Henry Francis Lyte moved to All-Saints Church in Brixham, Devon in 1824, where he became chairman of the schools committee, established the first Sunday school in the Torbay area and created a Sailors' Sunday School. The primary object of both schools was to provide education for children and seamen for whom other schooling was almost impossible. He organised an Annual Treat for the 800-1000 Sunday school children, which included a short religious service followed by tea and sports in the field. Shortly after Lyte's arrival in Brixham, he attracted such large crowds that the church had to be enlarged. Lyte was an expert flute player, spoke Latin, Greek, and French; enjoyed discussing literature; and was knowledgeable about wild flowers. At his Brixham home, Berry Head House, a former military hospital, Lyte created a magnificent library largely of theology and old English poetry, described in his obituary as one of the most extensive and valuable in the West of England. Nevertheless, Lyte was also able to identify with his parish of fishermen, visiting their homes and their ships in harbour, supplying every vessel with a Bible, and compiling songs and a manual of devotions for use at sea. A friend of Samuel Wilberforce, he also opposed slavery, organising an 1833 petition to Parliament requesting it be abolished in Great Britain. In poor health throughout his life, Lyte suffered various respiratory illnesses including asthma and bronchitis, and by the 1840s, he was spending much of his time in the warmer climates of France and Italy. Lyte spent the summer of 1847 at Berry Head, writing his best known hymn, Abide With Me. After one final sermon to his congregation he left again for Italy, and died at Nice on 20 November 1847. Other well-known hymns include Praise, my Soul, the King of Heaven and Pleasant are Thy Courts Above.

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 This collection of his unpublished writings and lectures offers a vintage distillation of his wisdom and pastoral understanding that remains extraordinarily relevant.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.

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

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?

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 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.

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.

Timothy Dudley-Smith's authorised biography continues the story begun in 'John Stott: the making of a leader'. This second volume encompasses the last forty years of the twentieth century. It begins in 1960 when John Stott, the established Rector of All Souls Church, author of several books, and already something of a world traveller, had clearly emerged as a widely respected evangelical leader of energy and vision. 'John Stott: a global ministry' recounts the extraordinary growth of his worldwide ministry. In Britain he was the chief architect of NEAC, the National Evangelical Anglican Congress, in 1967 and 1977. In Montreux, Berlin and Amsterdam he worked with Billy Graham especially in shaping the momentous Lausanne vision for world evangelisation. Travelling from continent to continent, with a particular concern for Christian students and pastors in the developing world, he spoke, preached and lectured tirelessly on mission, evangelism and social concern. In growing demand as a biblical expositor, his experience of teaching in different cultures and countries, often by interpretation, was invaluable in guiding 'The Bible Speaks Today' series. His call for a contemporary biblical discipleship and the development of a Christian mind, not least through the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, became a hallmark of his teaching through the decades of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, skilfully chronicled in this highly readable biography. Creative conflict and drama are ever present, as John Stott is found in dialogue, debate and dispute not only with unbelievers, but with outstanding liberals, charismatics, Anglo-Catholics, Roman Catholics, and fellow evangelicals; with Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones and with Bishop Jack Spong; responding to Honest to God, to Bishop David Jenkins, to ARCIC and its Agreed Statements, and to The Myth of God Incarnate.

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.

The Anglican Church remains a pillar of the British establishment. It is the state church, both venerable and dependable - and is often taken for granted. Yet its history is far from comfortable. It was born into an age of bloody turmoil, marked by Henry VIII's divisive secession from Rome in 1534. And between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries Anglicanism became the bitter battleground for some of the fiercest contests in Europe over interpretations of the Bible, liturgy and theology. Reformed or Catholic? Puritan or Arminian? Bishops or elders? As Euan Cameron reveals, in his much-anticipated new book, these were among the crucial questions facing men such as Cranmer, Latimer, Lancelot Andrewes, Laud and Traherne. In addressing them, the Anglican divines created not just their own national church but also timeless masterpieces of world literature such as the Book of Common Prayer, the King James Bible, Richard Hooker's Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity and the sublime verse of the scholar-lyricist George Herbert. This `golden age' of devotional writing was inseparable from the volatile politics of the age.

