REVIEW: Sarah Corbett: Craftivism and the Gentle Art of Protest - 21 Oct 2025

By Steven Todd

"This old world is in a hell of a fix!" declared Black Billy Sunday, way back in 1931 and, despite the technological advances that have been made since, it doesn't feel any better today. But I'm certain I'm not alone in my feeling of helplessness.

There are several reasons I enjoy showing up for Food for thought. It's welcoming, if l want l can have free food, l genuinely love the people involved. They always have speakers that are, at worst, interesting, but today's speaker, Sarah Corbett, touched me very deeply. 

The fact remains that, though l try to stay abreast of political developments, politics per se doesn't entirely do it for me, I need something more, and Sarah tapped into that. Sarah is an activist and Christian, and practices 'Craftivism' and believes in 'Gentle protest', and though, craftwise, I'm not the greatest asset, the notion of gentle protest speaks volumes to me.

Like some of you reading, I've been caught in a few on line spats with people who seem to allow hate to poison their entire outlook (though I've always refrained from name calling) and every time this happens, it feels like a defeat. The world is riven with division and, truly, as Billy Bragg once sang
"Taking sides is not enough, in days like these".

So the 10 points in the Craftivist's manifesto (printed below) chime strongly with me, reminding me that none of us are ever truly alone, no matter how strongly we may feel it at times, and that it's truly important to consider all sides in a debate, and to show respect, even for those we deeply disagree with.

This is exactly the kind of philosophical musing l love because, to me, the notion of faith is never settled, and all beliefs should be regularly challenged ('Why do l think this?' 'Why would l do that?') and this is another reason l enjoy Food for thought.

Added to all that, there's song (today the great Ty Watling gave us a reading of three terrific songs) a chance to question the speakers, and a few moments reflection from Chris. If any of this sounds appealing, you should poke your nose round the door one day.