Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners.This week, host Denis Nowlan sits down with Dave Belden to explore his fascinating journey from devoted Moral Re-Armament (MRA) activist to eventual departure from the movement. David shares his life story, shaped by growing up in a communal MRA household, dedicating his early years to the movement, and eventually questioning its foundational principles.Dave reflects on his unique upbringing as the son of MRA-dedicated parents and his early life, including being christened by MRA founder Frank Buchman. He shares his journey from unquestioning faith to deep curiosity, culminating in a doctoral thesis that became a personal quest for answers. Dave provides insights into gender roles, discussing how he learned feminism from his first wife and witnessed evolving attitudes toward women within MRA. He explores the challenges of communal living and its potential for social control while pondering the balance between individual and systemic change—especially in addressing global crises like climate change, world hunger, and restorative justice. The conversation delves into breaking the silence around shame and fostering open dialogue, revisits the recurring question of whether MRA was or is a cult, and examines whether the movement’s practice of “guidance” helps discover an inner voice or acts as a tool of control.This thoughtful discussion offers an honest and multi-dimensional perspective on life within and beyond Moral Re-Armament. Join us as we reflect on the movement’s ideals, the complexity of communal faith, and what it means to reconcile personal beliefs with larger systemic issues.Listen now and join the conversation about change, resilience, and finding your inner voice.🎧Learn more about Initiatives of Change at our website.Share your thoughts on the episode using #IofCInsights!And don’t forget to like, rate or review us wherever you listen to this podcast!

On 9th April 2025, we mark the 80th anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's execution for his role in the plot against Hitler. A German pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident, Bonhoeffer is widely known for his writings on Christian discipleship and his courageous resistance to tyranny. To mark this day, host Denis Nowlan is joined by Andrew Dawson, Visiting Scholar at the University of Divinity in Melbourne and author of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Formation Through The Oxford Group. Andrew shares how Bonhoeffer’s engagement with the Oxford Group movement shaped his spiritual and ethical convictions, offering insights into his theological development and how these influences strengthened his resistance to Nazism. Together, they reflect on Bonhoeffer’s legacy and what his life can teach us about faith, courage, and moral responsibility in today’s world.

“I was just two and a half years old the first time I sat in a KGB interrogation room with my mother.”In celebration of International Women's Day, host Dennis Nowlan is joined by journalist and human rights advocate Sophia Kayes. As she prepared to chair a session at the IofC featuring distinguished Russian guests and experts, Sophia shares her personal story of growing up in a family of Russian dissidents and the ongoing struggle for truth in an era of misinformation.From the impact of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine to the tragic deaths of Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov, Sophia provides a deeply personal and historical perspective on the cost of speaking out against tyranny. She also reflects on the critical role of independent journalism and the battle to preserve truth in an increasingly manipulated media landscape.Learn more about Initiatives of Change UK: www.iofc.org.uk

In this episode, Denis Nowlan, Executive Director of Initiatives of Change UK, hosts a conversation with Monica Spooner, co-founder of the Balfour Project, and Andrew Whitley, its Chair. This episode offers a unique insight into how a bold individual initiative - Monica Spooner’s journey of discovery about Britain’s legacy in Palestine - sparked the creation of the Balfour Project, an initiative with national and international impact. As we mark the publication of Monica’s book, Why Didn’t I Know? Britain’s Legacy in Palestine, Monica reflects on the revelations that led her to advocate for change in public opinion and policy on Israel and Palestine. Andrew Whitley elaborates on the ongoing work of the Project, emphasising its relevance amid today’s catastrophic conflicts. Sir Vincent Fean also joins the conversation, shedding light on the Balfour Project’s engagement with parliamentarians to drive meaningful change. Join us for this insightful discussion about history, advocacy, and the path toward justice and reconciliation. Purchase Why Didn’t I Know? Britain’s Legacy in Palestine from our Online Shop. Learn more about the Balfour Project: www.balfourproject.org. Stay updated on future episodes and events with Initiatives of Change Insights at IofC’s Website.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains mentions of domestic violence. In this episode, Denis Nowlan sits down with Mike Kane, MP of Wythenshawe and Sale East, to discuss their journeys to Initiatives of Change, the intersections of faith and career, and much more. Join us for an insightful conversation that takes us from the North-South divide in England to five-a-side football matches with notable figures, and even to Mike's passion for bagpipes! Tune in to explore the powerful stories and perspectives of two figures committed to personal growth, faith, and making a difference in the world. Subscribe to hear more inspiring and insightful stories and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! (This recording took place Tuesday, 7th May 2024 before the General Election took place in July 2024.)

Join us for a conversation with Judi Conner, former BBC Television journalist and author of the new book A Very Simple Secret: My Parents, Their Mission to Change the World, and Me. In this episode, Judi shares a unique perspective on the history of Moral Re-Armament (MRA), now Initiatives of Change (IofC), weaving personal stories, historical insights, and reflections on its cultural legacy. We explore her experiences growing up in a family dedicated to MRA’s mission of personal and societal transformation, life at their Swiss Alps headquarters in Caux, and the movement’s values of integrity and purpose. Judi also addresses the controversial question: was MRA a cult? Join us as Judi Conner sheds light on a movement with a long legacy of moral and societal transformation, offering a personal glimpse into growing up in a family dedicated to changing the world. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Initiatives of Change, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the show!

Welcome to the very first episode of Initiatives of Change UK Insight, where we explore the rich history and transformative work of Initiatives of Change (IofC). In this episode, Dr Grace France, interviewed by IofC UK Executive Director Denis Nowlan, shares her unique background that led to her interest in the intersection of faith and cultural change. But how did this organisation, formerly known as Moral Re-Armament (MRA), evolve into what it is today? Was it ever a cult, or did it just have ‘a culty five minutes'? Today, IofC has expanded its values to include people of all faiths and none, centring on four core principles: honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love. We’ll explore how these values continue to drive positive change both personally and globally. Tune in to this first episode as we take a deep dive into the past, present, and future of Initiatives of Change.  Subscribe now to stay updated with our latest episodes, and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show!

Growing up, David Buxton always aspired to be a doctor but his head and his heart were pulling him in two different directions. David speaks to Emma Brown...

In this episode Emma and Gemma speak with the inspirational Rumbi Mukoyi.  Rumbi Mukoyi’s experience of not belonging spurred her to create African Youth Arise. Rumbi Mukoyi traces her drive to engage and empower young Britons of African descent to the day her 11-year-old brother was questioned by the police for a crime he did not commit.

In 2019, Param Singh, who is part of our School for Changemakers alumni, was awarded an MBE for his outstanding business contributions. He tells Emma Brown and Gemma Perkins about this moment and how he believes a major key to his success was growing a network that would go on to become his ‘net worth’…