'Children are equal members of the Church by virtue of their baptism', writes Stephen Lake 'and therefore should have full access to the sacraments, the signs of God's love, and most especially to the bread and wine of the Eucharist.' This valuable resource book will assist all parishes in welcoming children to communion now that the Church of England has approved new Regulations. Let the Children Come to Communion: encourages the admission of baptized children to communion; summarizes in one place relevant practice, information and theology; shares the experience of those who have already taken this step; aims to help move the debate on, encouraging the Church into full participation. The author's fervent hope is to stir the Church into action on an important issue and to stimulate decision-making about introducing and developing this ministry with children. There are extended interviews with leading practitioners including: David Stancliffe, Stephen Venner, Diana Murrie, Margaret Withers and Mark Russell. Stephen Lake is Sub Dean and Canon Residentiary of St. Albans Cathedral. Stephen served his curacy at Sherborne Abbey before becoming Vicar of Branksome St. Aldhelm, an urban parish in Poole. He was also Rural Dean. After nine years in Branksome he moved to St. Albans in 2001. He is married to Carol and they have three children, all of whom receive Holy Communion. He is the author of the hugely successful Confirmation Prayer Book (SPCK), and also of Using Common Worship: Marriage (Church House Publishing). "Stephen Lake has written a fine, timely guide to the current discussion. I hope his vision will invite and persuade, and that we shall as a Church continue to discover the riches that await us as we listen more thoughtfully and generously to Christ's youngest friends" Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

It is then the duty of all Christian people (to be taught and pressed on them) not to reproach, or speak evil of any man. The which duty, for your instruction, I shall first endeavour somewhat to explain, declaring its import and extent; then, for your further edification, I shall inculcate it, proposing several inducements persuasive to the observance of it.

Mystical Meditations on the Collects is a collection of esoteric explanations of the prayers in the Anglican Church Book of Prayers. These prayers are offered during the church calendar to honor saints and holy days. An accomplished occultist and deep mystic, Dion Fortune shares gems of perception through her brilliant commentaries. Her interpretation of these prayers provides a bridge between the Christian faith and the mystical traditions and gives guidance to those who truly wish to live lives modeled upon the Master Jesus. The mysticism that inspires these meditations transcends their Christian origins, to be of a universal order that recognizes the underlying truth of all religions. The insights in Miss Fortune's analysis contain treasures for any devout person, Christian or otherwise. If you love to be inspired by great spiritual wisdom, you will love this book.

This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishings Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the worlds literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

There is no doubt that Richard Hooker (1554-1600) is one of the most important writers in the history of the Church of England. However, since John Henry Newman presented him as a "theologian of the via media" he has been consistently overlooked by evangelical Anglicans. This well-documented and detailed analysis of the theological first principles of the 'father of Anglicanism' challenges the traditional consensus. The author examines three key elements of Hooker's theology-namely, the authority of reason, tradition and Scripture and evaluates Hooker's approach in the light of his debates with contemporary Puritans including Walter Travers, Thomas Cartwright and William Tyndale. His views are then compared with the approaches of Erasmus and the Reformers Luther and Calvin. Finally, the interpretations of leading and influential Hooker scholars are examined to show how often his theological principles have been misrepresented. This important study concludes that Hooker's debt to the Reformation is greater and more profound than generally acknowledged and that Hooker is consistently closer the mainstream of Reformation thought than his Puritan opponents. "This book is sure to put the cat among the pigeons of Hooker scholarship, and reopen the question of interpretations which many have assumed were resolved." -Gerald Bray, Beeson Divinity School "A lucid, penetrating and immensely relevant study of Hooker's theological method which firmly repudiates the influential High church stereotype of Hooker."- Alister McGrath, from the foreword An ordained priest with the Church of England, Nigel T. Atkinson is Warden of Latimer House, Oxford.

Questions of religious identity will be central to the way that the twenty-first century unfolds. Anglicanism: The Answer to Modernity is the boldest attempt in recent years to address the intellectual future of the Church of England in a confident, open and faithful way. The eight Cambridge deans who have contributed combine academic theological work with practical ministry to students in exploring the credibility, wisdom and coherence of Anglican answers to biblical, moral, philosophical and social issues. They also evaluate the presence of the Church at various levels in the life of the nation. They believe that the Church of England is not a dying and irrelevant anachronism. Rather, their vision is of a robust and inclusive Anglicanism, from which we may fashion the answers necessary for human life and growth. This book sets the conceptual tone for the Church of England at the start of Rowan Williams's term as Archbishop of Canterbury. Based on pastoral experience, the contributors map out a confident future for a Church that sympathetically and intelligently offers meaning and hope in times of uncertain direction. Contributors include: Duncan Dormor (St John's College, Cambridge) Jeremy Caddick (Emmanuel College, Cambridge) Jack McDonald (Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge) Maggi Dawn (King's College, Cambridge) Jeremy Morris (Trinity Hall, Cambridge) Timothy Jenkins (Jesus College, Cambridge) Jo Bailey Wells (Ridley Hall, Cambridge) Jonathan Ben Quash (Peterhouse, Cambridge)

