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Reposted by Rev. Robin

Ed Morrish @edmorrish.com · 03/09/2026

a lot of people doubted how much the british media genuinely cared about integrity in academia and now is a great chance for the british media to prove that they’re not just gullible racists!

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 03/09/2026

I've just seen this in full. I am absolutely astounded. This is likely the most explosive piece of undercover journalism to affect British politics in years. Orr’s status in academia must surely be in question after seemingly showing such rank dishonesty. youtu.be/aXut3s90rUI

youtu.be

Going undercover to expose Reform's secret donations plot

YouTube video by Channel 4 News

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 15/06/2026

This statement by Baroness Carr is historically illiterate. I can think of at least one instance where a suffragette supporter planted a bomb on public transport infrastructure. Supporters of Palestine Action have not gone nearly as “far” in their actions.

Tweet from journalist Harriet Williamson:

The Lady Chief Justice said proscription of Palestine Action “struck a fair balance” and PA is not a peaceful civil disobedience group like the Suffragettes.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 19/03/2026

Can we start a trend of putting Bible passages through the LinkedIn translator? I'll start with Ezekiel 23:19-20

English :
Yet she increased her prostitutions, remembering the days of her youth, when she prostituted herself in the land of Egypt and lusted after her paramours there, whose members were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of stallions.

LinkedIn Speak:
She doubled down on her legacy engagement strategies, pivoting back to her early-career experiences in the Egyptian market. She showed a high level of passion for high-performing stakeholders who brought massive energy to the table-true industry heavyweights with a relentless drive for results.

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Reposted by Rev. Robin

Amnesty International UK @amnestyuk.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Two years ago today, Hind Rajab was killed by Israeli forces. She was five years old. On 29th January 2024, Hind and her relatives were fired on by an Israeli tank when trying to flee to safety. Everyone in the vehicle was killed by the initial attack except Hind and her 15-year-old cousin, Layan.

A photo of Hind Rajab with a mortarboard hat on pretending to be graduating from university. Writing over the photo says: Justice for Hind Rajab.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 05/01/2026

My joy today has been receiving the Iona Community Prayer Book in PDF form. I always manage to lose the physical book, but hopefully this year I'll actually be able to keep up with my daily prayers!

The cover page of the Iona Community Prayer Book 2026 opened in the Adobe Acrobat app on iOS.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 03/01/2026

A liberal “rules-based international order” is meaningless if a state can bomb a capital city and extrajudicially “capture” a sitting President without facing immediate sanctions.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 31/12/2025

Am I the only one to grow increasingly disappointed in The Telegraph’s political reporting? On the advice of my old school English teacher, I've continued to read the newspaper opposite to my politics.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 25/12/2025

And with all the Christmas celebrations done, and a glass of parson's punch in hand, the Minister said, “Now, I'll be back in January and before then I'll…” and with that he went to sleep. 💤 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄🎉

Robin, in a white clerical collar and black double-breasted cassock, sitting on a pew with a glass of amber coloured punch in one hand and a mince pie in the other hand on his lap. He is pretending to have nodded off to sleep.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 25/12/2025

Checking into the #ClergyMaltClub with a Whisky Mac. I've had a relatively light Christmas, with a Carol service on Sunday and no Christmas Eve services. That said, I will be in the pulpit in the morning and will be serving parson’s punch and mince pies after the service!

Robin, wearing a black suit with a white clerical collar, holding a whisky glass of amber coloured liquid and ice. A Christmas tree is in the background.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 25/12/2025

A gentle reminder (via @maklelan.bsky.social) for those planning to preach on John 1 tomorrow! youtu.be/_4C_yLvioUA

youtu.be

Doesn’t John 1:1 tell us the Word was God?

YouTube video by Dan McClellan

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 17/12/2025

A question for those criticising people imprisoned on remand for going on hunger strike: If you were due to spend years of your life incarcerated before being able to access a trial, how would you protest your treatment by the state in a more effective way? I'm genuinely curious…

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 25/11/2025

Is anyone else sick of the fake-apology ads on social media? “We sincerely apologise… That our product works so well! Here is a sale so you can buy more of it…” No, thank you!

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 20/11/2025

A recent quiz told me that if I were an Anglican, I would be a Matthew Fox kind of Anglican, so I am now finally reading some Fox. Have I picked the best starting point for gaining a general understanding of Fox’s theology?

