iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A truly bucket list moment! I’m in the @radiotimes.bsky.social - love the Radio Times - I read cover to cover every week! The episode of Beyond Belief featuring me on the panel is on Radio 4 next Tuesday and will be on BBC Sounds after that. I’m looking forward to hearing what makes the edit!

132

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Cardiff Law graduate Aaron Slade is taking on Scaffell Pike, the highest mountain in England, to mark raising 50% of his fundraising target for Mind ahead of running the Cardiff half marathon. Do sponsor him if you can please: cardiffhalf26.enthuse.com/pf/aaron-slade

cardiffhalf26.enthuse.com

Aaron's page

Even though 1 in 4 people have mental health problems, most of us don’t get the help we need. This has to change. We’re Mind. We’re here to fight mental health. For support for respect, for you. We ch

000

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The Law Society has expressed its broad agreement with the proposals on marriage law reform and has stated that independent celebrants should be legally recognised. For more see my new blog post: sandbergrlaw.substack.com/p/law-societ... sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/09/25/l...

sandbergrlaw.substack.com

Law Society Supports Recognition of Independent Celebrants

The Law Society has published its full response to the consultation on wedding law reform that closed yesterday.

000

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The need to legally recognise humanist weddings is compelling but the number of issues with our archaic laws on marriage means that comprehensive reform is needed as the Government proposes. To do otherwise would simply replace one discrimination with another.

011

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Government’s Consultation on proposed reform to the law on getting married in England and Wales has now closed. My response to the Consultation can be found at: orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/18... #marriage #marriagelaw #weddings #weddinglaw #FamilyLaw

orca.cardiff.ac.uk

011

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

Megan Manson @meganmanson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

These plans look really good. They balance freedom of religion or belief with the need to keep weddings safe and dignified.

011

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

National Secular Society @natsecsoc.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We are greatly encouraged by the Government's proposed reforms to wedding law, which will drastically improve equal access to weddings for all people in England and Wales, regardless of their religion or belief. More 👇 www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/09...

secularism.org.uk

NSS backs wedding reform plans for England and Wales

Ministry of Justice consulting on proposals which NSS helped shape Read More

092

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Cardiff Law graduate Nia Capper, who raised so much money for charity as a student - not least though organising the charity moots - is at it again. She’s raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society by taking on a zip line. Please sponsor her if you can: www.justgiving.com/page/nia-sop...

justgiving.com

Zip Lining over Cardiff Stadium for Alzheimer's Society

Help Nia Capper raise money to support Alzheimer's Society

000

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

If would be production teams want any help ensuring that they can demonstrate ‘Deep knowledge of the world of Doctor Who’, then I’m happy to be contacted as one of the editors of the upcoming first academic handbook devoted to #Doctorwho www.bbc.co.uk/commissionin...

bbc.co.uk

New opportunity: Doctor Who invitation to tender

Deadline for initial submissions: 2 October

010

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

My seventh and last blog post looks at how officiants will be regulated. It explains and applauds the proposed system of regulatory bodies (nominated bodies and celebrancy membership of organisations) and a central regulator. sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/09/16/u...

100

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

My penultimate post of my guide to the marriage law reform consultation applauds the interim conclusion to include independent celebrants but expresses disbelief at the lengthy attempt to define religion and belief. sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/09/15/u... sandbergrlaw.substack.com/p/untangling...

000

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The Church Appointments (Repeal of Discriminatory Provision) Bill has now been published: bills.parliament.uk/bills/4296 Explanatory notes: publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbi...

000

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group @apphg.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We're back for the AGM of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group in Parliament. We start with Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson reflects on a year of hard-fought successes and fresh challenges, and thanks the cross-party MPs and peers driving change.

1187

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Part five of my chapter-by-chapter look at the wedding law consultation looks at locations. Another area where the consultation improves upon the Law Commission’s work: sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/09/15/u... sandbergrlaw.substack.com/p/untangling...

001

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

That was quick! www.gov.uk/government/n... A welcome sticking plaster but a sticking plaster nonetheless. For background see my previous blog post: sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/07/28/a...

021

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

In the fourth of my chapter-by-chapter blog posts on the wedding law reform consultation, I try to summarise its Dignity Framework and highlight some defects - as well as looking the recommendations on the use of religious or belief elements in ceremonies.

100

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

There’s just 10 days left to respond to the wedding law consultation. My latest blog looks at one issue where the proposal needs revising: instead of different rules for what will constitute consent for different officiants, I argue for a universal rule with limited variations.

110

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

A fascinating editorial from @stephenmevans.bsky.social on @natsecsoc.bsky.social on a topic on which I am currently researching:

142

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The second part of my chapter by chapter guide to the wedding reform consultation looks at preliminaries where there are four technical questions about the modernising and tightening up proposals that will allow some liberalisation in terms of ceremonies: sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/09/11/u...

100

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

National Secular Society @natsecsoc.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

In the wake of Reform's conference, our chief exec @stephenmevans.bsky.social reflects on the growing ecosystem of Christian nationalism - and why Britain's constitutional intertwinement of religion and state leaves the door open to religious identitarianism. www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2026...

secularism.org.uk

Britain’s archaic Church-state settlement could enable Reform’s Christian nationalism

With Christian nationalism being embraced as an answer to Islamism and social fragmentation, Stephen Evans argues that secularism offers a far better defence of Britain's freedoms. Read More

098

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

Kippy Woo @tygerwhocame2t.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The BBC have published the Invitation To Tender (ITT) for Silent Witness, potentially of interest to #DoctorWho fans... www.bbc.co.uk/commissionin...

bbc.co.uk

New opportunity: Silent Witness invitation to tender

Deadline for initial submissions: 25 September

244

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

This is the first in a series of blog posts looking at the wedding law consultation chapter by chapter. It looks at the main features and principles of the proposed reform and is critical of the way in which the Consultation distinguishes between belief and civil officiants.

