Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This collection of essays from leading figures in the Church of England explores how its theology, polity and practice have evolved during the past forty years. Focusing on the three areas of liturgy, governance and inclusive ministry, it reflects on the theological journeys the church has undertaken to arrive at its present understanding. It aims to enable readers to engage theologically with these issues and offer a significant contribution to thinking in these areas for the future and the challenges it holds. Chapters include:
Paul Bradshaw on doing liturgical theology
Tom Clalmer on bringing words to life in worship
William Fittall on taking national decisions
Mark Chapman on the theology of rule by synod
Paula Gooder on women and the episcopate
Nicholas Holtam on making the church more inclusive
The volume is dedicated to Bishop Michael Perham in thanksgiving for his ministry, and reflects some of Michael's greatest priorities. The Archbishop of Canterbury provides a foreword and the first female diocesan bishop and Michael's successor at Gloucester, an afterword.
Synopsis
Grasping the Heel of Heaven honours the immense legacy to the church of Michael Perham. A skilled and imaginative liturgist, a passionate advocate of women's ministry, an inspirational dean and bishop, a wise and patient administrator, he was above all a faithful priest who loved the Church as the body of Christ. In all his ministry he sought to nourish that body by encouraging its worship and prayer and shaping its governance in the light of gospel ideals.
In this volume, friends and colleagues bring their own expertise to reflect on some of the topics and themes that were most important to him, including:
- Being transported and transformed by liturgy
- The making of Common Worship
- The full inclusion of the ministry of women
- How structures and decision-making express an understanding of God
- Unity despite differences in and through God
- The gospel as good news for all
Together, the contributors reflect the numerous ways that Michael Perham saw heaven touching earth and earth glimpsing heaven.