Archbishop Jonathan Blake

The Most Reverend Jonathan Blake, Presiding Archbishop of the Open Episcopal Church B.A. (Hons), Dip. Pastoral Studies. Mobile: 07767 687711 www.bishopjonathanblake.com archbishopjonathanblake@gmail.com www.openepiscopalchurch.org The Church is a member of The International Council of Community churches and the World Council of Churches. Married and a proud Dad.

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Location: London, Kent, United Kingdom

Gassed Tehran, seized Kabul, helped Mother Teresa, funded TB hospital, priest 1981, went Auschwitz, wrote on Parliament, convicted, began 1st inter-faith NHS chapel, 12 yrs Anglican cleric/vicar - left, baptised 1000's in homes/Mt Snowdon/at circus, wedding underwater, wrote ‘For God’s Sake Don’t Go To Church’, nailed 95 Theses 2 Canterbury cathedral, arrested, co-founded the Society for Independent Ministry, consecrated a bishop, co-founded the Open Episcopal Church, did 1st gay wedding on morning TV, sued Associated Newspapers, co-consecrated 1st women bishops 4 England,Wales,Scotland, accommodated the homeless, posted Mass/took it 2 sex workers, elected Archbishop, arrested 4 climbing with sons,founded ‘When No One’s Watching',made ICV, did Jade Goody's wedding,invited 2 Downing St, wrote 'That Old Devil Called God Again', conviction 4 campaigning against child abuse quashed on appeal, convicted 4 successful blogging 2 stop paedophile. His Christmas Lights raising £79,000 4 Water in 4 Gambian villages. Published "The Tales of Henry the Lovable Hedgehog", the SAFE New Testament + Psalms + radical Book of Common Prayer, ordained priests for UK,US,Thailand,Spain,Ireland

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

FATIMA BAKARA AND YAHYA

How to use our hearts and hands to touch the earth with love and bring life and hope.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelzarrell/a-little-boy-born-with-no-eyes-nose-or-upper-jaw-was-just-gi#.tyw4R6AyA

MATTHEW JAMES

One really never knows what lies within a person, even within oneself, until such an ultimate moment. To find pure love is a rare and beautiful gift.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/guy-took-a-thumbs-up-photo-after-taking-three-bullets-for-hi#.iv4Z0PD3D

WOULD YOU GIVE UP YOUR AIRLINE SEAT?

The consideration that can transform...

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/how-slowing-down-can-make-room-for-kindness/

THE CHAIN OF LOVE THAT NO HATE CAN BREAK

The links that bind every good person, whatever their religion or background, inextricably together.

http://www.mintpressnews.com/muslim-hotel-workers-form-human-chain-to-protect-against-crazed-gunmen/207100/

MAYEL MONCEF - HERO OF SOUSSE

Spread the news of the good Muslims who help save the world.

http://www.channel4.com/news/hero-of-sousse-mayel-moncef-tried-to-stop-tunisia-attack

Monday, June 29, 2015

MEANWHILE THE NAKED RAMBLER IS IN PRISON


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-33286120

MUSLIMS, SIKHS AND CHRISTIANS BREAK BREAD TOGETHER IN GURDWARA

The purest act of faith

http://thelogicalindian.com/story-feed/get-inspired/iftar-dinner-at-a-gurdwara-with-muslims-sikhs-and-christians-eating-together/

Sunday, June 28, 2015

THE GOD OF LOVE WINS

The message of love is slowly being heard....

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/26/gay-marriage-ruling-paragraph_n_7671876.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

THE MONARCH SCHOOL

Helping homeless children..tending to the angels...

http://monarchschools.org/about/

IMAM HAMID SLIMI

Mosque and Muslims raise money for church. The love that bridges all divides.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/06/26/mississauga-mosque-helps-vandalized-church-clean-up.html

Thursday, June 25, 2015

PROVIDENCE MOUNT ST VINCENT

We need more stereotypical norms being altered, more set boundaries crossed and more ingenious bridge building entertained, such as this.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/24/intergenerational-learning-center-_n_7639362.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

THE JEWISH QUARTER

The world needs bold decisions, vivid images and educational media resources to promote the aspiration of a world where differences are an opportunity and a joy, not a threat.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/24/world/middleeast/for-egypt-tv-shows-shocking-twist-is-its-sympathetic-jews.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

MUHAMMAD TAHIR-UL-QADRI 'S PEACE INITIATIVE

The vulnerable are so susceptible to being brain washed on every level. It is essential we do all we can to protect people from sinister influences and enable their minds to remain liberated.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33249099

BANGLADESH'S HARVEST

100 million fewer hungry people in the last three years.

