David Goodwin
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Articles by David Goodwin
Open Forum: Response to Swope's forum on fossil fuels
In response to Bernard Swope’s July 30 open forum advocating “accentuate the positive” for fossil fuels, the energy management of the very numerous energy producing organizations worldwide have done that for their organizations and customers by investing in renewable energy.
Open Forum: Data drives science, not political bias
In his March 9 Open Forum titled “A Look at Science Defined,” Bernard Swope incorrectly describes consensus science peer review. Since science is evidence based, much of the actual peer review efforts are focused on whether the data was collected and analyzed correctly. The “consensus” involves determining whether the data indicates a discovery of new scientific understanding or simply provides a more accurate information on known science.
Open Forum: Response to 'Solar Mis Fits'
The following is in response to Bernard Swope’s Sept. 18 Open Forum, titled “Solar Mis Fits.” He incorrectly attributed solar energy to the “inevitable total grid failure on 4/28/25” in Spain, when a simple web search on “Spanish power outage” clearly states that the two investigation reports found that renewable energy was not the cause.
Open Forum: Some info on climate change
DAVID GOODWIN The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary (and former fossil fuel executive) had 5 fossil-fuel funded, climate deniers prepare a report (energy.gov) in an attempt to counter the U.N. report (ippc.ch) prepared by 721 climate scientists. By one estimate, the DOE report contains “100 false or misleading statements” (Interactive.carbonbrief.org). For example: 1.
Open Forum: Response to 'Without subsidies, solar power fails'
DAVID GOODWIN The following is in response to Bernard Swope’s June 27 Open Forum, titled “Without subsidies, solar power fails.” The cost per Megawatt-hour, without subsidies, is $27+ for onshore wind, $29+ for solar, $45+ for gas, $69+ for coal, and $142+ for coal, with individual site situations increasing all of these costs (ref: oil price.com, “America’s cheapest energy sources”).
Open Forum: U.S. had a noteworthy milestone
The United States just had a noteworthy milestone. For the first time, fossil fuel provided less than one-half of electricity production, nationwide, for the entire month. Over one-half of this electricity production was provided by solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear, due to solar increasing 37% in one year and wind 12%. Solar will be providing over one-half of new capacity this year (Reference: ember-energy.org).
Finnish church used AI to conduct a worship service but it didn't feel the same
From Gutenberg and his printing press to The Salvation Army and the first motion picture, the Church has a long tradition of using new technology to spread the Gospel. Now, a congregation in Finland has taken the next step on this journey, using AI tools to organise and conduct a worship service. St Paul's Church, located in the Vallila neighbourhood of Helsinki, saw over 120 people attend its experimental service, which had been heavily advertised.
Hopes remain for Royal visit to Vatican
Buckingham Palace sources have revealed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla remain hopeful that their planned visit to the Vatican for a meeting with Pope Francis will take place on their upcoming trip to the nation-state, despite the pontiff's recent illness. Palace officials expressed their "hopes and prayers that Pope Francis' health will enable the visit to go ahead", telling Reuters that the sovereign, who sent a private letter to the Pope when he became ill, shared their sentiments.
US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies
A United States Federal Judge has granted an injunction that will prevent immigration agents from carrying out operations in places of worship after a group of religious organisations launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new enforcement policies.
Open Forum: A response to editorials supporting DOGE
In response to the Feb. 25 editorials supporting DOGE, the following is a fact check on DOGE and the editorials.
Vatican sees dangers in AI
A new Vatican missive approved by Pope Francis has warned of the dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI), while also stressing that, ultimately, it is human intelligence that will guide the morality of its use.
Young people explore vocations through innovative scheme
Over a hundred young people gathered for a day of learning, networking and worship at St Mary's in Marylebone, central London, for an annual conference launching another year of a Church of England initiative described as a 'great hope' for the future.
Colombian Christians call for government action after church leader assassinated
The assassination of a Protestant Christian leader in northern Colombia on 8 January has reignited demands for the Colombian government to reverse its controversial 2023 amendment of security legislation that stripped protections from religious leaders.
Holy Land excavations piece together fascinating history of Byzantine-era monastery
Works being carried out as part of an Israel Land Authority development have unearthed Byzantine-era buildings, including a monastery withe a "unique" mosaic floor, built on a site that shows signs of settlement dating back to the Romans. The remains of at least 10 buildings, which also include a winepress and a large warehouse, were discovered during excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) on the site of a planned new neighbourhood north of the modern city of Kiryat Gat.
