After slavery was abolished, how far would white America go toward including African Americans as full participants in the country's institutions? Conventional historical timelines mark the end of Reconstruction in the year 1877, but the Methodist Episcopal Church continued to wrestle with issues of racial inclusion for decades after political support for racial reform had receded. An 1844 schism over slavery split Methodism into northern and southern branches, but Union victory in the Civil War provided the northern Methodists with the opportunity to send missionaries and teachers into the territory that had been occupied by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. To a remarkable degree, the M.E. Church succeeded in appealing to freed slaves and white Unionists and thereby built up a biracial membership far surpassing that of any other Protestant denomination. A Long Reconstruction details the denomination's journey with unification and justice. African Americans who joined did so in a spirit of hope that through religious fellowship and cooperation they could gain respect and acceptance and ultimately assume a position of equality and brotherhood with whites. However, as segregation gradually took hold in the South, many northern Methodists evinced the same skepticism as white southerners about the fitness of African Americans for positions of authority and responsibility in an interracial setting. The African American membership was never without strong white allies who helped to sustain the Church's official stance against racial caste but, like the nation as a whole, the M.E. Church placed a growing priority on putting their broken union back together.

Making clear the Christian position that God's self-revelation is through human nature, 'Personhood and Christianity' offers an account of the way a person is formed as an individual in community from the moment of conception onward. The research and teaching of Dr Frank Lake are explained, drawing out the distinction between Lake's psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalytical practices, whether Freudian or Jungian. Forshaw shows that Christian living and spirituality are properly focused on the non-religious activity of God in the world, and that the Church's mission requires the formation of worshipping congregations that are increasingly free of the defensive behaviours commonly encouraged by religion. In pursuing his argument, Forshaw adopts a three-fold approach: Asserting that many of the practices and attitudes of the divided churches still make it difficult for people to understand Christianity; Taking up proposals of leading theologians and therapists he discusses the kind of holiness in the midst of ordinary life that can lead to practical reform in parishes, and contribute towards radical change in community life more widely. Laying stress on the world-directed purpose of the Eucharist through the ascended Jesus who is present everywhere. 'Personhood and Christianity' will be of great interest to all involved in Christian leadership and in the caring services of Church and society generally, to those training for ministry and to everyone engaged in pastoral counselling and therapy. The Author: With a degree from Cambridge in history and theology, Oliver Forshaw was trained for ordination at the Queen's College, Birmingham. Having served parishes in Singapore, Yorkshire, and Cumbria, he was longest in a large Urban Priority Area parish in Manchester where he set up along with R.C. and Methodist colleagues a counselling and community work project. He also led Clinical Theology seminars and served on a regional panel of counsellors for ministers and their families. This experience increased his awareness of the need for psychodynamic therapy for clerg

This book explores the culture of conformity to the Church of England and its liturgy in the period after the Reformation and before the outbreak of the Civil War. It provides a necessary corrective to our view of religion in the period by a serious exploration of the laity who conformed, out of conviction, to the Book of Common Prayer. Through the use of church court records and parliamentary petitions, the views of lay people are examined - those who were neither 'puritan' nor 'Laudian', yet were committed to the reformed liturgy and episcopacy out of sincere belief, and not as a matter of political expediency.

This book analyzes two large surveys of clergy and lay people in the Church of England taken in 2001 and 2013. The period between the two surveys was one of turbulence and change, and the surveys offer a unique insight into how such change affected grassroots opinion on topics such as marriage, women's ordination, sexual orientation, and the leadership of the Church. Andrew Village analyzes each topic to show how opinion varied by sex, age, education, location, ordination, and church tradition. Shifts that occurred in the period between the two surveys are then examined, and the results paint a detailed picture of how beliefs and attitudes vary across the Church and have evolved over time. This work uncovers some unforeseen but important trends that will shape the trajectory of the Church in the years ahead.

