The noted preacher and spiritual writer Michael Mayne wrote extensively about Anglicanism's distinctive theology and ethos, and how it could help the church speak to contemporary society. This collection of his unpublished writings and lectures offers a vintage distillation of his wisdom and pastoral understanding that remains extraordinarily relevant. Michael Mayne's wisdom calls the church back to its deepest spiritual identity and purpose, exploring: * The nature of moderation and tolerance; * The influence of daily prayer; * What happens when Anglicans disagree; * Unity in Christ despite diversity in practice; * Learning from controversies.

Archbishop Michael Ramsey's archiepiscopate from 1961 to 1974 saw profound renegotiations of the relationship of the Church of England with its own flock, with the nation more widely, with the Anglican church worldwide, and with the other Christian churches. Drawing from unique source material in the Lambeth Palace Library archives and reproducing many original writings of Ramsey for the first time, this book explores key questions which surround Ramsey's tenure. How did Ramsey react to the rapid hollowing-out of the regular constituency of the church whilst at the same time seeing sweeping changes in the manner in which the church tried to minister to those members? What was his role in the widening of the church's global vision, and the growing porousness of its borders with other denominations? And how did the nature of the role of archbishop as figurehead change in this period?

This is an introduction to the thought of one of the most fascinating theologians and at the same time most controversial church leaders of our time. In contemporary theology, the work of Rowan Williams is virtually without parallel for its extraordinary diversity and complexity. His writings span the genres of poetry, history, literary criticism, spirituality, theology, ethics, and philosophy - yet this diverse body of work is apparently not unified by any overarching system or agenda. Indeed, one of the hallmarks of Williams' thought is a vigorous refusal of completeness and systematic closure. Nevertheless, this book will argue that the complex body of Williams' work is held together by a specific theological construal both of Christian language and of the church's founding event.

Celebrating 250 years, St. Peter's Episcopal Church in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, has witnessed a rich mixture of people and events that reflect critical periods of American political and cultural history. George Washington worshiped here as did abolitionists and slave holders, Whigs, Democrats, and Republicans. St. Peter's was a point of first contact for thousands of immigrants, and the church opened schools for immigrants to help them to acculturate to life in Philadelphia.

Opening a window onto colonial Philadelphia and the nation's histories, a"St. Peter's Church"ais a glorious testament to this National Historic Landmark. In addition to the stories and hundreds of black-and-white and color photographs, this handsome volume provides a history of the grounds, the churchyard, and the church itself-a classic example of eighteenth-century Philadelphia design that later incorporated the work of renown architects William Strickland, Thomas U. Walter, and Frank Furness."

Priestly ministry in the Church of England needs a radical rethink...George Herbert died in 1633. His legacy continues. His poems are read and sung, and his parish ministry remains the model for the Church of England's understanding of how and where and why its priests should minister. But there is a problem. The memory of Herbert celebrated by the Church is an inaccurate one, and, in its inaccuracy, is unfair on Herbert himself and his successors in the ordained ministry. This is a book of the long view. It sets out to assess realistically the context of Herbert's life and to explore the difficulties of parish life today. By examining the status and role of parish clergy since Herbert's time and today, it draws on the work of historians, social anthropologists, psychologists and theologians, and presents their ideas in a readable and passionate style. It argues that the future strength of parochial ministry will be found in a recovery of historic, renewed understandings of priestly ministry, and concludes by outlining more sustainable patterns of practice for the future.In a climate of uncertainty for the future of the church, it will be an encouragement for priest and people, and welcomed by both. >

The Anglican church has been no stranger to controversy during its history but the debates raging at the moment are among the hottest it has known. This book asks some prominent Anglicans why they are still in the church and what they love about it. Representing Anglicanism in all its range and diversity, the contributors are positive about the church and their place in it, and show appreciation, rather than resentment, of a Church that is broad enough to contain those of opposing views. This is a personal, partial and affectionate (though by no means uncritical) glimpse of the Anglican Church.

Many of the controversial religious debates of our day grow out of disagreements about how to interpret scripture correctly. Is it a historical or theological text? How do we address the apparent contradictions? In "Anglican Approaches to Scripture," the sequel to ATB Book of the Year "Christian Hope and Christian Life," Greer shows the multi-layered Anglican tradition of what scripture is and how it is to be interpreted.

