This unique volume collects together baptismal liturgies in use across five continents to reveal the breadth of theological understanding and diversity of practice in Anglicanism today. Liturgies from the Anglican Churches in over forty countries are translated and presented systematically to facilitate study and comparison. Christian initiation is more than just a rite. Its language and symbolism express varying theological understandings of what it means to belong to the family of God, and also of the sacraments. These are not settled questions, and this volume makes a significant contribution to the continuing debates around these questions within Anglicanism and the wider Church.

Fresh From the Word gathers together Rosalind Brown's acclaimed reflections on the Sunday Lectionary readings which appeared in the Church Times every week for three years. Now expanded and arranged for use in any liturgical year, and with an additional section for saints' days and festivals, this comprehensive preaching companion provides an inspiring resource for worship throughout the year. Noted for their insightful, distilled wisdom and practical focus, these scripture reflections draw on the breadth of the Christian spiritual tradition to illuminate the Lectionary readings and open up their meaning for Christian living today, offering a trusted guide for all who share in the ministry of the word.

The Gospel, Sexual Abuse and the Church has been written by the Faith and Order Commission of the Church of England in response to a request from the lead bishop for safeguarding for theological material that complements the work of the National Safeguarding Team on policy and training. It has been approved for publication and commended for study by the House of Bishops. The Gospel, Sexual Abuse and the Church is intended to be used by those with responsibility for teaching and preaching in the Church of England, including clergy and licensed lay ministers, and those with specific responsibilities for safeguarding training. The three main sections provide material that can be used for training sessions and study days, with groups such as a PCC or Church Council, a ministry team, or a discussion group. Each section includes suggested quotations for reflection, discussion questions and a 'Bible focus'. 'Safeguarding raises significant theological questions for Christians: questions about humanity, sin, grace, forgiveness, reconciliation and the church. Making space for grappling with the issues that arise here is essential if the church is going to be able to speak about God and about the gospel both when it is seeking to do safeguarding well and when it is reacting to situations where something has gone badly wrong.' - From the Preface by The Right Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Chair of the Faith and Order Commission

English author and philosopher, Bishop Thomas Burgess lived from 1756 to 1837. His early career was concerned with advocating for the emancipation of slaves and evangelistic work among the poor. In 1803, he was appointed Bishop of St David's where he remained for the next twenty years, and in that position he founded and liberally endowed St. David's College, now the University of Wales, Lampeter. This book gathers together essays that use Bishop Burgess' life as a starting point to uncover the links between the academic, religious and social cultures of Britain, Europe and North America in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The essays in the volume comprise papers read at two conferences in 2003 and the St David's Day lecture delivered at Lampeter in 2004.

Based on his consultancy experience with churches and dioceses over the last three years and further research on the causes of church growth, Bob Jackson's new book shows how the Church at parish, diocesan and national level can overturn its old cycle of decline and begin a new cycle of growth. At its heart this book is about how local churches can thrive and grow in the early twenty-first century. Part 1 outlines the current context, offering a sharp analysis behind the reasons for church growth and decline. Part 2 describes churches which are already experiencing growth both in numerical and ministry strength. It looks at lessons learnt and what is at the heart of a resurgent, thriving Church. Parts 3 and 4 set out workable strategies and unpacks ways in which human and financial resources can be deployed to support and sustain the growth of the local church. This is not about glib, short-term solutions promising quick results. The goal of this book is to help transform fragile signs of hope for the Church into a solid road to growth.

This report is the result of a study and consultation of the House of Bishops, asking how firmly grounded is the Church of England's inherited tradition that the person who presides at the Eucharist must be an ordained priest. It discusses the ministry of the whole people of God, the distinctive ministry of the ordained, the place of the Eucharist in the life of the Church, and the role of the person who presides at it.

Charles Gore (1853-1932) is a towering figure in Anglicanism. His independence of mind and prophetic spirit model a way of doing theology with rigour of thought, clarity, deep devotion and practical pastoral concern. An influential leader in the Anglo-Catholic movement, his writings and lectures on the incarnation, the doctrine of God, revelation, faith and reason, the nature of the church and sacraments, ecumenism, authority and biblical inspiration, shaped theological discussion for decades. Today, they still offer a comprehensive vision of the Christian faith in dialogue with modern thought, and provide a platform for exploring key contemporary issues in social and economic justice. The first Bishop of Birmingham, he founded the Community of the Resurrection (now at Mirfield) and actively supported the emerging trade union movement. His writings on the responsibilities of employers have a biting relevance today. This collection of his writings draws on his published and unpublished works, letters and archive material held at Mirfield.

Part of One Church offers a classical understanding of the Church of England's identity and its place as part of the 'One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church'. Though not opposed in principle to women's ordination to the priesthood, Roger Greenacre articulates with creative courtesy the ecclesiological reasons why so many cannot accept its implementation in the Church of England when it lacks the consent of the wider Church. In doing so he addresses issues that remain topical and significant. Roger's frame of reference is wide: his thinking and writing are deeply enriched by the Anglican tradition and his hope is that its distinctive heritage might be brought into communion with the Church Catholic.

