Overview
"The Anglican parish is uniquely embedded in English culture and society, by virtue both of its antiquity and close allegiance with secular governance. Yet it remains an elusive and surprisingly overlooked theme, whose ‘place’, theologically, is far from certain. Whilst ecclesiastical history has long formed a pillar of academic training for ordained ministry, ecclesiastical geography has not contributing to the often uninformed assumptions about locality in contemporary church debate and mission strategy. At a time when its relevance and sustainability are being weighed in the balance and with plans progressing for the Church in Wales’ abandonment of parochial organisation, there is an urgent need for a clear analysis of the parish’s historical, geographical and sociological – as well as theological significance. ""Parish"" examines the distinctive form of social and communal life created by the Anglican parish: applying and advancing, the emerging discipline of place theology by filling a conspicuous gap in contemporary scholarship. Andrew Rumsey will help in forming a vision for the future of the English parish system, contribute towards the Church’s strategy for parochial ministry and also inform the broader national conversation about ‘localism’ and cultural identity."
Full Product Details
Author: Andrew Rumsey
Publisher: SCM Press
Imprint: SCM Press
ISBN: 9780334054849
ISBN 10: 0334054842
Pages: 288
Publication Date: 30 June 2017
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
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Reviews
This wonderful study of the parish is unrivalled as a scholarly study of the parish, charting brilliantly the determinative role that that it has played in English history. As well as being an invaluable work of social and ecclesiological history, it demonstrates masterfully and imaginatively how crucial place is to any adequate understanding of Christian theology. It deserves to be very widely read not only by all who are committed about the Church of England and the gospel it seeks to proclaim, but also by all who care about the future of England. -- Rt Revd Dr John Inge
Author Information
Reverend Dr Andrew Rumsey is Rector of the Oxted Team Ministry in Southwark Diocese. His previous books include the 2010 Mowbray Lent Book Strangely Warmed (Continuum), which was reprinted three times in its first year of publication and commended by, among others, Tom Wright and Ian Hislop – the latter endorsing it as ‘witty, erudite, eloquent and thoughtful’.