A copy of ‘Original Blessing’ by Matthew Fox.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 10/11/2025

When you make yourself a cup of tea only to realise the last of the milk is off 😭

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 01/11/2025

Now that everyone has had their opportunity to get their copy of the October issue of The Inquirer, I’m sharing the interview that Laura did with me in full about my attendance at a Stand Up To Racism organised counter demonstration.

On Saturday 9 August 2025, Rev. Robin Hanford, minister of Hinckley Unitarian chapel, joined a Stand Up to Racism counter-demo, where he experienced physical and verbal abuse from militant right-wing protestors.
A spate of online threats followed, including from prominent far-right leaders. Despite this, Robin feels empowered to continue to stand up and be counted in an ever-polarised society.
What made you attend the counter-demonstration?
The week of the demo, I remember seeing local Facebook groups advertising an anti-immigration demo in a town near Hinckley, where I'm the minister. It played on the fears of local people, linked to an alleged sexual assault case that was weaponized against male asylum seekers. Fast-forward to Saturday, and part of me wanted to concentrate on writing my Sunday service. But eventually, the other part won out.
It's all very well preaching to my congregation about how we should stand up for what's right, but it doesn't make much difference if I don't attempt to do that. So I thought, right, I'm going to go.
What happened during the counter-demonstration?
Unlike other counter-protests where the police keep both groups separate and distanced with a no-man's land in between, we had a scattering of police officers around us which meant that people from the main protest who were particularly aggrieved at our presence could get to us quite easily. There were about 1,000 people at the main demonstration, and 35 of us.
Eventually, a decision was made by the police or the organisers of the counter-demo that we should move away The police led us from the front, with no protection behind us, which meant far-right activists could pick us off one by one. Somebody tried to swipe my legs out from under me. Someone else grabbed the lapels of my jacket. Then somebody seized the collar of my shirt and said they would take my clerical collar "through any means necessary" Someone wished death on me to my face, which was haunting.
You were filmed by far-…

for me, but for my family, my congregation, and those who care for me. While I'm glad I took the decision to go, it's not one l'd ever make flippantly.
How have your congregation reacted?
They've been very supportive and concerned for my safety and that of my partner, which I appreciate. It's led to some interesting conversations, too. While Unitarians know that ministers are free to act independently of their congregation, the general public doesn't. It can look like a minister speaks for the entire congregation, which is never the case. As a movement, that's something we need to have a discussion about.
Many far-right extremists refer to themselves as patriots.
Do you consider yourself to be a patriot?
While I wouldn't describe myself as a patriot, there are things do that could be considered patriotic. I grew up in a family that put football flags on the car windows and cheered the team on. I'm pleased to inherit a cultural heritage that's long sought to look out for each other, going back to the Tolpuddle Martyrs, and to the Diggers and Ranters of the Commonwealth period. I'm proud of the radical English tradition. Patriotism is also about making sure everybody in your community and country is able to live well - something Unitarians have done for decades. Hinckley Unitarians were first and foremost in building local libraries and hospitals.
It's important to distinguish between patriotism and nationalism, because the far right doesn't want there to be any difference. There's a political, nationalist move to unite working class communities who feel, correctly, that they've been left behind by wealthy millionaires and billionaires.
Rather than stirring tension on a class basis, far-right British politics is taking an aggressive nationalist route that will lead to a very dangerous place if we're not careful. While it might seem convenient to retreat into a comfortable isolationist sphere, it won't be productive in the short or long term. We've seen the potential d…

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 24/10/2025

I'm delighted to be part of a @woodbrooke.bsky.social session on the role of creeds in the relationship between church and state. In a personal first for me, I'll be offering a critical perspective on Nicaea while in dialogue with a Roman Catholic Bishop! www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/quak...

woodbrooke.org.uk

Quakers and Creeds: The Role of Creeds in Church and State - Woodbrooke

In this session, we’ll explore key questions such as: • What should the relationship be between Church and State? • “Thy Kingdom come”? This session is

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 11/09/2025

In case anyone was wondering what the book was, it was ‘Tales of the City’ by Armistead Maupin. Amazing how an author can make such interesting subject matter so incredibly dull. An absolutely excruciating read.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 09/09/2025

I'm watching ‘Dexter’ for the first time. It is excellent, but the opening credits annoy me. I get why they choose to show coffee beans in a blade grinder for the aesthetics, but I'm sure that anyone meticulous enough to be a Dexter-style serial killer would use a burr grinder.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 01/09/2025

Has anyone ever given up entirely on a book you are meant to read for a book group because you find it so frustrating? I am sorely tempted.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 06/08/2025

It is always wonderful to be back at @hmcoxford.bsky.social, and it was great to meet Lisa Smars and catch up with all she is doing for the college!

