Rev. Robin
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hanford.me.uk
Rev. Robin
@hanford.me.uk
280 followers 240 following 110 posts
Unitarian Minister in Hinckley. Christian. Communist. PGDip in Theology from Oxford. Bi. Autistic. (He/Him). 🏳️‍🌈✝️ ☭ All views are my own.
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hanford.me.uk
A recent quiz told me that if I were an Anglican, I would be a Matthew Fox kind of Anglican, so I am now finally reading some Fox.

Have I picked the best starting point for gaining a general understanding of Fox’s theology?
A copy of ‘Original Blessing’ by Matthew Fox.
November 20, 2025 at 12:22 AM
hanford.me.uk
When you make yourself a cup of tea only to realise the last of the milk is off 😭
November 10, 2025 at 9:21 PM
hanford.me.uk
Now that everyone has had their opportunity to get their copy of the October issue of The Inquirer, I’m sharing the interview that Laura did with me in full about my attendance at a Stand Up To Racism organised counter demonstration.
On Saturday 9 August 2025, Rev. Robin Hanford, minister of Hinckley Unitarian chapel, joined a Stand Up to Racism counter-demo, where he experienced physical and verbal abuse from militant right-wing protestors. A spate of online threats followed, including from prominent far-right leaders. Despite this, Robin feels empowered to continue to stand up and be counted in an ever-polarised society. What made you attend the counter-demonstration? The week of the demo, I remember seeing local Facebook groups advertising an anti-immigration demo in a town near Hinckley, where I'm the minister. It played on the fears of local people, linked to an alleged sexual assault case that was weaponized against male asylum seekers. Fast-forward to Saturday, and part of me wanted to concentrate on writing my Sunday service. But eventually, the other part won out. It's all very well preaching to my congregation about how we should stand up for what's right, but it doesn't make much difference if I don't attempt to do that. So I thought, right, I'm going to go. What happened during the counter-demonstration? Unlike other counter-protests where the police keep both groups separate and distanced with a no-man's land in between, we had a scattering of police officers around us which meant that people from the main protest who were particularly aggrieved at our presence could get to us quite easily. There were about 1,000 people at the main demonstration, and 35 of us. Eventually, a decision was made by the police or the organisers of the counter-demo that we should move away The police led us from the front, with no protection behind us, which meant far-right activists could pick us off one by one. Somebody tried to swipe my legs out from under me. Someone else grabbed the lapels of my jacket. Then somebody seized the collar of my shirt and said they would take my clerical collar "through any means necessary" Someone wished death on me to my face, which was haunting. You were filmed by far-… for me, but for my family, my congregation, and those who care for me. While I'm glad I took the decision to go, it's not one l'd ever make flippantly. How have your congregation reacted? They've been very supportive and concerned for my safety and that of my partner, which I appreciate. It's led to some interesting conversations, too. While Unitarians know that ministers are free to act independently of their congregation, the general public doesn't. It can look like a minister speaks for the entire congregation, which is never the case. As a movement, that's something we need to have a discussion about. Many far-right extremists refer to themselves as patriots. Do you consider yourself to be a patriot? While I wouldn't describe myself as a patriot, there are things do that could be considered patriotic. I grew up in a family that put football flags on the car windows and cheered the team on. I'm pleased to inherit a cultural heritage that's long sought to look out for each other, going back to the Tolpuddle Martyrs, and to the Diggers and Ranters of the Commonwealth period. I'm proud of the radical English tradition. Patriotism is also about making sure everybody in your community and country is able to live well - something Unitarians have done for decades. Hinckley Unitarians were first and foremost in building local libraries and hospitals. It's important to distinguish between patriotism and nationalism, because the far right doesn't want there to be any difference. There's a political, nationalist move to unite working class communities who feel, correctly, that they've been left behind by wealthy millionaires and billionaires. Rather than stirring tension on a class basis, far-right British politics is taking an aggressive nationalist route that will lead to a very dangerous place if we're not careful. While it might seem convenient to retreat into a comfortable isolationist sphere, it won't be productive in the short or long term. We've seen the potential d…
November 1, 2025 at 5:15 PM
hanford.me.uk
I'm delighted to be part of a @woodbrooke.bsky.social session on the role of creeds in the relationship between church and state.

