Anglican and Episcopalian Churches Books

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Book SynopsisOne of the most significant works on Anglican and Women's history to be published in recent years. Includes a foreword by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This book tells the story of how a parish women's meeting started in 1876 by a Victorian vicar's wife is now the most authentic and powerful organization of women in the new global Christianity. Its cross-disciplinary approach examines how religious faith and shifting ideologies of womanhood and motherhood in the imperial and post colonial worlds acted as a source of empowerment for conservative women in their homes, communities and churches. In contrast to much of feminist history, A History of the Mothers' Union 1876-2008: Women, Anglicanism and Globalisation shows how the beliefs of ordinary women led them to become advocates and activists long before women had the vote or could be ordained priests. Having survived an identity crisis over social and theological liberalism in the 1960s, the Mothers' Union provides a model of unity and reconciled diversity for a divided world wide church. Today it is hailed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and international development practitioners as an outstanding example of global Christian engagement with poverty and social transformation issues at the grass roots. The material is arranged both thematically and chronologically. Case studies of Australia, Ghana and South Africa trace how the Mothers' Union arrived with white British women but evolved into indigenous organizations. CORDELIA MOYSE is Adjunct Professor of Church History at Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, PA, USA.Trade ReviewA fine contribution to British women's and British religious history. * JOURNAL OF BRITISH STUDIES *At last a careful study of the Mothers' Union based on the wonderful archives created at Mary Sumner House and now in the Lambeth Palace Library. [...] A thoughtful and carefully prepared book. * THE MAGAZINE OF MU AUSTRALIA *This important book is in some sense an untold history of the Anglican Communion itself, charting the globalization and development of Anglican faith and cultures. * LIVING CHURCH *

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Book SynopsisThe combination of Fresh Expressions and the explosion of interest in monastic spirituality is resulting in the emergence of new monastic communities inspired by historic patterns of religious life, but reframed for the contemporary world. This worldwide movement is seen as a radical expression of ecclesial community and was named in Mission Shaped Church as one of the leading new forms of church that would help people reconnect with Christianity. A new monastic community may be a dispersed group of families and individuals meeting to share meals and worship, it might be a group connected virtually; it might be a youth group exploring monastic spirituality. In this book, leaders of traditional religious communities and emerging 'new monastic' communities tell their stories and reflect on how an ancient expression of being church is inspiring and shaping a very new one. Included are many well-known contributors: Graham Cray, Tom Sine, Shane Claiborne, Ray Simpson, Abbot Stuart Burns and others exploring intentional living in the UK and the US.Trade Review'As an introduction to what the contemporary church can learn from our ancestors in the faith, this book is a helpful starter ... Bishop Graham Cray observes that our culture is making disciples more effectively than the Church, and shows how some monastic practices may help us catch up. Shane Claiborne's 12 marks of the New Monasticism are a very useful summary, and Tom Sine provides an insightful plea for us to help our young people reflect that they are the first generation since the war whose lifestyles will not exceed that of their parents.''This book is full of hope. Wonderful things are occurring. A different church is possible - one responsive to the signs of our times, compassionate, inclusive and passionate about God's Reign of Peace, Justice, Reconciliation and Wholiness. We need a book like this in a moment in which the forces of retrenchment are prevailing.' -- Frank Regan

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Book SynopsisThe Beauty of Holiness: The Caroline Divines and Their Writings offers an expansive and detailed portrait of the continued maturation of Anglican theology and devotion in the central half of the seventeenth century. The Caroline Divines have long been hailed as the patrons of an Anglican ‘golden age’. Their emphasis upon liturgical renewal and development, like their emphases upon learning and piety, have had a pervasive influence on the Anglican ethos that extends down to our own day. The Beauty of Holiness includes selections from key figures such as Lancelot Andrewes, John Cosin, and Jeremy Taylor, but also expands the canon of Caroline divinity to include lay writings, some of which were published posthumously. Traditional topics such as sacramental theology and private devotion are complimented by readings on poetry as a spiritual discipline, natural theology, and the importance of family prayers. Chapters survey diverse facets of Anglican orthodoxy such as liturgical practice, the cult of King Charles the Martyr, and defenses of the celebration of Christmas, while an introductory essay sets these developments within the historical context. The Beauty of Holiness thus functions as both an introduction to the Anglican past and a catechism for the Anglican present.Trade Review"Benjamin Guyer, in this strikingly variegated collection of writings, sets out to change the prevailing conception of the Caroline Divines and their significance...The strength of the book lies in its provision of a wide range of sources to illustrate the religious literature of the period." -- Rev W Brown Patterson * The Living Church *

