The hopes, fears and challenges for the future of our communities, countries and the world will be the theme of a new Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) conference taking place in Manchester on 17 March.

‘Brave New World? Faithful living in a time of change’ takes place at the Methodist Central Hall in Oldham Street and will also explore what it means to be a Christian in the midst of a changing world.

JPIT is a joint venture between the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and the Church of Scotland. The team works together on issues of justice and inequality, by influencing those in power and by energising local congregations.

Reform magazine's Charissa King caught up with the celebrated poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah at his Brunel University office in Uxbridge.

It’s 2011, and a group of students are in heated debate. ‘Benjamin Zephaniah’s at this university,’ says one. ‘You’re telling lies!’ says another: ‘Zephaniah’s a rebel – he wouldn’t be in a place like this!’ ‘No it’s true! I’ve seen him!’

Meanwhile, the man being discussed is listening in to the argument, from his office window overhead.

The United Reformed Church is committed to creating a safe environment for all and has in place a robust safeguarding policy to ensure everyone is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve regardless of their circumstances. Ioannis Athanasiou, the URC’s new Safeguarding Officer, talks about the collective effort required in ensuring the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults.

There is such a wide spectrum of human conditions and circumstances to consider in the process of ensuring adequate and appropriate safeguarding measures, yet it is a significant aspect of serving people, churches and local communities.

In the media, children are often referred to in relation to safeguarding, but safety matters for adults too, especially those who are vulnerable. Here at the URC we have established systems for protecting adults as well as children and young people.

The story of the crucifixion is so appalling that it can be difficult for us to follow it to the end.

We try to manage what we are feeling and, by trying to manage it, we change it to something it isn’t.