In a personal first for me, I'll be offering a critical perspective on Nicaea while in dialogue with a Roman Catholic Bishop!

www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/quak...
Quakers and Creeds: The Role of Creeds in Church and State - Woodbrooke
In this session, we’ll explore key questions such as: • What should the relationship be between Church and State? • “Thy Kingdom come”? This session is
www.woodbrooke.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 5:50 PM
hanford.me.uk
In case anyone was wondering what the book was, it was ‘Tales of the City’ by Armistead Maupin.

Amazing how an author can make such interesting subject matter so incredibly dull. An absolutely excruciating read.
hanford.me.uk Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · Sep 1
Has anyone ever given up entirely on a book you are meant to read for a book group because you find it so frustrating?

I am sorely tempted.
September 11, 2025 at 9:59 PM
hanford.me.uk
Palela’s story is so important. I have head many like it during my life and ministry. www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2105...
Preacher's plea for 'Christian compassion' over assisted dying
EXCLUSIVE: Pamela, a terminally ill lay preacher, has shared her view as the Bill faces another hurdle in the House of Lords.
www.express.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM
hanford.me.uk
I'm watching ‘Dexter’ for the first time. It is excellent, but the opening credits annoy me.

I get why they choose to show coffee beans in a blade grinder for the aesthetics, but I'm sure that anyone meticulous enough to be a Dexter-style serial killer would use a burr grinder.
September 9, 2025 at 5:18 PM
hanford.me.uk
Has anyone ever given up entirely on a book you are meant to read for a book group because you find it so frustrating?

I am sorely tempted.
September 1, 2025 at 8:39 PM
hanford.me.uk
It is always wonderful to be back at @hmcoxford.bsky.social, and it was great to meet Lisa Smars and catch up with all she is doing for the college!
hmcoxford.bsky.social Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford @hmcoxford.bsky.social · Jul 29
We were delighted yesterday to welcome alumnus @hanford.me.uk back to the College. Robin was taking a break from his Ministry in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and met with our new Development Director Lisa Smars.
Robin Hanford pictured in the HMC SCR
August 6, 2025 at 3:20 PM
hanford.me.uk
‘Apocalypse Working Group’ would be a great band name.
marika.bsky.social Marika Rose @marika.bsky.social · Jun 23
This week I'm speaking at the inaugural public event of the Warwick Apocalypse Working Group, on "Apocalypses Expected, Imagined, Dreaded". Come join us: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/apocalypse...
Image of John Martin, "The Great Day of His Wrath". Stormy clouds, a craggy mountain pass, lightening and fire. Classic John Martin: no subtlety in sight, just a painting that fucking shreds.
June 23, 2025 at 1:30 PM
hanford.me.uk
If there is one thing joining a book group has done, it has freed me from the shackles of attempting to finish every work of fiction I begin to read.
June 22, 2025 at 9:38 PM
hanford.me.uk
My fiancée has finally twisted my arm into reading one of her favourite book series. However, I'm finding it hard going as one of the main characters is so annoying as to be completely insufferable.

I've never hoped so eagerly for a literary character to be killed off!
June 19, 2025 at 11:37 AM
hanford.me.uk
Even as a Christian who operates largely outside the bounds of Nicene-Chalcedonian orthodoxy, I agree with @leedshewitt.bsky.social on this!

The implications of Nicaea on church history and doctrine simply can't be overstated, and folks in the pews should be well informed about it.
leedshewitt.bsky.social Simon Hewitt @leedshewitt.bsky.social · May 21
I wish churches at a grassroots level were doing more to mark the anniversary of Nicaea. Similarly I wish more Christians were clear that what Nicaea had to say really, really, matters.
May 21, 2025 at 4:57 PM
hanford.me.uk
If your church is marking 1700 years of the Nicene Creed this year and is looking for someone to give a talk, I'll be happy to do it (from a critical perspective, of course).
May 11, 2025 at 7:34 AM
hanford.me.uk
I just discovered that Dr Sollereder brews her own beer at home!

