The Morrison government’s proposed Ensuring Integrity Bill, while ostensibly safeguarding against union abuses, effectively denies the basis of their existence and provides a pathway for interfering in their internal workings. But the right to freely form associations of members around shared core values and concerns is fundamental to democracy.

This week is Anti-Poverty Week. Australia is a nation of opportunity, built on equality and a ‘fair go’, yet that’s not how things play out for everyone. How can the Church respond?

Rediscovering child-like wonder and the joy of play is essential for our spiritual health. Awe and wonder, imagination and curiosity connect us to the God who is present in every moment and everything in a way that nothing else can.

Even more dangerous than the overt, crass prosperity gospel of televangelists is a subtle form of prosperity gospel that sees material possessions, financial independence and travelling the world as indicators of a ‘good life’. But how can we be truly rich towards God?

Cricketer Steve Smith’s recent batting success has been described as his 'redemption'. But what does this claim reveal about modernity’s (mis)understanding of redemption – and its significance for humanity and the church?

President Trump's rhetoric has fanned the flames of racism, creating the environment for shootings such as the one at El Paso. But Republican, evangelical women of all races may have the final say.

Should a faith-based school be permitted to distinguish between teaching staff on the basis of, say, sexual proclivity? Or does such permission implicitly endorse decisions that are manifestly cruel and bigoted?

Should the Victorian model of assisted suicide and euthanasia be extended to other States, as is now being considered? The State’s Assisted Dying Act is deeply flawed, with loose criteria and insufficient protections. And evidence from other countries points to the potential for abuse and harm.

How we see the future will influence how we see and act in the present. The church's obsession with heaven and hell has distorted its ability to imagine and declare a great future for God’s creation. A Universalist eschatological vision would shine a sense of wonder and hope over the world around us and radically change the way we live.

Our work matters to God and has intrinsic value. There is no sacred-spiritual divide - our work is an expression of our worship of God and is a sacred activity. We can be spiritually formed for work by developing spiritual disciplines that we can practice in the workplace.