Bringing together the authors's experience of working in Europe, the United States, and Australia, this book includes the latest rites for welcoming adults into church membership, together with a detailed account of the Adult Catechumenate and the way in which adults may make a journey into faith, making commitment at the right time on the way and following through into discipleship.

Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556) was the first Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, the author of the Book of Common Prayer, and a central figure in the English Protestant Reformation. Few theologians have led such an eventful life: Cranmer helped Henry VIII break with the pope, pressed his vision of the Reformation through the reign of Edward VI, was forced to recant under Queen Mary, and then dramatically withdrew his recantations before being burned alive. This gripping biography by Leslie Williams narrates Cranmer's life from the beginning, through his education and history with the monarchy, to his ecclesiastical trials and eventual martyrdom. She portrays Cranmer's ongoing struggle to reconcile his two central beliefs - loyalty to the crown and loyalty to the Reformation faith - as she tells his fascinating life story.

In this compelling memoir Anthony Harvey traces the three ways he has felt drawn throughout his life - to a ministry in the Anglican priesthood, to a profession in theological scholarship, and to his marriage and family. Harvey recounts his clergy training in Canterbury, his time as canon of Westminster Abbey, his teaching and research at the University of Oxford, and his many exciting travels. He also candidly discusses the challenges presented by his marriage to an artist and writer whose spells of mental illness, along with the premature death of their daughter, placed great strain on both his family life and his public responsibilities. Throughout the book Harvey authentically narrates his inner tensions and conflicts, his own spiritual questioning, and his propensity toward a Christian stoicism. From the foreword: "This moving and unpretentious memoir charts a journey of education in faith, not least through times of deep challenge in personal life. It shows us a scholar always willing to put the resources of his remarkable learning at the disposal of the Christian community. . . . It has the capacity to rekindle faith in the theological vocation in the fullest sense of the word `theological' and to renew a confidence in the possibility of interweaving human honesty and Christian depth." - Rowan Williams TENT

How has the Church responded to the challenge to combat institutional racism? What efforts are being made to bring about positive and sustained changes in the structures? To what extent are the issues being addressed by church schools, clergy and parishes? How are theological colleges and courses responding to the importance of preparing and training ordinands for leadership in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-faith Britain? What is the Church doing to encourage a more culturally diverse lay and ordained leadership? These are some of the questions that have challenged the Church of England in its struggle to understand racism and the way it is used by institutions, maybe unwittingly, to disadvantage minority ethnic people. The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report acted as a catalyst and forced the Church to take a fresh look at itself with respect to its record in combating institutional racism. This book gives new insights into the Church of England's response to race issues and presents a fascinating view of the Church at the start of the twenty-first century. It highlights examples of good practice and demonstrates the progress that has been made since the publication in 1991 of Seeds of Hope, a seminal report of a survey on combating racism in the Church of England. An Amazing Journey is written from the perspective of Glynne Gordon Carter who served the Archbishops' Council's Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns (the former Black Anglican Concerns Committee) as Secretary from 1987 to 2001.

This Measure puts in place a legislative framework to enable the introduction of new terms and conditions of service (to be known as 'common tenure') for clergy and certain lay ministers in the Church of England. At present, the clergy of the Church of England can hold office in three different ways: 'freehold' offices as archbishop, bishop, dean or residentiary can on of a cathedral, archdeacon or incumbent of a benefice; hold office under a licence from a diocesan bishop, and engaged as chaplains or in other types of ministry, usually under a contract of employment, coupled with a licence from a diocesan bishop. The Measure retains the established office-holder status of clergy - while conferring upon them, for the first time, many of the legal rights enjoyed by employees. These include rights to stipend and housing, a statement of particulars of office, annual and other leave and continuing ministerial education. The legislation also specifies the circumstances in which an office can be terminated, and defines certain particular cases where an appointment can be made on a fixed or limited-term basis. The Measure enables regulations to require office holders to take part in regular ministerial development reviews, as well as introducing a capability procedure designed to address issues of poor performance. The Committee is of the view that the proposed move towards uniform tenure arrangements will establish a clear, consistent and transparent framework for the terms of service of the clergy as a whole and will give many clergy, for the first time, substantial employment-type rights. The text of the Measure is contained in "HL 35-I/HC 270" (ISBN 9780104014400).