This is an excellent appointment by @hmcoxford.bsky.social!

www.homebrewedchristianty.com/2022/01/29/b...
May 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Reposted by Rev. Robin
owenjones.bsky.social
The moment the penny drops for former Tory minister Simon Clarke...
April 25, 2025 at 1:07 PM
hanford.me.uk
The fact that people led by this ignoramus are running for positions that would put them in charge of local SEND policy is frankly terrifying. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Farage sparks furious backlash over children’s mental health jibe
The Reform UK leader claimed GPs are over diagnosing adults with mental health problems and children with special educational needs
www.independent.co.uk
April 25, 2025 at 12:40 PM
hanford.me.uk
Thanks to @pridepicsuk.bsky.social for covering the protest in Leicester yesterday! #transrightsarehumanrights
Robin holding a sign reading ‘I stand with trans’. Robin beside a trans-Pride flag speaking into a megaphone. Robin, besides a trans-Pride flag, looking towards the camera while holding a megaphone.
April 23, 2025 at 3:31 PM
hanford.me.uk
Even in the context of the multiple horrors of an ongoing genocide, the intentional massacre of humanitarian workers is a great evil indeed. www.itv.com/news/2025-04...
www.itv.com
April 5, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Reposted by Rev. Robin
symonhill.bsky.social
#Police have raided a #Quaker place of worship hosting a campaign group's welcome talk. Here are three reasons to be alarmed.
symonhill.org/2025/03/29/p...
@youth-demand.bsky.social
Police raid Quaker place of worship hosting campaign group’s welcome talk
On Thursday, at least 20 police officers broke down the door of a place of worship in central London and arrested young people who belong to a peaceful protest group. New anti-protest laws have in …
symonhill.org
March 29, 2025 at 10:16 PM
hanford.me.uk
I'm taking this opportunity to correct the record.

A trusted friend contacted me and pointed out that my reading of Neil Pugmire’s theology was inaccurate and that he is “definitely not conservative”.

I apologise to Neil if I have offended him.
hanford.me.uk Rev. Robin @hanford.me.uk · Mar 19
I picked up the new edition of ‘100 Ways To Get Your Church Noticed’ from my local Christian bookshop today where I am told it is selling well.

There is the very occasional hint that Pugmire writes form a conservative evangelical perspective. While I don't share that perspective…
The cover of the book which reads: 100 WAYS TO GET YOUR CHURCH NOTICED THIRD EDITION 'This book is stuffed with so many good ideas and so much common sense that if you're not already doing many of the things he suggests, you'll wonder why on earth not.' CHURCH TIMES NEIL PUGMIRE The book cover features a graphic of a church building in neon lights.
March 19, 2025 at 8:46 PM
hanford.me.uk
I picked up the new edition of ‘100 Ways To Get Your Church Noticed’ from my local Christian bookshop today where I am told it is selling well.

There is the very occasional hint that Pugmire writes form a conservative evangelical perspective. While I don't share that perspective…
The cover of the book which reads: 100 WAYS TO GET YOUR CHURCH NOTICED THIRD EDITION 'This book is stuffed with so many good ideas and so much common sense that if you're not already doing many of the things he suggests, you'll wonder why on earth not.' CHURCH TIMES NEIL PUGMIRE The book cover features a graphic of a church building in neon lights.
March 19, 2025 at 4:44 PM
hanford.me.uk
I'm quoting as I can't comment for some reason.

This has been a fascinating discussion between @trt.bsky.social and @dwcongdon.com.

To nail my colours to the mast: I draw from both liberal and liberation theologies, I operate mainly in theologically liberal institutions, and politically, I’m
March 5, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Reposted by Rev. Robin
sgcjerusalem.bsky.social
While understandably, eyes have turned to Ukraine and the threats of Trump’s chaos machine, Israel is taking full advantage. Gaza is under notice of siege and bombardment and the Knesset advances plans to annex large swathes of the West Bank. The danger is extreme.
March 4, 2025 at 12:23 PM
hanford.me.uk
A lovely reflection from Peter Rollins this morning that really spoke to me. youtu.be/gysDmb4bECc
youtu.be
March 4, 2025 at 12:03 PM