Malcolm Johnson has been an Anglican priest for fifty years working in the East End and in the City of London. Openly gay for most of this time, he has never been far from controversy. As rector of St Botolph Aldgate he was particularly involved with homelessness, HIV/AIDS and education. Because of his counselling and campaigning work for the LGBT community Rabbi Lionel Blue has described him as the Pink Bishop. Diary of a Gay Priest is full of anecdotes and amusing stories. His 44-year relationship with Robert has given him stability and security, but he considers the Church to still be a dangerous place for a gay priest. He remains in it by his eyelashes.

The normative edition for all who sing, choir and congregation alike, containing all hymns and service music.

This book evaluates William Temple's theology and his pursuit of church unity. It exposes a number of paradoxes and conflicts that have generally gone under-appreciated in assessments of Temple. William Temple was one of the most outstanding leaders of the early ecumenical movement. In many ways his ecumenical efforts provided a paradigm others have looked to and followed. Through detailed analysis of primary sources, this study sheds light on several behind-the-scenes conflicts Temple experienced as he worked toward church unity. Edward Loane explores the foundation of Temple's work by analyzing the philosophy and theology that underpinned and fueled it. The book also exposes the tensions between Temple's denominational allegiance and his ecumenical convictions-a tension that, in some ways, undermined his work for reunion. This book reveals issues that contemporary Christians need to grapple with as they seek to further church unity.

The author defines Yesterday's Radicals as nineteenth-century Anglican Broad Churchmen and Unitarians, and aims in his book to demonstrate the affinities between them and the manners in which they influenced each other. The Broad Churchmen constituted the progressive wing of the Anglican Church, who were interested in science, Biblical criticism, a rational approach to religion, and who were leaders in the attempt to relate the Church's teaching to the new thoughts and conditions of the nineteenth century. But they were not alone. The Unitarians were possessed of a similar spirit, and came to regard reason and conscience as the criteria of belief and practice. This book demonstrates the growing respect between them, as they tried to grapple with the problems of their day. It lucidly takes the reader through the ramifications and complexities of Biblical criticism, and discusses the answers given to the problems of Biblical inspiration and miracles, amongst others. It demonstrates how Unitarians and Broad Churchmen affected each other, and that much of which is now taken for granted in enlightened theological circles was developed by Yesterday's Radicals. The author traverses territory not previously opened up in this way, for the affinity between these groups has hitherto not been the subject of analysis. This pioneering study was awarded the Earl Morse Wilbur Prize for Historical Research.

This examination of Anglicanism from the perspective of the Free Churches details the tension that exists between its Catholic and Protestant characteristics, while at the same time drawing attention to an important ecclesiological message that is applicable to all the Christian churches.

The eighteenth-century bishops of the Church of England and its sister communions had immense status and authority in both secular society and the Church. They fully merit fresh examination in the light of recent scholarship, and in this volume leading experts offer a comprehensive survey and assessment of all things episcopal between the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688 and the early nineteenth-century. These were centuries when the Anglican Church enjoyed exclusive establishment privileges across the British Isles (apart from Scotland). The essays collected here consider the appointment and promotion of bishops, as well as their duties towards the monarch and in Parliament. All were expected to display administrative skills, some were scholarly, others were interested in the fine arts, most had wives and families. All of these themes are discussed, and Wales, Ireland, Scotland and the American colonies receive specific examination.

Desmond Tutu is one of the most respected and influential leaders in South Africa and the world. From his modest beginnings in dusty townships, during the time spent as a teacher and his early days in the priesthood, to the days when he led the Anglican church in South Africa, he has consistently fought for his goal of a democratic alliance. This book tells the story of how, throughout his life, Tutu, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, has called for peace, love and brotherhood of all people. He has lived according to the principles of ubuntu: "that gift Africans have for the world, which says that a person can be a person only through other persons".

