Reform means the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, unsatisfactory, etc. The use of the word in this way emerges in the late 18th century and is believed to originate from Christopher Wyvill’s Association movement which identified “Parliamentary Reform” as its primary aim.

Reform is generally distinguished from revolution. The latter means basic or radical change; whereas reform may be no more than fine tuning, or at most redressing serious wrongs without altering the fundamentals of the system. Reform seeks to improve the system as it stands, never to overthrow it wholesale. Radicals on the other hand, seek to improve the system, but try to overthrow whether it be the government or a group of people themselves.

Rotation in office or term limits would, by contrast, be more revolutionary, in altering basic political connections between incumbents and constituents.

Developing countries may carry out a wide range of reforms to improve their living standards, often with support from international financial institutions and aid agencies. This can include reforms to macroeconomic policy, the civil service, and public financial management.

Reform (1964–1983) was an Irish-bred British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In a racing career which lasted from April 1966 until October 1967 he won eleven of his fourteen races. As a two-year-old he was beaten on his debut but won his remaining six races and was rated among the best colts of his generation in Britain. Reform was never entered in the British Classic Races, but proved himself to be an outstanding three-year-old in 1967, winning five of his seven starts. After winning the St James's Stakes, St James's Palace Stakes, Sussex Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes he ended his career by beating the Epsom Derby winner Royal Palace in the Champion Stakes.

Background

Reform was a small bay horse with a white sock on his left hind leg bred by the Ballymacoll Stud in County Meath, Ireland. He was one of the best horses sired by the Queen's stallion Pall Mall, who won the 2000 Guineas in 1958. His dam, Country House, bred by Dorothy Paget, was a granddaughter of Coventry Belle, a sister of the 1000 Guineas and Oaks Stakes winner Godiva. Country House won three minor races before becoming a highly influential broodmare: apart from Reform, her descendants include the Epsom Derby winner North Light and the 2000 Guineas and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Golan.

Reform, also referred to as Reform Magazine, is an editorially-independent monthly subscription magazine published by the United Reformed Church.

Reform magazine explores theology, ethics, personal spirituality and Christian perspectives on social and current affairs; it features writing from journalists, academics, politicians, campaigners, scientists and religious leaders. As well as high-profile interviews, in-depth features and book, music and film reviews, Reform carries regular light-hearted and anecdotal columns, puzzles, poetry and letters.

Reform's interviewees include: Bafta award-winning broadcaster Robert Beckford, interfaith/justice campaigner Anjum Anwar MBE, novelist Marilynne Robinson, evangelist Gerard Kelly; MP Ann Widdecombe, scientist Andrew Parker, journalist/author Theo Hobson, US mega-church pastor Rob Bell, broadcasters John Humphrys and Jeremy Vine, and theologians John Polkinghorne and Esther Mombo.

Reform is edited by Kay Parris.

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