A narrative history of Oxford Movement, whereby a group of Anglican intellectuals, notably Newman, Pusey, Keble and Froude, attempted to restore to the Victorian Church of England the character of "primitive Christianity". Many of the inherent principles, such as Apostolic Succession, were seen to be exemplified by the Catholic Church. Newman later joined the Church of Rome, and the Anglo-Catholic wing of Anglicanism has its origins in this movement.

These thoughtful essays address, but do not attempt to answer definitively, many dimensions of the churc h''s current debate over human sexuality. Contributors'' perso nal perspectives combine to offer a variety of views and voi ces. '

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 publication of Pope Leo XI11's apostolic letter declaring Anglican priestly orders to be 'absolutely null and utterly void' sent shock waves throughout the Anglican church which continue to reverberate a century later. Today, as Anglicans and Roman Catholics renew their search for greater mutual understanding, all the documents in the debate which led to the issue of, Apostolicae Curae are brought together in English translation for the first time. This unique and important book is published with two aims in mind. Firstly, to set out the evidence so that those concerned with the same questions today may better understand the limited context of the verdict reached in 1896 and secondly, in the hope of dispelling the frustration and resentment still provoked, to demonstrate the thoroughness, fairness and wide spectrum of opinion whih characterized the original debate.

This essential handbook for the preparation of worship presents the authorised Bible readings (references only) for the liturgical year beginning Advent Sunday 2020. It includes: - a full calendar of the Christian year; - a simple code indicating whether celebrations are mandatory or optional; - complete lectionary references to the Principal, Second and Third services for Sundays, Principal Feasts and Holy Days; - lectionary references for Morning and Evening Prayer; - the Additional Weekday Lectionary; - general readings for saints days and special occasions; - a guide to the liturgical colours of the day. A must-have reference guide for every vestry and parish office. This is the larger-format edition.

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.

Adrian Empey: The medieval parish: a school for laity Colm Lennon: The formation of a lay community in the Church of Ireland, 1580-1647 T.C. Barnard: Piety 'too masculine, too much governed by right reason'? Lay people and the Church of Ireland, 1647-1780 Patrick Comerford: A silent laity in the days of a silken prelacy and a slumbering priesthood? Lay people, 1780-1830 W.G. Neely: Reform and reorganisation: the laity and the Irish church, 1830-1870 Kenneth Milne: the laity in the twentieth century David Hayton: The development and limitations of Protestant ascendancy: the Church of Ireland laity in public life, 1660-1740 Jacqueline Hill: The Church of Ireland laity and the public sphere, 1740- 1869 Martin Maguire: 'Our people': the Church of Ireland laity and the language of community in Dublin since Disestablishment Raymond Gillespie: Lay spirituality and worship, 1558-1800 John Paterson: Lay spirituality and worship, 1800-1900 Stephen McBride: The laity in the church: church building, 1000-2000

This leaflet is a simple guide to a vital new piece of Church of England legislation: the Bishops' Mission Order. Where fresh expressions of church involve collaboration between or across parish boundaries, a Bishops' Mission Order may be needed - so every PCC and deanery synod in the UK will need to get to grips with the content of this leaflet.

Taken from the Church of England's Common Worship liturgy, this booklet contains the text of the contemporary Morning and Evening Prayer services including the Thanksgivings, A Service of the Word, a selection from Prayers for Various Occasions, the Litany, all Canticles for use at Morning and Evening Prayer. It does not include the Psalter.

This timely, multi-faceted book by a collection of leading thinkers and practitioners provides church leaders with the resources to re-imagine church and ministry in the twenty-first century. Looking at both traditional forms of church and fresh expressions, this wide-ranging book offers invaluable historical, psychological, sociological and theological perspectives on the parish system. Leading thinkers outline the challenges facing the Church, present suggestions for areas for development, and set out principles for future growth.