His story shows his warmth, his intelligence, his energy and his sense of humour and, above all, how he stuck to what he believed against all odds. Tutu will always be remembered as one of the great champions of humanity. Written in an entertaining style, this book draws on extensive research and interviews with Tutu himself to capture the essence of the man. They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history.

'Kilvert's World of Wonders' focuses upon the life of the endearingly humble clergyman Francis Kilvert, who is best known for the Diary which records his sensitive descriptions of rural life in the nineteenth century. Until recently Kilvert was considered naive, lacking in confidence, and parochial in outlook, most at home in the country cottage or the country vicarage. In this volume, however, Toman reveals Kilvert as a sophisticated thinker in touch with metropolitan culture and fascinated by the technological progress of his age. He marveled at railways, shipyards, and the machinery of the Great Exhibition, and explored the theories of mesmerism and evolution. Toman makes his customary careful reading of the 'Diary', demonstrated in his previous study 'Kilvert's Diary and Landscape' (The Lutterworth Press, 2009), but also delves into Kilvert's family background, education and childhood reading, and into the diaries of his sister Emily, to shed light on previously unacknowledged aspects of Kilvert's personality. In this perceptive revaluation of Kilvert's character and outlook, Toman introduces us to a man who sought to understand the great changes of the mid-nineteenth century, and so come to terms with what was becoming the world of today. John Toman spent thirty years in education as a teacher, lecturer, and schools inspector. For many years, he has read and re-read 'Kilvert's Diary' and walked 'Kilvert Country'. During the last twenty years, he has made an intensive study of the 'Diary' and of Kilvert's background, he is the author of 'Kilvert's Diary and Landscape' (2008). 'Toman's study reveals Kilvert to have been a man who 'had the curiosity and courage to face the age's difficult questions'. The book's thorough and scholarly approach will ensure that it remains an indispensable tool to all those who wish to understand him and the forces which shaped him.' Dr Martin Crossley Evans, University of Bristol 'Toman completes here a thorough reassessment of the literary, cultural and theological influences on Kilvert, bringing us closer than ever before to his character. Meticulously researched and written in a clear, engaging style, the book foregrounds the diarist's complex and ambivalent relationship with the rapidly developing climate of the mid-nineteenth century.' Dr Philip Dunham, University of Coventry

This book presents a historically and critically nuanced study of George Herbert's biblical poetics. Situating Herbert's work in the context of shifting ideas of biblical mystery, Gary Kuchar shows how Herbert negotiated two competing impulses within post-reformation thought-two contrary aspects of reformation spirituality as he inherited it: the impulse to certainty, assurance, and security and the impulse to mystery, wonder, and wise ignorance. Through subtle and richly contextualized readings, Kuchar places Herbert within a trans-historical tradition of biblical interpretation while also locating him firmly within the context of the early Stuart church. The result is a wide ranging book that is sure to be of interest to students and scholars across several different fields, including seventeenth-century studies, poetry and the bible, and literature and theology.

This book is a collection of closely-related yet distinct chapters, each of which presents an account of particular thinkers, themes or debates in their historical context and in the light of today's concerns. The book is divided into three parts: Part One, Bishops and Authority; Part Two, Pluralism, Politics and History; and Part Three, Believing and Discipleship. It presents the fruit of a long period of theological research into different historical periods, but with a distinct focus on theology in the early twentieth century. Although each chapter can be read as history of theology, and each addresses historical debates in their own terms, at the same time each is concerned to relate historical issues to contemporary problems faced by the Anglican Communion and the Church of England today.

This renowned reference directory, first published in 1858, is an essential resource for anyone who works with or is linked to the Church of England, the Church of Ireland, the Church in Wales or the Episcopal Church of Scotland. The 107th edition contains biographies and contact details for over 24,000 Anglican clergy - stipendiary and self-supporting - and ordinands in Great Britain and Ireland. Extensive supplementary information includes: * Over 1000 new entries and over 10,000 updated entries since the previous edition; * Over 20,000 email addresses; * Details of English, Welsh and Irish benefices and churches and Scottish incumbencies; * Entries for the presiding Bishops and Archbishops of the Anglican Communion; * Full biographies for all retired clergy and a list of who have died since the last edition; * A separate supplement of biographies of those recently ordained as deacon; * Listings of Chaplains in schools, universities, colleges of higher and further education, the armed services, prisons, theological colleges and courses, clergy attached to the Chapel Royal, the College of Chaplains, and other appointments.