Football-loving nun says faith is secret to becoming world's oldest living woman
A football-loving nun from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has become the oldest person in the world after the death of Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka aged 116. Sister Inah Canabarro, who was born on 8 June 1908 making her 116, is currently ranked the 20th oldest person to have ever lived, with France's Jeanne Calment, who died in 1997 at the age of 122, at number one.
Plight of Middle East's displaced families highlighted in new Christmas video
A new short film from the Sanctuary Foundation is highlighting the plight of modern Bethlehem, and all those facing violence and dispossession around the world this Christmas. "Far From Home" is the Sanctuary Foundation's new free resource for churches, schools, and community groups to use in the lead-up to Christmas.
Australian misinformation bill abandoned
The Australian government's controversial mis- and disinformation bill has been abandoned after fierce opposition from civil liberty groups, human rights advocates, and faith groups saw it fail to attract the required support from other political parties to make it through the nation's upper house.
Chris Pratt bringing real-life heroes to the screen in military chaplain movie
Hollywood A-lister Chris Pratt is throwing his support behind a new movie that tells the story of the often-unsung heroes of the military - combat chaplains. The new film Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey, opened in US theatres on November 8, and is directed, written, and produced by Hollywood director and producer Richard Hull. "I knew nothing about military chaplains," Hull told CBN News.
Local pantries feeding body and soul
Local churches across the UK are being asked to consider opening their own local food pantries in 2025 after Your Local Pantry's recent Places Of Hope report found that pantries are not only saving people money, but offering a range of benefits to the local community, including improved health, reduced isolation, and enhanced access to other opportunities and services.
Christians highlighted in new British Library exhibition on the Middle Ages through the eyes of women
A new exhibition at the British Library will offer a rare look at the lives of medieval women, illuminating their often-hidden place in history through a multi-sensory experience. Using a range of displays, including scent installations, films, music and digital interactives, Medieval Women: In Their Own Words counters the standard narratives that tell history through the experiences of men, bringing the lives of women front and centre.
Nuns shelter 800 refugees from conflict in Lebanon
More than 800 refugees fleeing the conflict in Lebanon have been able to find refuge at a convent after the sisters there opened their doors to people uprooted by Israeli bombardments. "On the first night of the bombing, dozens of people came running to take refuge with us," Mother Joselyne Joumaa, superior general of the the Convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Good Help in Jabboulé, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
How modern tech is reconstructing ancient biblical texts
A PhD candidate with the Australian Catholic University's Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry has been named the overall winner of ACU's Three Minute Thesis Final after adapting software originally used for genetic analysis to help scholars restore handwritten works to their original condition. "My methodology can be applied to any written work subject to human errors, not just the New Testament," said Joey McCollum, a former software engineer.
Unlikely alliance forms in Australia over fears misinformation bill puts free speech at stake
A proposal for legislation designed to tackle online misinformation has seen Australia's Federal Government come under fire from an unlikely alliance of critics, who have warned it constitutes a "chilling assault" on free speech in Australia.
25-hour event uniting Christians in prayer and worship across continents
A global Christian event made possible by new technology hopes to connect Christians across multiple countries for an unprecedented international gathering of believers in prayer. Gather25, made possible through the collaboration of organisations including YouVersion, The Bible Project, illumiNations, 24-7 Prayer International, Global 2033 and many others, will be hosted in-person and virtually across six continents.
Children must be at heart of UK's foreign and aid policies, say campaigners
World Vision UK has delivered a petition to Downing Street, calling on the British Government to put the welfare of children at the centre of the UK's foreign policies and aid. Signed by over 1,500 children's advocates, the petition calls attention to the many threats children are facing across the globe, and underlines the importance of ensuring a future that protects them.
Telling God's story for the modern world
A new book from leaders out of the 24-7 Prayer movement is seeking to tell the Biblical story in a brand-new way, weaving Scripture and personal stories into a compelling narrative designed to capture the hearts and minds of modern readers hungry for something fresh and real.