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 23/06/2025

‘Apocalypse Working Group’ would be a great band name.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 22/06/2025

If there is one thing joining a book group has done, it has freed me from the shackles of attempting to finish every work of fiction I begin to read.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 19/06/2025

My fiancée has finally twisted my arm into reading one of her favourite book series. However, I'm finding it hard going as one of the main characters is so annoying as to be completely insufferable. I've never hoped so eagerly for a literary character to be killed off!

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 21/05/2025

Even as a Christian who operates largely outside the bounds of Nicene-Chalcedonian orthodoxy, I agree with @leedshewitt.bsky.social on this! The implications of Nicaea on church history and doctrine simply can't be overstated, and folks in the pews should be well informed about it.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 11/05/2025

If your church is marking 1700 years of the Nicene Creed this year and is looking for someone to give a talk, I'll be happy to do it (from a critical perspective, of course).

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 09/05/2025

I just discovered that Dr Sollereder brews her own beer at home! This is an excellent appointment by @hmcoxford.bsky.social! www.homebrewedchristianty.com/2022/01/29/b...

homebrewedchristianty.com

Bethany Sollereder: Celebration, Suffering, & the Future of Science + ReligionFacebookInstagramTwitter

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Reposted by Rev. Robin

Owen Jones @owenjones.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

The moment the penny drops for former Tory minister Simon Clarke...

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 25/04/2025

The fact that people led by this ignoramus are running for positions that would put them in charge of local SEND policy is frankly terrifying. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...

independent.co.uk

Farage sparks furious backlash over children’s mental health jibe

The Reform UK leader claimed GPs are over diagnosing adults with mental health problems and children with special educational needs

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 23/04/2025

Thanks to @pridepicsuk.bsky.social for covering the protest in Leicester yesterday! #transrightsarehumanrights

Robin holding a sign reading ‘I stand with trans’.

Robin beside a trans-Pride flag speaking into a megaphone.

Robin, besides a trans-Pride flag, looking towards the camera while holding a megaphone.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 05/04/2025

Even in the context of the multiple horrors of an ongoing genocide, the intentional massacre of humanitarian workers is a great evil indeed. www.itv.com/news/2025-04...

itv.com

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 19/03/2025

I'm taking this opportunity to correct the record. A trusted friend contacted me and pointed out that my reading of Neil Pugmire’s theology was inaccurate and that he is “definitely not conservative”. I apologise to Neil if I have offended him.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 19/03/2025

I picked up the new edition of ‘100 Ways To Get Your Church Noticed’ from my local Christian bookshop today where I am told it is selling well. There is the very occasional hint that Pugmire writes form a conservative evangelical perspective. While I don't share that perspective…

The cover of the book which reads:

100 WAYS TO GET YOUR CHURCH NOTICED
THIRD EDITION
'This book is stuffed with so many good ideas and so much common sense that if you're not already doing many of the things he suggests, you'll wonder why on earth not.'
CHURCH TIMES
NEIL PUGMIRE

The book cover features a graphic of a church building in neon lights.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 05/03/2025

I'm quoting as I can't comment for some reason. This has been a fascinating discussion between @trt.bsky.social and @dwcongdon.com. To nail my colours to the mast: I draw from both liberal and liberation theologies, I operate mainly in theologically liberal institutions, and politically, I’m

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Richard Sewell @sgcjerusalem.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

While understandably, eyes have turned to Ukraine and the threats of Trump’s chaos machine, Israel is taking full advantage. Gaza is under notice of siege and bombardment and the Knesset advances plans to annex large swathes of the West Bank. The danger is extreme.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 04/03/2025

A lovely reflection from Peter Rollins this morning that really spoke to me. youtu.be/gysDmb4bECc

youtu.be

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 04/03/2025

Here are the films that I saw in February: 1. Companion (2025) 10/10 2. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) 10/10 3. September 5 (2024) 10/10 4. The Brutalist (2024) 9/10 5. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025) 8/10 6. Better Man (2024) 3/10

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Student Christian Movement @scmbritain.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

🏳️‍⚧️The Trans* Theology Group are looking for your help!🏳️‍⚧️ For Trans* Day of Visibility 2025, the Trans* Theology Group are looking for participants to help them in making a short video to recognise the joy in being trans* and Christian. Want to know more? Swipe to find out!