This short history of Christianity in England since the close of the Middle Ages was first published for the Religious Book Club in 1953* It was immediately welcomed. The Church Times called it 'a miracle of accomplished comprehension', and the (Manchester) Guardian 'quite extraordinarily good'. The Times Educational Supplement commented on its 'abounding momentum and not a single dull page'. The author has now revised the book for this cheap edition, and an Epilogue continues the story of the English churches down to 1960.

In periods of recession, churches frequently respond to social need in practical ways. These responses are often driven by pastoral concern rather than a theology of church and society. But without theological roots, such social action can be vulnerable and episodic. This volume, commissioned by a group of Bishops in hard-hit dioceses, looks to develop strong theological foundations for local social action initiatives by churches, especially for activists who are not familiar with the Church of England's tradition of social theology, developed by William Temple and others a century ago. In exploring what a renewed Anglican social theology might look like, this also draws on the impact of Catholic Social Teaching and focuses on the core topics of multiculturalism, economics, family patterns, ecology and other key issues.

Anglican Church School Education explores the contribution of church schools and considers how they might contribute to education in the future to allow for a better standard of understanding of church schools. Drawing together some of the leading writers and thinkers in church school education, this volume is divided into five parts: The Historical StoryCurrent Policy and Philosophy Reflection on Current Practice Instrumental in Shaping the Future Reflections and Recommendations This unique collection celebrates past achievements and informs the future engagement of the Church in education.

Is the Church of England in terminal decline, as some have forecast, or does it have a vigorous future? Reports of dwindling congregations, and waning influence, contrast with stories of motivated leadership, and solid growth. The Church Times decided it was time to give the C of E a thorough medical. Thirty-five specialists, including academics, researchers, parish priests, missioners and commentators, were asked to take the Church's temperature. They looked at its congregations, leadership, governance and social influence. And then they were invited to prescribe some remedies. Not everyone agreed, either about what is wrong or what needs to be done, but a serious, and alarming consensus has emerged - the patient does needs treatment, and it needs it urgently.

Church of England's Mission and Public Affairs Council. At a time when the Government is engaged in major reform of the courts, what should be our response, as Christians, to crime? This topical exploration aims to step back from the debate on prisons and crime rates and ask why people are punished, for what purpose and how the experience of being subject to trial affects their citizenship and ability to be part of a community. Written by those who are both Christians and national experts in their field, this collection of essays particularly considers: the reform of sentencing and the future of the criminal courts; the principles of restorative justice and responsible sentencing; Christian involvement in the criminal justice process, whether individually or as a community. This timely contribution to the debate calls for a fundamental reassessment of the sentencing process and argues that the Christian faith provides a new vision for the future of criminal justice: through redemption and reconciliation rather than retribution and punishment.

A Brief Guide to Liturgical Copyright is the definitive handbook for all those seeking to ensure that their church deals with copyright issues in an effective way. The booklet contains detailed information on the copyright requirements for all liturgy authorized or commended for use in the Church of England, including Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England; Lent, Holy Week, Easter and The Promise of His Glory. In this revised edition, updated guidelines on copyright acknowledgements and information on hymn copyright, electronic products, video and audio recordings, musical settings and foreign translations are included. Lastly, a handy guide of addresses of copyright holders of several biblical and Psalter translations is provided, together with details of their individual copyright requirements.

The publication of the new Common Worship baptism services for the Church of England provides a unique opportunity for churches to re-evaluate the whole area of initiation into the Church. Baptism Matters is an invaluable resource for all clergy, Readers, churchwardens, PCC members and all who wish to take seriously their baptismal vocation to serve God by enabling others to grow in faith. Using scripture, tradition, reason and experience, the authors examine the theory and practice relating to all baptismal matters and provide a wealth of practical advice and suggestions for those involved in conducting baptisms, preparation and follow-up. Sections include: How to use the new liturgy Formulating a baptism policy Preparing a family for their child's baptism The role of godparents Twelve ideas for baptism talks Ways to keep in contact with the family after the baptism Ways to help children develop in their faith * I need some more ideas for baptism talks

This guide is aimed at those who have care of parish records and updated in the light of experience of operating the Measure. It includes information about operating the Measure in dioceses; suggestions for the making, care and preservation of records; and advice about records' management. Originally published in 1992.

Earth and Altar details, for the first time, the connection betweeen the awakening of the Church of England's social and political conscience, through the influence of the Christian Socialists, and the renewal of its worship.