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/bangladesh-slashes-hunger-rates-in-half-becomes-model-for-rest-of-world/

MATT WOODRUM

Matt's dignified courage inspires us all to run, brave and resolute, whatever our own obstacles may be.

http://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/1208/He-Runs-Up-To-A-Disabled-Boy-Falling-Behind-In-The-Race-What-Happens-Next-Is-Beautiful

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

MUHAMMED ALI

The 7 year old knight in shining armour

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/23/boy-saves-mum-baby-brother-armed-robbers-house_n_7643160.html?utm_hp_ref=uk


NIGERIA'S DEMOCRATIC EXAMPLE

Magnanimity in defeat and the quenching of pride; virtues that can bless the world.

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/may/29/nigeria-elections-free-fair-democracy-kofi-annan

MUSLIMS IN SOLIDARITY WITH CHRISTIANS AFTER CHARLESTON

Hands and hearts linked to heal not hurt.

http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/13030-cair-stands-with-african-american-community-after-terror-attack-on-charleston-church.html

Monday, June 22, 2015

ABBY GRUBBS

The potential within a choice to bring love and life to others,. Abby leads the way..

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ten-year-old-cancer-survivor-pays-forward-birthday-gifts/

MADDY GRAYLESS

Children can speak the purest words and inspire the noblest deeds. They are the divine pulse, the music of heaven.

http://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/1204/Her-Last-Wish-Was-To-Make-A-Difference-She-Never-Imagined-THIS-Would-Happen

THE CHALLENGE

In training for gender equality

http://positivenews.org.uk/2015/community/positive_people/17814/female-footballers-tackling-taboos-sudan/

THE MUSLIM'S MEAL OF LOVE

The sharing of Iftar

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-23276327

Sunday, June 21, 2015

THE JOY OF FATHERS DAY


Friday, June 19, 2015

HOMELESS AND HOPELESS IN LONDON?

http://www.homelessandhopeless.uk/

MEXICO, ONE FURTHER STEP TOWARDS EQUALITY

The modern world is slowly moving towards understanding how to make room for everyone. Love leads the way.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/karlaagis/mexico-approves-same-sex-marriage-across-the-country#.fcemdvkok

XAVIER ELLIOTT

When you have walked in another's shoes, you understand deeply. When you have a heart of gold, you never forget.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/18/boy-sew-clothes-allowance-homeless_n_7615782.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news

NAOMI BARROW

The tears upon which love voyages across the torrents to the paradise of our creating.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/naomibarrow/crying-is-not-weak_b_7607958.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

MARIE CURIE ET AL

Women who helped change our world.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33157396

ZAMBIA ACTS TO PROTECT

Beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks....

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/5/22/zambia-poachers-trade-guns-for-gardens.html

ALKETA XHAFA-MRIPA - THINKING OF YOU

The wind never forgets, the skies know and evil deeds past, hang forever and disturb men's playgrounds.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/11/kosovo-sexual-violence-survivors-art-dresses

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

HUNTER GANDEE

A walk of pure love

http://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/1201/15-Year-Old-Walks-57-MILES-Carrying-His-Brother-On-His-Back-To-Raise-Awareness-For-Cerebral-Palsy

Monday, June 15, 2015

BOB HEADINGS AND THE FATHERS DAY GIFT

Gratitude and love in grand proportions overcome the greatest canyons.

