Ignoring Abuse, Racist Social Media Posts, and Foolish Vows // In the News

Is ignoring abuse a case for resignation? How can we ensure caution when speaking in public and online? When is it appropriate to make a vow?In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director), and John Stevens (FIEC National Director) discuss stories in the news from the past weeks and what they can teach us about church leadership.Show notesLocal Conferences 2026 (fiec.org.uk)Rising Lights (fiec.org.uk)MPs are shocked and angry at Mandelson - but they're furious with Starmer (bbc.co.uk)Trump says he didn't see full racist video before it was posted, says he won't apologize (abcnews.com)Man United spurn chance for five wins in a row as fan’s viral haircut challenge goes on (independent.co.uk)About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear conversations on topics for church leaders.About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ.00:00 - FIEC news06:30 - Epstein Files, Peter Mandelson, and Keir Starmer13:48 - Lament and honouring victims17:50 - Donald Trump and racist social media posts22:45 - How should leaders apologise?25:56 - Caution with social media use28:20 - Manchester United and foolish vows