First volume in the new Westminster Abbey Record Series, covering changes in Abbey ritual during the Reformation. This book is the first volume in a new venture, the Westminster Abbey Record Series, which aims to publish documents, calendars, lists and indexes from the Abbey's large and continuous archive of over a thousand years, making itscontents available both to scholars and to a wider interested public. This edition of the earliest Chapter Act Book of the Dean and Chapter is an essential source for the impact of the Reformation at Westminster. The years covered in this volume show the business of setting up a reformed cathedral; the administration of the Abbey's large estate is also well illustrated, including the relations with the powerful courtiers and politicians who were among the Abbey's tenants. Dr CHARLES KNIGHTON gained his Ph.D. from Magdalene College, Cambridge.

Perfect for newcomers and confirmation classes The Episcopal Church has a language and a practice all its own. For a newcomer, these can seem intimidating at first glance. This book takes readers through a Sunday worship experience, and explains the what, the why, and the how of what they might encounter. Worship is explained, with a quick survey of the Book of Common Prayer, along with frequently encountered vocabulary. How we read the Bible and what we believe about core points of theology are also discussed, especially as these points may differ from what many people assume to be Christian norms. How faith is practiced and its connection to our social and moral lives is discussed. What is the Jesus Movement and how can the Way of Love be lived every day? Finally, a short overview of Episcopal history is included, for the visitor who wonders how we came to be here. The book concludes with a few of the most frequently asked questions by adults who join the Episcopal Church.

A critical look at the diaconate in the Episcopal Church Times change, and the Order of Deacons in the Episcopal Church has not remained static. While the book seeks to update contemporary knowledge about deacons, it also shows how the diaconate may be well positioned to lead the church into change that cuts across governance, formation, and ministry. While the institutional church struggles with its structure and purpose, working to change its reality and perception, the book suggests that there are diaconal leaders who have been working all along for this kind of change. The book chronicles ways in which one church order has grown, matured, adapted, adjusted, and is as effective as it is because of its dynamic nature. It is hoped that other orders might learn from the importance of being adaptable, contextual, and baptismal, while highlighting the primary lens deacons look through as they seek to fulfill what the church has called them to do.

Being a priest is likened to being a shepherd. People do, from time to time, need a poke here or a prod there. But mostly, they need to know someone is watching out for them. Rev. William Billow has been that gentle guiding hand for multiple communities across the nation, but he is best known for his services in Washington, DC, from St. Albans School to Washington Cathedral. He practices "the ministry of presence," witnessing and overseeing the baptisms, weddings, and funerals of the members of his flocks. As he moves from community to community, his story does not fail to enlighten and inspire.

James Pereiro provides a new key for a fuller and proper understanding of the Oxford Movement. Although references to ethos constantly surface in the writings and correspondence of the Tractarians, the study of the theory of religious knowledge which it implies has so far been neglected. Pereiro explores the pre-Tractarian historical circumstances, the intellectual roots of the Movement, the formation of the concept of ethos, and the influence it had in the ideological and historical development of the Movement. He also discusses in detail the formation of Newman's theory of development of Christian doctrine: the intellectual clash of ideas from which Newman's theory emerged, and the vital role played by the concept of ethos. The two appendices publish some manuscript sources of great interest for the history of Tractarianism: S. F. Wood's early theory of development of doctrine, and the negative reactions of Newman and Manning; and a long narrative description of the Oxford Movement written by Wood at the request of Newman and Pusey.