I believe we should take every opportunity we can to work for reconciliation. I’m 84 now, my days are numbered, but I can still make a small positive impact

Terry Waite, interview, The Sunday Times, 25 June

When I was in a dark cell for most of the time, a little beam of light would sometimes come through the shutters and illuminate the room. I would say to myself, “Light is stronger than darkness. I must always keep hoping”

Ibid.

I don’t think I’ve chosen to be gay. In fact, I spent years . . . choosing not to be and it’s harmful and painful. . . There was definitely a schism. I guess I almost felt like I was being forced to choose. And I chose God kind of all the way through secondary school. I sort of really agonised about this

Wes Streeting, Shadow Health Secretary, The Sacred, Theos podcast, 27 June

There are huge numbers of pressing issues needs on the continent of Africa. I have got to ask myself why are they [Gafcon] so obsessed on this one particular issue [sexuality], instead of the numerous issues that are killing their people, our people, my people. Why? I don’t understand it

Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, HARDtalk, BBC, 28 June

I feel at an advantage, in regard to the business of song-writing, that I acknowledge or accept that there may be a kind of divine presence or that my songs are reaching into the divine. I think that’s a distinct advantage I have as a song-writer

Nick Cave, musician, in conversation with the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Archbishop Interviews, BBC Radio 4, 25 June

There are now two Churches of England, and each is looking at the decline in the number of practising Christians and saying to the other “those census stats ain’t big enough for the both of us”. The skirmish over pay should be seen in the context of mutual mistrust around management

Fergus Butler-Gallie, priest and writer, The New Statesman, 23 June

The uniform for bishops in the House of Lords of black sleeveless gown over a long white tunic may seem archaic for legislating but it delighted the Bishop of Sheffield when he made his maiden speech this week. “My football allegiance belongs to Newcastle United,” he said, “so noble lords will understand the pleasure it gives me to don my club’s colours every time I enter this chamber”

Patrick Kidd, Diary, The Times, 22 June

We invite readers’ contributions. Quotations have to be from the past few days (or quoted therein), and we need author, source, and date. Please send promptly to: quotes@churchtimes.co.uk