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/sons-and-grandsons-scale-grand-canyon-hauling-paralyzed-dad/

LASSANA BATHILY

A  black Muslim immigrant angel demonstrating how to be 'normal and humane'.

http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-news/1.661136

Friday, June 12, 2015

SIMON CAZAL - THE GAY ACTIVIST TO MEET THE POPE

How times they are a changing....for the better......

http://www.buzzfeed.com/lesterfeder/pope-francis-will-hold-his-first-meeting-with-a-married-gay#.prOqZA767

MIKE HUGHES REAPING A SPECIAL REWARD

The choices we make today and the actions we take can fill the years ahead with promise.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/11/firefighter-attends-teens-graduation_n_7559010.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news

INGEBORG SYLLM-RAPOPORT

A PhD at 102. It's never too late to put right the wrongs of the past.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/09/denied-nazis-worlds-oldest-doctoral-student-awarded-phd-aged-102


Thursday, June 11, 2015

RELEASE THE NAKED RAMBLER - STEPHEN GOUGH

https://www.change.org/p/rt-hon-david-cameron-mp-release-the-naked-rambler?recruiter=12376687&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_facebook_responsive&utm_term=des-lg-no_src-no_msg&fb_ref=Default

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/thunderer/article4466607.ece

Meanwhile, naked bike protests attract no prison terms?

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article1915004.ece

And artists can fill cities with nakedness

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/may/09/spencer-tunick-photography

The beaches of England can accommodate  nudity

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/spencer-tunick-folkestone-17267/

but Stephen Gough languishes in prison....


MEET THE CHIONGS - SHOWING THE WAY

Pioneers and adventurers taking us to the new and better lands with love, smiles and good humour.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/krishrach/a-same-sex-couple-had-an-amazing-response-to-a-strangers-par#.hdAgDMmAm

ABDURAGHMAAN "ABI" RUITERS - ISLAM A FORCE FOR PEACE

Islam providing a haven saving many from gang land violence to become reformed and reforming influences.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/06/south-africa-escaping-gangland-islam-150609081659960.html


JAMES HARRISON'S GOLDEN ARM

The shedding of blood and only to save lives.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/09/james-harrison-blood-donor_n_7546026.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news&ir=Good%20News

LOUISE AND HER EXTRA CHROMOSONE

Words, those little seemingly insignificant things, have such an effect.....we must use them carefully....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-boudet/meet-louise-my-4-month-old-daughter-with-two-arms-two-legs-and-one-extra-chromosome_b_7545370.html?utm_hp_ref=uk&ir=UK

'MR STEVE' WEIDNER

The importance of the 'ordinary' day job. How going 'above and beyond' transforms the everyday for everyone.

http://wqad.com/2015/06/05/second-grade-students-line-up-to-get-yearbook-signed-by-school-custodian/

DR ZAHID IQBAL

How vulnerable we all are to being influenced and indoctrinated. Remaining free to think and choose is  a lifetime's quest.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/dr-zahid-iqbal/isis-terror-extremism_b_7550514.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-whats-working

MOHAMMED AND SHAMIN ISLAM

The elderly Jewish lady and her caring Muslim neighbours.

The way of peace.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/a-story-about-an-elderly-jewish-lady-and-her-muslim-neighbours-who-cared-10294684.html

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

SHIRLEY MORRISON - A RAGING GRANNY

Still trying to change the world for the better at 92!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/06/10/meet-the-92-year-old-raging-granny-who-just-got-arrested-for-protesting-arctic-oil-drilling/?tid=hpModule_9d3add6c-8a79-11e2-98d9-3012c1cd8d1e&hpid=z11

HADIYA PENDLETON AND MICHELLE OBAMA

The courage to continue..

“If Hadiya’s friends and family could survive their heartbreak and pain, if they could found organizations to honor her unfulfilled dreams, if they could inspire folks across this country to wear orange to protest gun violence, then I know you all can live your life with the same determination and joy that Hadiya lived her life.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/10/us/politics/michelle-obamaurges-chicago-graduates-to-transcend-tragedy-of-hadiya-pendletons-death.html?hpw&rref=education&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0


LILLIAN WEBER

Elderly fingers about the business of loving...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/09/100-year-old-dresses-africa_n_7536226.html?1433860964&utm_hp_ref=good-news

ISABELLE DEMEESTERE

A baby rises from the trauma of suffering by the genius and dedication of others....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-33063838

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC PEACE DEAL

Heading in a better direction...

http://positivenews.org.uk/2015/peace_democracy/politics/17697/rival-militant-groups-central-african-republic-agree-disarm/

Tuesday, June 09, 2015

HUSEYIN TOPRAK

More powerful than bomb, blood or bullet - the ballot box.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/shyamanthaasokan/bandaged-victims-of-an-opposition-rally-vote-in-turkey-elect#.ajBK5NGdG

OMAR KHADR - THE CHILD PRISONER

Free, free, free at last...

