Author: Steve Cochrane

I've spent over 30 years working in South Asia, particularly in the area of Christian-Muslim relations. Received my PhD in the history of Christian-Muslim relations in 2014 from the University of Middlesex in the U.K. I'm interested in matters of inter-faith relations and resulting encounters throughout history and today.

‘Go back to where you came from’? Very sad words from President Trump

I am hesitant to write on political matters, whether about my birth nation of the United States or my adopted land of India. But there are times when I find it hard to remain silent. In the last couple of days, the US President uttered these words to four congresswomen, ‘Go back to where you… Read More ‘Go back to where you came from’? Very sad words from President Trump

Steve Cochrane5 Comments

Why do we have to ‘identify’ when someone is sharing their pain?

Ever been in a gathering (or one on one) when someone starts sharing pain from their story, whether personal or group related? Or has that person ever been you? What usually happens? Well, quite often one or more people listening will feel compelled to share their own story of pain, however dissimilar, hoping somehow that… Read More Why do we have to ‘identify’ when someone is sharing their pain?

Steve Cochrane4 Comments

How low will our public discourse go? The importance of kindness.

I’ve been thinking lately about kindness. Actually about how unkind we are in our public and political discourse. I’m writing this post in the USA, but it is certainly true in other nations as well. Yesterday, with the graves of the Normandy D-Day invasion in the background, the US President in an interview savaged his… Read More How low will our public discourse go? The importance of kindness.

Steve Cochrane1 Comment