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Book SynopsisBorn at a time of intense religious controversy, Anglicanism was marked from the start by an ability to hold opposing Catholic and Protestant tendencies together in a wise and generous spirit. Rooted in the earliest formularies of faith, it was able to withstand many passing theological disputes. As disagreements threaten once again to separate one Christian from another, here is a succinct and timely reminder of the core beliefs and values that unite all Anglicans so powerfully. What Anglicans Believe is ideal for new and seasoned but weary believers. A refreshing and inspirational guide, it is arranged in four parts: The Faith – what we believe The Source of the Faith – the famous 3-legged stool of Scripture, reason and tradition The Order of the Faith – how our worship and mission reflect our beliefs The Character of the Faith – how our history equips us to deal with new challengesTrade Review'In line with being "An Introduction" to what Anglicans believe, the result is satisfactory, balanced and carefully constructed ... As a scholar and priest who has worked within four differing Anglican provinces, Wells is well-placed to offer some useful insights ... [He] has made a commendable and robust contribution to current Anglican theology and ecclesiology.' -- Revd Dr Maurice ElliottNew Directions' Book of the Month - 'This is a good book. Wells writes well, demanding a high level of engagement from his readers ... Answering the question "what do Anglicans believe?" is an almost impossible task, since the answer is either too simple or too complicated. "What Anglicans Believe" comes as close as any new book could do to answering the question in a balanced and interesting way.' -- Ian McCormack

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Book SynopsisAn essential handbook for churchwardens, PCC's and all with responsibility during this crucial time in the life of a church. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on preparing for an interregnum, arranging for continuing worship and pastoral care, keeping church administration going, meeting legal responsibilities, finding a new priest and laying a good foundation for future ministry between priest and people.

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Book SynopsisThis guide to the Christian faith is ideal for those preparing for confirmation. Arranged in three parts: "Becoming a Christian", "Belonging to God" and "Belonging to the Church", it is appropriate for personal reading and as a basis for a confirmation course. In uncomplicated language it takes the reader from the first step of making a choice for God and lays a solid foundation of teaching that will hold good for the whole of life.

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Book SynopsisThis 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.Trade Review"The essays are scholarly and at the same time readable and accessible. (...) Peter Lake gives a masterly account of the significance of Richard Hooker. Gerald Noel examines ARCIC and other aspects of ecumenical developments in recent decades. Those who wish to deepen their awareness of the development of Anglicanism in the context of Western Christendom, particularly in relation to Roman Catholic Church, willl gain much from this book." -- Gordon Geddes * THE READER, winter 2004 *"This book is worth much study and prayer. It should find a placed on the shelves of all those caught up in the history of Anglicanism." -- Peter Atkins * Reviews in Religion and Theology, Vol 11 issue 4, September 2004. *"In helping to create a sense of common ownership of history, the book gives a strong foundation for future co-operation." * Publishing News *

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Book SynopsisA down-to-earth book which explains the essential Anglican approach to worship, the scriptures, spirituality, doctrine, rityeaosial and moral questions, dialogue with people of other faiths and much more.

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Book SynopsisEvery priest serves as a deacon for a year - this guide aims to enrich that experience. It focuses on the theory and practice of one of the three biblical orders of ministry.Trade Review'...the book is to be recommended for the way it teases out the diaconal base for priestly (presbyteral) and episcopal ministries.' -- The Revd Dr Sister Teresa Joan White * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisThe Oxford Movement sprang into life in the 1830s in reaction to the liberalisation of theology and in response to new freedoms for Catholics in society. It was an opportunity for Anglicans who regarded themselves as loyal to Rome, despite the interruption of the Reformation, to promote Catholic theology in the Church of England. A high doctrine of the Church and the sacraments, ritualistic worship and the revival of religious life - plus remarkable social work in slum areas - all characterise what we now call Anglo-Catholicism, still alive and well and accounting for a third of the C of E today. Here the writings of the leading lights of the Oxford Movement are introduced with a useful commentary and explanation.Trade Review"This collection by Professor Raymond Chapman is drawn heavily, and properly, from the Tracts and brings them in selected extracts before a new audience as they are not easily obtainable nowadays beyond the confines of academic libraries. It is the latest contribution to a series by the estimable Canterbury 'Studies in Spiritual Theology'. (...) It is an admirable enterprise. The books are short and accessible. Professor Chapman provides a clear introduction and leads succinctly into each extract and provides an excellent assessment of the Oxford Movement, its heirs and successors." -- Edward Benson, New Directions, December 2006.