Christians are suffering as jihadist violence wreaks havoc in Burkina Faso
A terrorist attack by an Islamic militant group has left hundreds of civilians dead in the town of Barsalogho, less than a hundred miles from Ouagadougou, capital of the West African nation Burkina Faso. The attack is the latest incident in a wave of violence that has embroiled the nation for years, with jihadist groups who aim to establish an Islamic caliphate across the region seeking to undermine what they consider Western-influenced governments.
Ministry efforts stepped up in Lebanon under the shadow of war
Ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran are causing instability in the wider Middle East. In Lebanon, conflict between Iranian-backed Hezbollah and Israel has dangerously escalated, with limited missile exchanges and targeted strikes turning into major provocations that have put the region on the precipice of full-scale war. Caught up in the middle of the warzone are thousands of Christian refugees, who have come to Lebanon seeking refuge from the persecution they faced in other nations.
Missionary held hostage by Al-Qaeda for seven years says 'God was always there'
A Christian missionary who was held captive by an Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group has shared details of his ordeal, where he was kept in brutal conditions that saw him face extremes of heat and cold, scorpions, and scurvy. Incredibly, Dr Ken Elliott, who was 82 when taken hostage, would be forced to endure all this for seven years before he would be released. But, when asked how could an octogenarian possibly manage to survive all this, and for so long, he has a simple answer—God.
Australian government under fire over religious protections climbdown
Australia's Labor government has come under fire from both sides of the ideological divide after comments earlier this month that indicated it was abandoning its controversial proposal for a Religious Discrimination Act. While addressing a press conference in Western Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked for an update on the progress on legislation that would enshrine religious protections separately from existing laws such as the Sex Discrimination Act.
'God is being glorified,' says Scottish church minister in drug addiction ministry
UK government minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill has praised a partnership between a North Lanarkshire church and Christian charity, Street Connect, for their "brilliant work" helping people struggling with the scourge of addiction in the local community, Based in converted rooms of the South Wishaw Parish Church's building, the New Life Recovery Hub offers vulnerable members from the town and surrounding area who are "struggling with life-controlling issues" resources and support—and fresh...
A new film series puts faith and work in the spotlight
A new film series from the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC) will explore the value that God puts on our daily work, helping Christians understand the importance of offering up their labour as a sacrament. Developed in partnership with RightNow Media, 'Does God Care About My Work?' is a three-episode video resource featuring LICC's Mission Champion Mark Greene, who unpacks what the Bible has to say about God's attitude to work, and its place in the Christian life.
Christian charity reaches milestone in combating blindness in Rwanda
CBM UK has announced the successful end to their three-year See the Way project, saying that they had been able to raise £845,000 in donations from supporters, pushing the final total over £1.8 million after it was matched by the UK government, as part of the UK Aid Match scheme. The funds raised by the appeal contributed to their work preventing and treating avoidable blindness in Rwanda and saw a marked increase in the quality of life and medical care available to thousands of Rwandans.
Nicaragua police crack down on religious leaders
The Christian Church in Nicaragua is being targeted by police in an ongoing crackdown on religious leaders, with eleven Roman Catholic leaders detained in the latest wave of arrests. The arrests follow the earlier detention of Deacon Ervin Aguirre, who was reported to be arrested on 2 August only to be released the following day, and 79-year-old priest Frutos Constantino Valle Salmerón, arrested in the Diocese of Estelí in Managua while preparing for the ordination of three deacons on 26 July.
Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Pulse Sequence Engineering using Single-Spin Vector Effective Hamiltonians
Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Pulse Sequence Engineering using Single-Spin Vector Effective Hamiltonians Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) has proven to be a powerful technique to enhance nuclear spin polarization by transferring the much higher electron spin polarization to the nuclear spins prior to detection.
Ancient artefacts stolen from Cyprus churches go on display after return to country
An ongoing saga involving looted treasures and political drama that began a half-century ago came one step closer to closure after a trove of artefacts, some thousands of years old, went on display at Cyprus' archaeological museum. The items were stolen by Turkish art dealer Aydin Dikmen from the north of the island during the upheaval of Turkey's invasion.
Prominent Myanmar Christian leader released from prison for second time
The former head of Myanmar's Kachin Baptist Convention has been released from prison for the second time this year, after being released and re-detained in April. Rev Hkalam Samson, a human rights advocate from Myanmar's Kachin ethnic minority, was first arrested in December 2022.