In July 2011, the House of Bishops commissioned a review group to draw together and reflect upon explorations on human sexuality conducted since the 1998 Lambeth Conference, and to offer proposals on how the continuing discussion within the Church of England about these matters might best be shaped. The group, which included four bishops, was Chaired by Sir Joseph Pilling. This is the group's report. Recognizing the continuing deep divisions within the Church on matters of sexuality, its key recommendations are for a process of facilitated conversations across the whole Church of England and in partnership with the rest of the Anglican Communion. The report considers the rapidly changing context within which the group undertook its work. It examines the available data about the views of the public in our country over time. The report considers homophobia, evidence from science, from Scripture and from theologians. Included with the main report are a Prologue - 'Living with holiness and desire' by Dr Jessica Martin - and Appendices by Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead and by the Revd David Runcorn, setting out two viewpoints on Scripture and same sex relationships. The Report of the House of Bishops Working Group on human sexuality - while it is not a new policy statement from the Church of England - offers findings and recommendations to form part of the process of facilitated conversations.

A historical view of church floors and floor coverings. This text provides information on their construction and care.

This text presents a practical guide to church cleaning, illustrated with cartoons.

A service card including the text of the Holy Baptism service. It contains congregational responses rather than the full text of the service. Produced in a durable, tall, narrow format single-folded card with four panels.

The new edition of "The Church of England Year Book 2006" contains: selected church statistics; who's who directory of Synod members and other senior clergy, lay people and senior staff; summary of Synod business for the year; an outline of the structure of the Archbishops' Council and how the Council fits with existing bodies; details of the work of the Archbishops' Council during 2005; names and addresses of officers in the 44 dioceses of the Church of England; addresses, objectives and activities of organisations linked to the church; essential information about the churches and provinces in the worldwide Anglican Communion, including maps; and details of Ecumenical organisations linked to the Anglican Church.

How can we learn to relate better to one another across the differences and diversity that we find in our church communities? This five-session course is designed to help identify the roadblocks that can so easily hinder us from understanding each other better and loving each other more deeply. The course encourages us to find creative ways to grow and learn together in the love of God. The course is based on the Church of England's Pastoral Principles for Living Well Together. These Principles identify six 'pervading evils' that hinder our growth as Christians, hurt other people and create barriers that stop our churches from growing into Christian communities of welcome and belonging. Each session focuses on one or two of these 'evils' and includes resources for Bible study, refection, discussion and worship. Free accompanying videos are available via www.churchofengland.org/PAG By exploring these in our everyday lives and relationships, the course helps us to play our part in seeking unity in our church communities as well as in the wider community. It can be used to explore particular topics about which there is disagreement, or used simply as a means of becoming a community that lives more fully in the way of Christ. Pack of 6 copies.

As communities of Christians we are held together in the love of Christ. Our many differences are gifts that can build us up in trust and mutual affection, or they can mar the image of Christ that we are called to reflect through our life together. These Pastoral Principles cards are for you to use in your church community to examine afresh your life together. The focus relates to LGBTI+ people, but they apply to all sorts of difference and diversity among God's people. Each of the six principles has a card that describes the principle, offers some reflections and suggests some questions to ponder. They may be used as: * as a series of small group studies * on a parish weekend or a PCC away day * as part of a training session for people involved in pastoral care in your church * as a resource for teaching and preaching. The House of Bishops commends them to the dioceses and parishes of the Church of England.

The Emmaus course has been an effective tool for evangelism and adult initiation in the UK and throughout the world. Nurture is a 15-session course for enquirers and new Christians that is also suitable for an adult confirmation course. It consists of: Part 1: What Christians believe (5 sessions) Part 2: How Christians grow (5 sessions) Part 3: Living the Christian life (5 sessions) This fully revised Second edition includes the following new features and changes: Harmonized with Common Worship material wherever necessary More extensive background reading for leaders Inclusive language used throughout All Bible quotations from the NRSV More explicit links with other Emmaus materials Wider range of suggestions for using video as appropriate Members handouts have been reduced to 2 sides of A4 - making them easier to photocopy Members handouts are interspersed with the Leaders Guide, instead of being grouped together at the end of the book Additional information on the Emmaus series and issues such as time away and meals together Each session has either been revised or re-written - ensuring that the whole course is clearer and up-to-date A totally new-look cover and text-design Also includes a FREE CD-ROM that contains handouts and supplementary material, an Emmaus Poster, a Powerpoint presentation, and useful links to Emmaus website.

This survey of unprecedented scope is designed to help the reader map their way through the thinking that has shaped present-day Anglican ministry. It contains a history of strategic developments and key reports and decisions, identifying the vital issues faced by the Church of England and offering informed suggestions for reform.