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Book SynopsisFrank Dennison Maurice (1805-72) was arguably the most significant Anglican thinker of the modern age, with an immense influence on contemporary Anglican identity and understanding. Through a series of bruising encounters with his contemporaries, he pioneered a creative response to the critical challenges of modernity. Paying equal attention to contemporary criticism and orthodox Christian belief, he anticipated trends in later theology and set a pattern for reflection and negotiation that is familiar in Anglicanism today. In his work on the church's social witness, he founded Christian Socialism; in his writing on the doctrine of the church, he set out principles that remain central to Anglicanism today; he advocated a representative rather than a hierarchical theology of the ministry; and he established the formula of 'Scripture, creeds, sacrament and episopacy' which has guided Anglican approaches to inter-church relations for a century. This reader draws on sermons, pamphlets as well as his classic texts. An introductory essay explores the man and his remarkable legacy.Trade Review'Morris has organised a great variety of texts in a way that will interest many readers to learn more about Maurice. Morris's reader provides an interesting collection of texts that will help the reader to appreciate the main issue of Maurice's theology and the vibrant commitment of his faith'. -- The Living Church, October 2008

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Book SynopsisIn 2003, a story shook the Anglican world in general and Anglican monastic life in particular. On August 8th, seven members of The Melanesian Brotherhood, an Anglican order of Christian brothers living a simple and prayerful life and known for their peace work throughout the South Pacific and beyond, were brutally murdered as a result of ethnic conflict in the Solomon Islands. They had been taken hostage five months earlier. The Melanesian Brotherhood is the largest Anglican religious community in the world with over 300 brothers and more than 300 novices and has received a United Nations award for its peace work. From 1990-2005, Richard Carter, a British priest, was tutor, chaplain to the Melanesian Brotherhood, eventually becoming a brother himself. This extraordinary, powerful and moving book is based on his diaries from that agonizing time for the Community. It tells the harrowing story of the loss of seven good, young and holy lives and the aftermath of those deaths. It tells the story of individuals and a community trying to make sense of faith in the face of fierce conflict and tragedy. It recounts the challenge of living out the Christian faith when confronted by great fear and loss. It is thus a story for everyman. Rowan Williams writes a preface.Trade Review'This is a brave and intimate account of war, tragedy and redemption in the South Pacific. With In Search of the Lost, Richard Carter bears witness to a nation's descent into chaos and violence, but he also charts its salvation through the sacrifices of a heroic community of Christian monks. Carter documents the colliding violence and beauty of his island world with disarming honesty and grace. Infused with prayer and rich with detail, this occasionally devastating story is a testament to the power of faith to lead individuals and nations back to the light.' -- Charles Montgomery'This wonderful book brings to life the vision of the Melanesian Brotherhood, the struggle to make sense of the sacrifice and trauma of these last years, trauma for the Brothers and for the whole community of the Solomons, the overflowing joy of their witness and their freedom to communicate across cultures with confidence and vigour.' -- Rowan Williams'Richard Carter's account of the martyrdom of the seven members of the Melanesian Brotherhood is deeply moving. His account of how the brothers lived through and beyond this tragedy is profoundly honest, never flinching in his description of the pain and the moments of uncertainty. It is the story of the triumph of hope over despair and of God's creative grace over destruction. This creativity is evident in the marvellous way in which the parables of Jesus come alive, re-enacted by the Brothers as part of their preaching. We are also carried through the darkness and beyond by poetry and song. This book will make you weep and laugh, and strengthen your faith.' -- Timothy Radcliffe OP'This moving and powerful account documents the challenge of how to make sense of and live out the Christian faith when there is conflict, fear, trauma and tragic loss and sacrifice - a journey which in some form every Christian has to make.' * Fairacres Chronicle *'A riveting true-life tale of inter-ethnic violence and of the Christian peacemakers who intervened and paid the ultimate price ... At every stage of the Revd Carter's narrative - whether of internal tensions, external threats, tragedy and trauma, through to a resurrection of faith and strengthened mission - it is evident that the Brotherhood's journey is a walk with Christ.' -- Paul Winter

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Book SynopsisWidely regarded as one of the most amusing ecclesiastical memoirs of the 20th century, Colin Stephenson's autobiography is an Anglo-Catholic classic, embodying a great love for people and a relish for their eccentricities and foibles. The heady peaks of Tractarian glories between the wars decidedly shaped Colin Stephenson's preferences. Young and impressionable, he revelled in the rich ceremonial of continental Catholicism in all its triumphal self-assurance. As an inexperienced naval chaplain in the Second World War, he set about installing baroque altars on warships, despite the 'violent firmness' with which certain admirals and captains reacted. Such encounters delighted him and many episodes are stories told against himself. After the war, and despite serious injury, he returned to Oxford and created the 'highest church in the city', before succeeding Alfred Hope Patten as Guardian of the Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham, where he found plenty to satisfy his appetite for the oddities of high Anglicanism. 'It may be a trivial record', he writes, 'but I hope it is illuminated by love and I think I have made myself as ridiculous as anyone.'

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Book SynopsisAlfred Hope Patten was a larger than life figure, terrifying to some, but determined to realise his vision of restoring the medieval shrine in the Norfolk countryside that had been closed at the Reformation. Colin Stephenson's account of his ambitious enterprise, his successes and failures (including a failed attempt to establish religious communities of men and women at Walsingham), his penchant for flamboyant clerical dress, his love of the Roman Church but his dislike of Roman Catholics, does not claim to be the last word in historical scholarship, but is a warm, engaging and entertaining account of one the highest achievements of Anglo-Catholicism in the last century and of one of its most colourful and controversial personalities.

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