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2015/06/guantanamo-child-omar-khadr-150531111517474.html

MELISSA POWER

The love that keeps the world clean.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/08/love-laundry-free-service-ontario_n_7514412.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news

CHARLES KENNEDY

All anonymous actions are suspect and those who hide behind the internet's facility for anonymity to spread vitriol and unrestrained abuse are acting shamefully.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/08/charles-kennedy-cybernats-alastair-campbell_n_7532760.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

XIAO MEILI AND LI TINGTING

Challenging the stereotypes that entrap and enslave and exposing the oppressive sexual politic.

MAGNUS MACFARLANE-BARROW - MARY'S MEALS

and the shed that feeds a million children a day....

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/former-fish-farmer-feeds-a-million-children-every-day/

Monday, June 08, 2015

STANDING UP TO DEMENTIA

That liberating empowering human facility - choice....

http://www.buzzfeed.com/lukelewis/inspiring-tales-coping-with-dementia#.luMeGjYWY

BANGLADESH AND INDIAS' HISTORIC AGREEMENT

It may have taken 70 years, but 50,000 people are celebrating progress....

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/06/bangladesh-india-finally-give-people-nation-150607065647177.html

PATRICE BANKS

Opening doors, creating opportunities, rising to challenges - the way to vault even the highest obstacles...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/06/05/the-auto-industry-discriminates-against-women-so-i-quit-my-engineering-job-to-become-a-mechanic/?hpid=z11

ARIANA MIYAMOTO

Better a Hafu world...

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/30/world/asia/biracial-beauty-queen-strives-for-change-in-mono-ethnic-japan.html?WT.mc_id=D-NYT-MKTG-MOD-93276-0606-HD&WT.mc_ev=click&WT.mc_c=&_r=0

AN AMAZING WORLD

Pause and wonder...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/05/national-geographic-traveler-photo-contest-2015_n_7519070.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news&ir=Good%20News

DAVID SMITH'S 'BEAUTIFUL LIFE'

Never give up, never relinquish the dream, never submit to the darkness, quest alone for the light...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/get-inspired/32985068

GOPAL VACHHANI

When angels fly...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Man-flies-in-from-Dubai-to-donate-stem-cells-save-girl/articleshow/47570536.cms

RECOGNITION FOR THE GURANI COMUNITY

Creating a world where difference can be accommodated.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/03/brazil-indgenous-reserve-sao-paulo-guarani

THE BABAYAGAS HOUSE

One life to be lived to the end, as each chooses!

http://mobile.english.rfi.fr/france/20130305-babayagas-house

Friday, June 05, 2015

NICKY MORGAN KNOWS THAT GOOD CHARACTER IS ESSENTIAL

The basis of personal well being and social order is the honing of good character.

As traditional religious observance has declined and religious dogmas have been undermined, a generation has been left adrift, clinging pitifully to the transitory life rafts of social media and celebrity froth.

It is essential that society develops a new non religious narrative espousing the virtues of self control, personal discipline, community engagement, altruism and a commitment to cooperative equitable living and trading.

Marcus Aurelius's book 'Meditations'

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Meditations-Xist-Classics-Marcus-Aurelius-ebook/dp/B00WH0IFLM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1433508952&sr=1-1&keywords=meditations

would be a good place to begin.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-33003958

GREG KREHEL AND ECHINOPSIS

From a crown of thorns comes beauty, hope, renewal, life and joy.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelwmiller/watching-these-cactus-flowers-bloom-is-completely-mesmerizin#.amaO7mq2q

ERINNE PAISLEY

Another lighting a single candle rather than cursing the darkness...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/04/malala-fund-prom-dress_n_7513756.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news&ir=Good%20News

KIERAN SORKIN

True miracles.

http://news.sky.com/story/1496462/50-shades-of-yay-boy-with-new-ears-gets-wish

JOHN DELANEY AND THE FIFA FUDGE

So let's lift up all the stones, and see what lies beneath.

