Bishop of St Albans on defending democracy and the harm caused by problem gambling

Recent events in the United States show that Western-style liberal democracies may not be as robust as we like to think, the Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, writes in a comment article in this week’s Church Times (15 January). The arrest last week of pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong, and the attempt in 2019 by the British Prime Minister to prorogue Parliament, show that threats to democracy are not confined to the US. On this week’s podcast, Dr Smith talks about what needs to be done to support democratic government, and what part churches have to play. He also speaks about the campaign that he has led to reduce the harms caused by gambling. On Thursday 21 January, from 5-7pm, the Church Times is hosting a live webinar on clergy burnout, well-being, and resilience. Tickets are £10 or £5 for Church Times subscribers. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.churchtimes.co.uk/the-weight-of-this-calling Try 10 issues of the Church Times for £10 or get two months access to our website and apps, also for £10. Go to churchtimes.co.uk/new-reader.