I am sad to hear that Ian has passed away because I got to know him so well. He made an excellent contribution to our thinking about life and Christian faith calling so clearly for a progressive approach. He started the broadminded progressive Christian discussion group in Newcastle-under-Lyme and when he decided to stop leading that, I took that role over and he continued to support us very actively. He was a lovely person who was clear in his own views but keen to allow other views to be expressed. He held a great belief in things of the spirit that connect us to heaven. There is so much I liked about his approach to faith aiming to break out of the traditional tribal narrowminded way. Always caring for people, including strangers who he would meet in pubs and cafes. He formed the Polite Society which for a while tried to send his message about getting on with people of a variety of views. I like to hope that he leaves a legacy of approach that will enable more people to follow Christ without necessarily accepting certain of the conservative beliefs that some people still unfortunately insist on.
Nigel Jones
27/07/2026