In this fascinating book Arthur Peacocke shares with his readers a short autobiographical portrait of his life and his reflections on Christian faith and practice, based on addresses he has given. In a final section, he explores the implications for Christian belief of the scientific world view. He embraces the paradox of the Christian tradition as a simultaneous respect for what has been handed on to us and a critical revising, enriching and amplifying of it in the light of science under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Reverend Canon Arthur Peacocke, MBE, DD, DSC, sosc, for twenty-five years, pursued an academic scientific career in the Universities of Birmingham and Oxford in the field of physical biochemistry (especially concerned with DNA). After ordination in 1971 as a priest-scientist while a Fellow of St Peter's College, Oxford, he subsequently became Dean of Clare College, Cambridge, during which time he gave the Bampton Lectures in Oxford (published in 1979 as Creation and the World of Science). He returned to Oxford in 1984 as Director of the Ian Ramsey Centre, Oxford, until 1988, (a post he resumed in 1995), and gave the Gifford Lectures at St Andrews in 1993, which are included in his Theology for a Scientific Age (2nd enlarged edition, for which he received an international Templeton prize). He started the Science and Religion Forum in 1972 and was the first Warden of the Society of Ordained Scientists from 1987 to 1992. He is an Honorary Canon of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. Dr Peacocke is the author of, and a contributor to, many books and papers on theology and science.

This report of the Church Schools Review Group follows the Groups Consultation report issued in December 2000. The report provides a critique of Church Schools, argues for an increase in provision/numbers, especially at the secondary level, argues that Church Schools must be distinctively Christian institutions and calls for the vocation of teaching to be more explicitly recognised by the Church. The Way Ahead aims to show that Church schools stand at the centre of the Churchs mission to the nation.

This is a study of Church and Society between the two World Wars as seen through the eyes of an able, caustic, individualist churchman. Herbert Hensley Henson held strong opinions on all subjects. He was the critic, on moral grounds, of the behaviour of the trade unions. He came into fierce controversy with the miners' national leaders. He strenuously defended the establishment of the Church of England, and then, because the House of Commons behaved badly over the Prayer Book, became its most vocal assailant. He stood for the right of Christians to profess their faith while remaining agnostic about miracles. He helped the Church to accept more modern attitudes to divorce. At times he was the most unpopular person among the Churches. But by courage he won a rueful respect, and by compassion he won from some a smiling admiration.

Ministerial training and enabling lay discipleship have become key strategic issues as the Church seeks to respond to new challenges in its mission and ministry. This major report was commissioned and endorsed by the Archbishops' Council and produced by a working party chaired by Bishop John Hind. It reviews the training needs of the clergy in the context of the learning needs of the Church as a whole. Proceeding from the conviction of the diversity of God's gifts to the Church, it seeks to: raise the standard of the initial training of the clergy; promote the patterns of lifelong learning; strengthen lay theological education; co-ordinate the work and resources of our existing ministerial training institutions and other potential partners; promote ecumenical partnership in the training enterprise; and secure the best value for the Church s expenditure in training. With these aims the review offers a broad strategy for the development of training to be implemented regionally and locally in the coming years.

For Such a Time as This takes a radical look at the ministry of Deacons in the Church. It brings biblical, theological and ecumenical perspectives to bear on a ministry that many believe has not yet realised its full potential. Diakonia is reinterpreted in the light of recent biblical research as fundamental commissioning for ministry - one that expresses the essential nature of the whole Church and underlies all ordained ministry. Deacons are seen as go-between or link persons in the mission space between the Churchs liturgy and the needy world. This report of a Working Party of the House of Bishops, set up by the General Synod, also comments on the implications for lay ministry and proposes a concrete job description or ministerial profile for a renewed diaconate, one that is not merely transitional to the priesthood. The Report argues that the Diaconate comes into its own at times of social change and cultural crisis and that the time is now right to renew the diaconate for the sake of mission.

The Book of Common Prayer remains at the heart of the Church of England and using it is an essential skill for all clergy and readers, yet many are no longer familiar with its contents. This practical guide explains how to use the Book of Common Prayer in a way that is accessible and informative. Introducing this central tradition of Anglican worship without using technical language or assuming prior knowledge, it is intended as a beginner's guide for ordinands and readers, especially those for whom the Prayer Book tradition may be alien. Part 1 of the book offers a general introduction to the history, theology and liturgical character of the BCP. It also explores the place and meaning of 'common prayer' within the Anglican tradition. Part 2 offers general practical advice on the principal services of the BCP, how to use them, and where flexibility is permitted. Using the Book of Common Prayer will help its readers come to a renewed appreciation of the place of the Book of Common Prayer in the distinctive tradition of Anglican praise and prayer.

Ministerial training and enabling lay discipleship have become key strategic issues as the Church seeks to respond to new challenges in its mission and ministry. This major report was commissioned and endorsed by the Archbishops' Council and produced by a working party chaired by Bishop John Hind. It reviews the training needs of the clergy in the context of the learning needs of the Church as a whole. Proceeding from the conviction of the diversity of God's gifts to the Church, it seeks to: raise the standard of the initial training of the clergy; promote the patterns of lifelong learning; strengthen lay theological education; co-ordinate the work and resources of our existing ministerial training institutions and other potential partners; promote ecumenical partnership in the training enterprise; and secure the best value for the Church s expenditure in training. With these aims the review offers a broad strategy for the development of training to be implemented regionally and locally in the coming years.