e35ea6e21e933efd5049a2782d51https://www.telegraph.co.uk/art/artists/king-charles-portrait-jonathan-yeo-phillip-mould/Jill Duff participates in gay episcopal ordination in Wales:https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/17-may/news/uk/bishop-of-lancaster-i-cannot-judge-welsh-bishophttps://www.anglicanfutures.org/post/the-start-of-an-episcopal-free-for-allNotices:Find me a church: https://irreverendpod.com/church-finder/Join our Irreverend Telegram group: https://t.me/irreverendpodFind links to our episodes, social media accounts and ways to support us at https://www.irreverendpod.com!Thursday Circles: http://thursdaycircle.comJamie's Good Things Substack: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comSupport the show

May 17, 2024 • 1h 21min
When Thugs Cry
Revs with a difference Thomas Pelham and Jamie Franklin sit down to review the biggest talking points in church and state. This time:Passé Satanist witch Bambie Thug takes Eurovision by stormOctogenarian clergy climate protestors attack Magna CartaThe unorthodox converts to Christianity (including Russell Brand)That, our weekly scripture, email of the week, Question the Rev, and much much more as ever.Please Support!Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/irreverend) or Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/irreverend). Subscribe to Jamie's Blog here: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comLinks:Bambie Thug: https://www.spiked-online.com/2024/05/13/bambie-thug-has-exposed-the-rottenness-of-the-new-ireland/https://catholicherald.co.uk/an-exorcist-is-needed-to-sort-out-eurovision-2024-and-irelands-troubled-contestant/Octogenarian Climate Activists: https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1788943829661331650https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/10/just-stop-oil-magna-carta-british-library-protest/Unorthodox Folks Embracing Christianity: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-unorthodox-thinkers-are-embracing-christianity/ Notices:Find me a church: https://irreverendpod.com/church-finder/Join our Irreverend Telegram group: https://t.me/irreverendpodFind links to our episodes, social media accounts and ways to support us at https://www.irreverendpod.com!Thursday Circles: http://thursdaycircle.comJamie's Good Things Substack: https://jamiefranklin.substack.comSupport the show


