There’s a part of human nature who wishes to see Andy Coulson, in a non-Christian way. That is, they begrudge him being paid £140,000 in his current salaried position when it is alleged that his team have attempted to ruin people’s lives (people including policemen and politicians, responsible people who are trying their best to serve the country). However, it is worth remembering the old Christian teaching regarding sin and the first stone. Likewise, with all the attention on the scandals within the Catholic church, it is important to remember that it is dangerous for any of us to point the finger, as a large part of the teaching in Christianity is that we are all way short of the finishing line. The reason that I am writing about this is that I have spent a lot of time in Church, both involuntarily in my school chapel which was Westminster Abbey, and voluntarily as a Christian in churches in Cambridge (whilst I was there studying for a decade.) Cambridge is still most aware of its Christian foundations. Whilst this seems to be an uncomfortable home truth, the tabloid journalists, whether they are Christian, or not should appreciate that they are living in a Christian country. Or else, they should spend less time attacking Barack Obama allegedly proselytising about Islam, even if it sells papers.

John 7, 53

And every man went unto his own house. 8:1 Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they who heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Or put another way…..