But I have not only to tell young persons of the Confirmation: I have to tell all godfathers and godmothers of it also. Have any of you here ever stood godfather or godmother to any young person in this parish who is not yet confirmed? If you have, now is the time for you to fulfil your parts as sponsors. You must help me, and help the children's parents, in bringing your godchildren to confirmation. It really is your duty. It will be better for you if you fulfil it. Better for you, not merely by preventing a punishment, but by bringing a blessing. Let me try to show you what I mean.

The Anglican Church faces a crisis over questions of sexuality and authority, prompted by the consecration of Canon Gene Robinson as bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in 2003. The most serious split in its history seems to be imminent, with liberals on one side and conservatives on the other. The Windsor Report, produced in November 2004 by the Eames Commission that was established by the Archbishop of Canterbury to find a way forward without schism, seems to offer the last hope of reconciliation For the conservatives, it's time to take a stand on biblical authority and moral values. For the liberals, if the Church can't move forward with society and be more inclusive on questions of gender and sexuality, much as it has done in the past on questions like slavery and women's rights, then schism is preferable to unity. Both sides feel that further procrastination on what they see as essential is only more damaging in the long term. These cogently-argued articles by liberals closely involved in the discussion say that the kind of status quo offered by The Windsor Report is no answer. There is too much at stake to continue compromising with the spirit of fundamentalism. Includes foreword by Dr. J Saxbee, Bishop of Lincoln

Elizabeth I divided her episcopate at the outset of her reign between Geneva reformers and bishops who looked to the Fathers of the Early Church. Thereafter in the Church of England there would always be divines who were drawn to the orthodox East. Such men suffered mightily in the 17th century at the hands of the Puritans and then Whigs when these gained political power, and their suffering impelled them more and more to 'look to the east'. This book traces the fortunes of that quest, through the study of Greek texts, involvement in the intricate politics of the Near and Middle East, deprivation and isolation in the Nonjuror schism and finally the rejection by the Greek Patriarchs of requests for Orthodox Communion in the 1720s. It is a sad story involving much pain, but the steadfastness of the participants may have much to teach embattled churchmen today and inspire Orthodox readers to look with freah eyes at an attempt at unity whihc fialed as much through the weaknesses of the Orthodox Church at that time as from the inadequacies of those who wished to join them.

What is happening in the Episcopal Church today? Even the venerable Bishops appear willing to abandon the age-old standards of the Scriptures in favor of modern views.

Churches are supposed to be relatively safe places. Priests and ministers are supposed to be Godly, or holy--or at least trying to be. Guided as they are by the Word of God, things should be directed and protected by people who are led by their principles rather than their politics.

While the Episcopal Church has been in the news lately for her stand on the issue of openly homosexual Bishops, there is another crisis bubbling below the surface. When addressed openly, it brings out the same fits of rage as the "sexual preference" issue.

Fr. McDowell-Fleming has lived through the storm. In this book, he shows how the destructive power of "letting the lightning out of the bottle" has already torn apart one diocese. Which one will be next?

Renowned trailblazing Anglican priest Joy Carroll Wallis, inspiration for the BBC series" Vicar of Dibley," recounts her spiritual and professional path and the setbacks and triumphs she encountered. She discusses with humor and compassion what it is like to be a leader in women's rights and the rights of the poor, as well as her work with her husband, prominent religious leader and Sojourners figure Jim Wallis.

A new generation of leadership is emerging within the Anglican Communion. This book examines the challenges and opportunities facing these young leaders and Anglicanism more broadly. It explores the nature and shape of Anglican ministry in the new millennium. Designed for those who are considering ordination and those who are in training for the same, it is of appeal to lay leaders as well. Donald M. Lewis (DPhil, Oxford) is Professor of Church History and Academic Dean at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. An active Anglican, he is also the secretary of Regent College's Anglican Studies Program.