The 'great and the good' are opining  about FIFA corruption, journalists are enjoying a smorgasbord and the media vultures are in a feeding frenzy.

But Greg Dyke, our knight in shining armour leading the FIFA charge, had a £16,000 watch under his stone. Now we learn that John Delaney has a 3 million pay off under his.

Each day there will be further revelations.

Find me one person involved in this whole process, from journalist to player, who is not motivated by money, who is not intending to advance their career, who is not willing to meddle in skulduggery and subterfuge to gain an advantage and who hasn't wrongdoing hidden under his or her stone?

There is no 'morality' to this expose. Betrayed confidences, broken loyalties, strategic volte face, culprits turned spies and informants; so it is that the 'good' encourage the descent of the 'bad', into a world of incrimination and further culpability, so their own names can be lauded and their pay packets bulge.

It is a world where dog eats dog and where innocence has no place.


http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/article4461121.ece

Thursday, June 04, 2015

THE LITTLE SISTER PROJECT

Technology smartening up how we protect the vulnerable.

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/jun/02/phone-app-challenging-violence-against-women-mumbai-slum-dharavi

CHRISTIAN MCPHILAMY

Children with hearts of gold.

http://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/1186/Bullied-8-Year-Old-Grew-His-Hair-For-Two-Years-So-He-Could-Donate-It-To-A-Child-In-Need

WOMEN OF KRUSHA

We cannot protect ourselves absolutely from the evil of others, but we can overcome by the way we respond.

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/aljazeeraworld/2015/06/women-krusha-150602103726132.html

MAWLYNNONG

Thought provoking photography from this thought provoking village and society.

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/03/girls-rule-in-an-indian-village/?mabReward=A6&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&region=CColumn&module=Recommendation&src=rechp&WT.nav=RecEngine&_r=0#

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

CAITLYN JENNER

Breaking stereotypes, opening horizons, questioning boxes, adventuring beyond....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/bruce-jenners-life-in-the-spotlight/2015/02/04/9cdc906a-abb8-11e4-9c91-e9d2f9fde644_gallery.html?hpid=z10

HAILEY FORD

Angels are found on earth for real. A 9 year old whose heart is in the right place and whose actions are for the saving of the world.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/03/girl-builds-homeless-shelters-washington_n_7488460.html?1433341267&utm_hp_ref=good-news

SEPP BLATTER AND GREG DYKE

400 FIFA staff members give Sepp Blatter a standing ovation. Greg Dyke, who has been so fierce in his criticism and has gloated over Blatter's resignation appears to have forgotten the £16,000 watch he was 'given' in Brazil that he failed to declare to Fifa.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32995947

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

MARIANA VILLARREAL

Modern day saints. The angels in our midst. The breath of the divine in our everyday.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/29/hooters-waitress-donates-kidney-customer_n_7471356.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news

IN DEFENCE OF ALTRUISM

Kindness has had quite a bashing of late, so its good to find an advocate!

In the words of the philosopher Schopenhauer, 'My own true inner being actually exists in every living creature, as truly and immediately known as my own consciousness in myself...This is the ground of compassion upon which all true, that is to say unselfish, virtue rests, and whose expression is in every good deed.'

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/steve-taylor-phd/why-do-human-beings-do-good-things_b_7483340.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

HARRIETTE THOMSPON

What an inspiration. Never allow death to brag that 'thou wanderest in its shade'!

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/01/harriette-thompson-92-oldest-woman-complete-marathon-san-diego

Monday, June 01, 2015

LES GORDON

Instead of walking by or perhaps dropping a coin, stopping, meeting, conversing, bonding, bridge building, heart warming, loving.....

http://www.buzzfeed.com/krishrach/this-tesco-employee-became-friends-with-a-homeless-man-and-i