Archaeologists find evidence of red dye mentioned 25 times in Bible
Fresh colour has been added to the black-and-white text of the Scriptures thanks to the combined efforts of researchers working together on an extensive project to identify dyes in archaeological textiles. A piece of rare textile measuring less than two centimetres in size has offered the earliest evidence of the use of scale insects to create red dyes ever found.
Britain's pilgrimage routes retain their popularity
To many, they might seem a historical curiosity more at home in the pages of classic literature like Chaucer's Canterbury Tales but, according to travel experts, pilgrimages are far from a thing of the past in the UK. Instead, new pilgrims are discovering the age-old attractions of the pilgrim trails to Canterbury and Holywell every day, and experiencing Britain in a whole new way.
Following in the footsteps of Saint Cuthbert for young people in Togo
For Fiona Tweedie, a reluctant beginning has turned into a lifetime passion for running that will see her embark on her biggest race yet, following the steps of Saint Cuthbert in a journey that will allow her to support young people in Togo. Fiona first laced up her running shoes around five years ago, when she started the 'Couch to 5k" programme in order to support a family member.
MAF and Mercy Ships enter partnership to deliver medical aid by land, sea and air
The renewal of a partnership agreement between two leading faith-based medical charities will see isolated communities across Africa receive life-changing surgical care, extending their reach further inland and across a broader spectrum of the continent's population.
Olympic faith initiative passes major milestone in race to one million
An initiative to share the powerful story of Scottish Olympic runner, Eric Liddell, is set to inspire a new generation of athletes and believers over the course of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With the passing of the milestone of 100,000 copies distributed throughout the UK and around the world, it continues to build momentum on its way to reaching its goal of handing out a million copies.
Kevin Costner helms new Western epic telling story of faith on the frontier
For Hollywood icon Kevin Costner, telling the story of America's frontier past has always been a matter of faith. While the 69-year-old Oscar-winning actor and director knew that an authentic depiction of the settler's stories would not be possible without portraying the crucial role that faith played in sustaining them on their gruelling path to a new home, it would also be vital in the long journey of bringing 'Horizon: An American Saga', to the big screen.
Syrian militia commander vows to protect local Christians
A Syrian militia commander has promised to protect the last remaining Christians in the local community during a visit to the local Christian community in Ras Al-Ein in the north of the country. Currently controlled by a coalition of Islamist militia groups, Ras Al-Ein is located near Syria's border with Turkey. Commander Abdulaziz Al-Sawadi, also known as Abou Barzan, leads the forces in charge of an area 25 miles west of the town.
Northern Ireland's bishops urge people to get out and vote in election
The Catholic bishops of Northern Ireland have exhorted politicians and the public to continue to find reasons for hope ahead of the general election on 4 July. In a pastoral reflection titled Give Reasons to Hope, the Irish Catholic Bishop's Conference encouraged believers to vote, and laid out a list of areas in today's society where hope is desperately needed, offering solutions rooted in the teachings of Jesus and reflecting Catholic social teaching.
New report warns of rising attacks on believers in Holy Land
A new report has warned that hostility towards Christians is on the rise in Israel, with the blame being put on a surge in the number of attacks on believers and church properties and a growing atmosphere of nationalism.
Lebanon, caught in crossfire between Israeli army and militant groups, needs prayer
Christian leaders and welfare groups are calling for renewed prayer from believers around the world as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, trapping civilians in southern Lebanon between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and militant groups like Hezbollah.
Proposed religious discrimination laws proving unpopular in Australia
Queensland's Labor state government has signalled that it may be preparing to walk back its hardline position on religious discrimination law amendments as it faces an increasingly difficult battle to retain power in the upcoming state election.
Auction of world's oldest Christian book nets millions
A Christian manuscript dating back to the 3rd century has been sold for just over £3m after going under the hammer at London auction house, Christie's. The Crosby-Schøyen Codex, believed to be Christianity's oldest surviving book and one of the oldest books in the world, was auctioned off in London on Tuesday, with bidding finally closing at £3,065,000.
Unique experiences go under the hammer for National Churches Trust
A private tour personally led by a peripatetic Python and a behind-the-scenes, all-access experience that will let you sit in on a live broadcast out of the Classic FM studios in London's Leicester Square. These are just two of the items that form part of a collection of special experiences bidders will be able to make an offer on thanks to an online auction being held this month.
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