111

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

As the Bayeux Tapestry comes to the UK and is on display to the public, my new blog post asks ‘What have the Normans Ever Done for Us’? It is an edited extract from my book ‘A Historical Introduction to English Law: Genesis of the Common Law’ (Cambridge University Press, 2023). (1/2)

121

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

With the Consultation on wedding law reform closing later this month, my latest blog post identifies five ways in which the proposals could be improved. lawandreligionuk.com/2026/09/07/f...

010

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The Ministry of Justice Consultation on wedding law reform gets so many things right but how could it be improved? In my new blog post, I suggest five tweaks: lawandreligionuk.com/2026/09/07/f...

lawandreligionuk.com

Five suggestions on wedding law reform | Law & Religion UK

020

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Summer Reading Roundup! Much of my reading this summer has had a legal dimension so I thought I’d share my thoughts about novels by @ljshepherd.bsky.social @barristersecret.bsky.social @chrischibnall.bsky.social @robthor.bsky.social and more! sandbergrlaw.substack.com/p/summer-rea...

021

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

You can watch me discuss the wedding reform consultation on the Academy of Modern Celebrancy’s Beyond the Ceremony Podcast over on their YouTube channel: youtu.be/3R2DpMlJE58?...

youtu.be

Wedding Law Reform: What Every Celebrant Needs to Do Now | Beyond The Ceremony Podcast Ep. 23

YouTube video by The Academy of Modern Celebrancy

010

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

A privilege to speak today at the United Nations Side-event to mark the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Belief organised by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Poland. For the text of my speech, see sandbergrlaw.substack.com/p/eight-prob...

110

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

To find out why this says ‘previous Prime Minister’, check out my latest blog post: sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/07/28/a...

010

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Great to see the Women Through the Ages display from Cadw outside Cardiff Central today! To see individual photos, see my Instagram: www.instagram.com/p/DbYYib4lw9...

010

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

National Secular Society @natsecsoc.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Russell Sandberg aptly identifies that, while Christian nationalist politics do not have the same influence in Britain as in the US, the Church's constitutional privileges could feasibly provide a foothold for a rollback of rights: @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

theguardian.com

The UK has its first Catholic PM – but don’t expect a US-style religious culture war to follow

Trump administration has clashed with Vatican on social issues but Burnham’s faith is shaped by different principles

172

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

National Secular Society @natsecsoc.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

To truly challenge Christian nationalism, those privileges and the Church's intertwinement with our state institutions must be brought into question.👇 www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/07...

secularism.org.uk

Church “must not withdraw from politics”, CofE paper says

Paper warns "never" use term "Christian nationalism" when "teaching the faithful" or "talking on behalf of the Church" Read More »

072

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Delighted to be quoted in this article ⬇️

110

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

M Beattie, PhD @thanatos-kalos.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Still time to add this into the Handbook, @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social ? ;)

011

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The CofE’s established status is often viewed through a lens of nostalgia. However, the often fuzzy legal and political ramifications and benefits that come from the Church’s established status could be used to justify and provide a foundation for Christian nationalist policies.

022

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

National Secular Society @natsecsoc.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Church of England documents have styled its established status as a basis for "a healthy sense of patriotism" & advised disusing the term 'Christian nationalism'. But to challenge religious identity politics, the Church's unjust privileges must be re-examined👇 www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/07...

secularism.org.uk

Church “must not withdraw from politics”, CofE paper says

Paper warns "never" use term "Christian nationalism" when "teaching the faithful" or "talking on behalf of the Church" Read More »

194

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

National Secular Society @natsecsoc.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

The Charity Commission has apologised after being found in contempt of parliament for trying to suppress reports of its mishandling of claims of abuse at religious charities. The findings raise grave concerns over transparency and public accountability👇 www.secularism.org.uk/news/2026/07...

secularism.org.uk

Charity Commission in contempt of Parliament over abuse cases

Regulator's attempt to suppress criticism of its handling of abuse claims at religious charities "wholly unacceptable", say MPs Read More »

1145

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Great to see the support of the @natsecsoc.bsky.social for the Government’s proposals on wedding law reform.

062

Reposted by Russell Sandberg

Megan Manson @meganmanson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Plans look pretty good! I'm especially pleased that the Government supports including independent celebrants into the new legal framework for weddings. 🥂

052

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Disagree with this. Parliamentary time and focus is unlikely to allow for wedding reform to be done twice. Makes much more sense to have comprehensive reform.

120

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

This is one of several reasons why reform of marriage law is needed. As today’s consultation paper proposes, there is a need for wholesale reform which would include humanist weddings alongside those conducted by independent celebrants.

020

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

The UK Government’s consultation paper on weddings law reform is to be broadly welcomed. It would provide much needed modernisation of the law to reflect the way people marry today See my new blog post: sandbergrlaw.substack.com/p/consultati... sandbergrlaw.wordpress.com/2026/07/16/c...

000

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Delighted to receive from Waterstones a signed copy of the new novel from @chrischibnall.bsky.social - his first novel was exceptional so I’m very much looking forward to reading this!

151

Russell Sandberg @sandbergrlaw.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Delighted to be attending and speaking at the book launch today of this awesome new monograph by my Cardiff colleague Professor Daniel Newman. Thrilled to have this as part of our Transforming Legal Histories series with Routledge www.routledge.com/Law-and-Just...

020