Meeting at an African American college in North Carolina in 1959, a group of black and white Episcopalians organized the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity and pledged to oppose all distinctions based on race, ethnicity, and social class. They adopted a motto derived from Psalm 133: ""Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity "" Though the spiritual intentions of these individuals were positive, the reality of the association between blacks and whites in the church was much more complicated. Episcopalians and Race examines the often ambivalent relationship between black communities and the predominantly white leadership of the Episcopal Church since the Civil War. Paying special attention to the 1950s and 60s, Gardiner Shattuck analyzes the impact of the civil rights movement on church life, especially in southern states. He discusses the Church's lofty goals--exemplified by the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity--and ignoble practices and attitudes, such as the failure to recognize the role of black clergy and laity within the denomination. The efforts of mainline Protestant denominations were critically important in the struggle for civil rights, and Episcopalians expended a great deal of time and resources in engaging in the quest for racial equality and strengthening the missionary outreach to African Americans in the South. Shattuck offers an insider's history of Episcopalians' efforts, both successful and unsuccessful, to come to terms with race and racism since the Civil War.

Nora Gallagher’s compelling story of a woman at a crossroads, discerning what to do and how to live after her brother’s death, is a continuation of the spiritual journey she chronicled in her acclaimed book, Things Seen and Unseen: A Year Lived in Faith.

When her beloved brother, Kit, dies, Gallagher finds her own life no longer makes sense. Stretched between meetings, always ten minutes late, increasingly drained of surprise and humor, Gallagher realizes she’s lost more than her brother. She’s lost her “own wild life,” and a sense of the sacred in the world.

Gallagher sets out to find “a new way to spend” herself. Practicing Resurrection describes the often un-
settling, sometimes comic, and finally redemptive process of discovery as Gallagher discerns a possible call to the ministry, and explores her marriage, her work as a writer, and the natural world. It extends to the full meaning of life after a death as Gallagher finds that experiences of “resurrection” are not believing “six impossible things before breakfast.” The surprising end portrays a vision of ministry redefined and a marriage honestly renewed.

A beautiful and often harrowing account of the exploration of a vocation and of new life after loss, this powerful memoir will inform and inspire anyone trying to discern the signs of a “call” to what might be a deeper purpose, and how to act on it.





From the Hardcover edition.

The Anabaptists of North America sport an amazing spectrum of religious and cultural diversity--from communal Hutterites to urban Mennonites, from low-tech Amish to acculturated Brethren. They are known for their strong commitments to peacemaking, service, and community. In this concise text, Donald B. Kraybill provides a sweeping overview of their beliefs and practices as well as their similarities and differences.

This volume includes lectures from high profile figures from academia and the Church. Anglian and Catholic voices explores continuity and change in the Anglican Church and its relations with Rome, from its earliest days onwards.

Caused a storm when it was first published, but now, in the words of Archbishop David Hope, "should be seen as a refreshing statement which the Church is crying out for." An Anglican Catechism puts into the hands of anyone seeking to extend knowledge of the Church of England a definitive account of the teachings of the Church. Edward Norman has produced a statement of faith at a time when our understanding has been clouded by the prevalence of secular modes of thought.

This timely book, which arises out of consultations under the auspices of the Centre for the Study of the Christian Church, examines the Church of England's decision to ordain women to the priesthood and to make pastoral provision for those opposed. It attempts to discover and define the theological principles underlying both the ordination of women and the determination of the Church to maintain communion when these developments provoke fundamental disagreements.

Ronald Blythe invites us into the company of his neighbours and friends to hear his reflections on the natural and local history, the liturgy, stories, village events and gossip that shape and unite their lives. Though intimately local, his voice is that of a poet, transcending boundaries of place and time with a universal appeal. 'Man of letters, man of faith, Suffolk man: Ronald Blythe is all of these.' Tiimes Literary Supplement

Published to mark the tenth anniversary of the ordination of women in the Anglican church, this work includes prominent clergy, both female and male, such as Lucy Winkett, Angela Tilby, Una Kroll, Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Rowan Williams. It tells women's stories about the reality of life as a priest and reveals defining moments in their own personal journey. Influential men in the church also reflect upon the challenges and opportunities that women's ministry has created for them.

This text argues that in the Local Ministry movement every Christian person has a gift to offer. When the split between clergy and laity is overcome and the original concept of the laity as all God's people is recovered, everyone is free to use these gifts, allowing the Church to be Church. This vison of collaborative ministry gives the opportunity to explore the many connections between faith and life and should be a force for renewal in the Church.