Grace Thomas
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gracerethomas.bsky.social
Grace Thomas
@gracerethomas.bsky.social
Priest. Canon Missioner at Manchester Cathedral. Diocesan Environment Officer. Tutor at Luther King Centre. Researching Ecological Grief. Writes, reads occasionally on the radio. Manc/Welsh/Indian
Reposted by Grace Thomas
⚠️ Following yesterday’s announcement by the Home Secretary to radically overhaul the UK asylum system, we condemn in the strongest terms the proposals made.

The scale and scope of the measures announced are abhorrent and represent a catastrophic threat to the right to refugee protection.

🧵1/4
November 18, 2025 at 4:18 PM
A year ago today I embarked on a 30 hour coach trip to Berlin. Berlin was amazing, and despite seriously questioning my life choices on the bus more than once, it hasn't completely put me off long distance coach travel!

#FlightFree #GreenTravel
November 16, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Really enjoyed this gathering

The best bit was, as I said in my talk, the recognition that a #NetZero world can improve our standards of living & wellbeing

Not just by reducing bills, but also by sharing resources and connecting with our communities in ways that build friendship & neighbourliness
Last night was our annual Our Faith Our Planet conference. Speakers shared perspectives from different faiths, read poems, gave updates on eco projects happening across Greater Manchester and delegates even had the opportunity to participate in a quiz!
November 7, 2025 at 11:43 AM
It's my rest day today and, apart from a long overdue coffee catch up with a friend, I think I'll binge watch Only Connect, presented by the most excellent Victoria Coren Mitchell
November 7, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Love Timpsons. Once again the man in the shop fixed my beloved boots. He managed to find a workaround as one solution would have been, in his words, far too expensive

Always great, always reliable. And the business model and ethics speak for themselves
October 27, 2025 at 6:10 PM
I feel so incredibly sad and lament deeply the fact that the church I serve continues to hurt and harm my siblings in Christ

This is a heart wrenching, beautiful, Jesus centred sermon that is well worth listening to

#LoveIsLove

youtu.be/LLM_J8YH8Fk?...
The Dean's Sermon
YouTube video by Southwark Cathedral
youtu.be
October 27, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Shoutout to all those coming to the end of the night shift today. I've been there as a nurse, and that extra hour is a killer!

#ClocksGoBack #WinterIsComing #ExtraHour #UK #England
October 26, 2025 at 6:27 AM
This film needs to win ALL THE AWARDS

EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.

#ISwear
October 24, 2025 at 6:46 PM
The retreat part of my Gladstone's stay ended with this Yehuda Amichai poem

'From the place where we are right
Flowers will never grow
in the Spring

...

But doubts and loves
Dig up the world
Like a mole, a plow

And a whisper will be heard in the place Where the ruined
House once stood'
#poetry
October 23, 2025 at 6:14 AM
In the middle of a time of retreating and writing - staying at a rather good place for both
October 22, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Phyllis Trible's work with the scriptures opened up all kinds of new possibilities and thinking for me, for which I am eternally grateful

May she rest in peace and rise in glory 🙏🏽

myunion.utsnyc.edu/emailviewonw...
myunion.utsnyc.edu
October 21, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Prepped for our next Messy Church @mancathedral.bsky.social today. It includes a certain primary school banger
October 19, 2025 at 7:17 PM
'...culturally coherent group of people'

A sentiment that is both nonsensical and utterly chilling
Sunday Times interview Tory "rising star" Katie Lam

She is clear she wants lots of legal migrants to be told to "go home" so as "to leave a mostly but not entirely culturally coherent group of people"

(The interviewer suggests she is scrapping ILR or stripping people of it)
October 19, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Just finished. Kwiyani gives a comprehensive history of Christian mission

His final chapter talks of the unease some have with the word 'mission', similar to Tuhiwai-Smith's (Decolonizing Methodologies) unease with 'research' -both terms so entrenched in imperialist practice

Thought provoking read
Some early morning reading

#BookSky #Doctorate #Student #Decolonising #Mission

Decolonizing Mission by Harvey C. Kwiyani
October 18, 2025 at 2:18 PM
So lucky to go on a tour of Salford Cathedral, as it comes near the end of its renovation

As well as beautiful restoration, they have invested in ways to make the cathedral as sustainable as possible, whilst retaining the beauty of the heritage
October 18, 2025 at 11:31 AM
My memories from 5yrs ago

Between lockdowns & restrictions, my daughter loved playing for a local team. I felt so grateful to be freezing, standing in the muddy field

It only happens because of the volunteers who keep turning up for the kids

Huge shoutout for all they do 👏🏽
#grassroots #football
October 17, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Some early morning reading

#BookSky #Doctorate #Student #Decolonising #Mission

Decolonizing Mission by Harvey C. Kwiyani
October 13, 2025 at 5:39 AM
This morning I shared a thought about gentle leadership, and celebrated the power of the #introvert

Always watch the person who says little in meetings. Their contributions, when made, are often the ones most worthy of attention

Simone Riley - 12/10/2025 - BBC Sounds share.google/zcmg6svgZewZ...
Simone Riley - 12/10/2025 - BBC Sounds
Join Simone Riley for faith stories and the morning news.
share.google
October 12, 2025 at 4:13 PM
A really good morning
A busy morning at the Cathedral!

We are grateful to Mr Rob Knight and to Canon Jo Calladine, chaplain, from HMP Manchester for joining us. Canon Jo talked about giving thanks, a theme addressed in Sunday School. And then, an engaging Bible study as the group continued to explore the book of Job
October 12, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Good morning!

Definitely an autumnal feel to the air
October 12, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Had the best time at the #PoweredByHope conference held by @christianaiduk.bsky.social

So many brilliant speakers, reminding us to be witnesses to faithful, hopeful action and to challenge ourselves out of places of comfort. Thankful for the opportunity to lead the reflection for opening worship
October 4, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Leading the lunchtime communion today at the cathedral was very emotional as we all prayed for our Jewish neighbours and for peace

Utterly shocking and devastating attack on the most holiest of days in the Jewish Calendar. Beyond comprehension and deepest prayers go to those affected.
Statement from The Dean of Manchester and Chair of the Challenging Hate Forum

I am shocked and saddened by the news of an attack on one of our local synagogues not far from Manchester Cathedral. Violence of any sort must be condemned in the strongest terms.

1/3
October 2, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Reposted by Grace Thomas
Statement from The Dean of Manchester and Chair of the Challenging Hate Forum

I am shocked and saddened by the news of an attack on one of our local synagogues not far from Manchester Cathedral. Violence of any sort must be condemned in the strongest terms.

1/3
October 2, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Loving this podcast presented by Azariah France Williams. Great local history

#Manchester #Hulme #History

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
In Detail... - Sanctuary: An Act of Defiance - Introducing... Sanctuary: An Act of Defiance - BBC Sounds
A man begs for Sanctuary in a church. The vicar protects him, defying the government.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 11:15 AM