Public Square Debates, Abuse in the Church, and Disqualifying Demeanors // In the News

How should we conduct debates in the public square? Could abuse happen in FIEC churches? Should past actions disqualify you from present service?

In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries), and John Stevens (FIEC National Director) discuss some of the stories in the news over the past fortnight.

You can watch a video of this episode and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website.

Show notes

• On the Journey Into Ministry (fiec.org.uk)
• Journeys 2025 (fiec.org.uk)
• Planters 2025 (fiec.org.uk)
• Thrive 2025 (fiec.org.uk)
• Ministry Wives Retreat 2025 (fiec.org.uk)
• What is assisted dying and how could the law change? (bbc.co.uk)
• ‘Prolific, brutal and horrific’: Makin report calls out the Smyth abuse and the cover-up (churchtimes.co.uk)
• thirty-one:eight (thirtyoneeight.org)
• Christian Safeguarding Services (thecss.co.uk)
• FIEC Advice Line (fiec.org.uk)
• Minister Louise Haigh quits after fraud offence revealed (bbc.co.uk)
• Boris Johnson blames the Church of England for obesity crisis (thetimes.com)

About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear teaching and resources for church leaders from the FIEC Ministry Team and guests from FIEC churches and partners.

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00:00 - Introduction and FIEC news

04:07 - Debating assisted suicide in the public square

12:30 - How do we respond to an assisted suicide law?

15:19 - Could abuse happen in FIEC churches?

23:34 - Are past demeanours disqualifying?

31:01 - Is the Church of England to blame for obesity?