I don't like negative articles, and I'd almost decided not to read this. But now I'm glad I did. Thank you, Ian, for pointing up the flaws in what seems to be a modern sacred cow. Your point about the perspective it gives of Africa reminds me of the Africa for Norway video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oJLqyuxm96k) which makes the same point. And you're right about tokenism - "Give us £10 but don't change your lifestyle" - is powerful, and perhaps might be extended to our, Christians, own attitude to charity. I certainly am guilty of that.

This is the most cogent and persuasive argument I've read on the subject. Thank you for publishing it. One thing I'd add. 

It's also about changing the meaning of language - which has never hitherto been the province of government. 

What a great idea! I hope you might come out to the provinces (like Oxford-way) sometime....

Thank you. To someone who's wandered in the desert quite a bit recently, this piece was really refreshing, free from rancour, acknowledging the good in others, reminding me of the reality of which the Church's year is a reflection and of the joy that lies before us. I'm encouraged to press on!