A light pink background with dark pink text. The text reads 'Trans* Day of Visibility 2025'. There is a drawing of a person holding a sign that says 'visibility and joy'. The person has a headband on and a scarf on which are both in the pattern of the transgender pride flag.

For Trans* Day of Visibility, the wonderful Trans* Theology Group are looking for trans*, non-binary, and genderqueer Christians to create a short video focused on the joy of being trans*. With a variety of ways to get involved, we hope to hear from as many people as possible!

Interested in getting involved?

On A4 paper, write a short answer to the question ‘what gives you trans* joy?’. You can leave this anonymous, or share some brief identifiers with you answer. For example; Soph, she/they, PhD Student.

Take a short 5 second video of the paper. You can be holding it, or you can place it somewhere in your home or outside to film it. Just make sure it is filmed in portrait!

Finally, email your clip to transtheologygroup@movement.org.uk by 20th March and let them know that you’re happy with your clip to be shared across SCM’s social media pages.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 19/02/2025

I watched the BFI’s 4K remaster of Martin Rosen’s 1978 film ‘Watership Down’ yesterday. I had almost forgotten what a brilliantly animated film it is! The death of Hazel at the end of the film always brings me to tears. Has there ever been a more beautiful depiction of dying in cinematic history?

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 19/02/2025

John Hick really hit the nail on the head here back in the 1977 Preface to ‘The Myth of God Incarnate’: “‘Orthodoxy’ is a myth, which can and often does inhibit the creative thinking which Christianity sorely needs today.”

Picture of text from page ‘x’ of the book ‘The Myth of God Incarnate’

Text Reads:

Many people, including both conservative believers and perhaps a still larger group of conservative unbelievers, will take exception to the thinking that is going on in this book. They will hold that Christianity consists and always has consisted in a certain definite set of beliefs, and that theologians who seek to modify or 'reinterpret' those beliefs are being disingenuous: it would be more honest of them frankly to abandon the faith as no longer tenable. To this it must be replied that modern scholarship has shown that the supposed unchanging set of beliefs is a mirage. Christianity was from the first very diverse, and has never ceased developing in its diversity. Today's conservatives, for example, are themselves diverse, and their positions are in most cases of quite recent origin. 'Orthodoxy' is a myth, which can and often does inhibit the creative thinking which Christianity sorely needs today. We therefore ask that the ideas and arguments in this book be judged on their merits rather than by their conformity to some previous stage of Christian development.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 18/02/2025

There is no use crying over stolen milk, I suppose! Three bottles were stolen just two minutes after they were delivered. I found one bottle, which was still full but minus its foil top, discarded at the end of the road. This leads me to think they didn’t take it simply because they were thirsty.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 15/02/2025

I love #Uncanny, but the latest ‘Shadow Man’ case is one of the most disturbing by far! One crucial question to ask Julian is what happened to the 02:11 phenomena when the clocks changed. Did they occur an hour later/before, or did they continue to commence at 02:11?

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 03/02/2025

As such here are the ratings for the films I saw in January: 1. Seven (1995) 9/10 2. Zodiac (2007) 8/10 3. Nosferatu (2024) 7/10 4. A Complete Unknown (2024) 7/10 5. Presence (2024) 6/10 6. Flight Risk (2025) 6/10 7. Gone Girl (2014) 5/10

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 03/02/2025

Recently, I decided to make going to the cinema a hobby and to start watching films regularly. This is partly a way of ensuring I get a break and also because I was tired of always being that person in a conversation who hadn't seen the movie.

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Simon Hewitt @leedshewitt.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

On Holocaust Memorial Day we should recommit ourselves to opposing fascism in this darkening world. Never again!

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 22/01/2025

If Rep. Mike Collins gets his way and Bishop Mariann Budde does find herself on a deportation list and out of a job as a result of her sermon, then I hear there is a good post going in Canterbury that she might be interested in. It even comes with some snazzy digs in Lambeth.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 20/01/2025

I'm sad to have learned that Don Cupitt has died. His non-realist Christianity was one of the ideas that first brought me back to faith. For that alone, I owe a lot to him.

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Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · 05/01/2025

You may not like it, but this is the perfect steak dinner in my home. 😋

Steak with roast potatoes and festive sauce.

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