Almost in equal parts optimistic and bitter, this book traces the decline of the Church of England from the pinnacle of unity represented by the publication of the 1980 Alternative Service Book, through the unsettling encounter with the charismatic movement, and the divisions over the ordination of women, to the unravelling of institutional unity precipitated by the making and subsequent pressured withdrawing of the episcopal appointment of Jeffrey John in 2003. There is some background history of the "wings" of the Church of England (evangelical, liberal, catholic), an outline of Anglican responses to homosexuality, and a sketch of the constant tension for clergy in a state institution constantly required to act as Rent-a-Church to a materialistic and unbelieving public.The author recounts his journey from evangelical to liberal/catholic, and his own frustration at having an appointment blocked at the eleventh hour (or slightly after it) because of anonymous challenges to his (long-term, faithful, unconcealed) partnership with a man.

The author sees some hope for the future of the Church of England, but only if it radically overhauls itself. Given his warts-and-all portrayal of the church as institution, I can't quite see how it can manage that.

MB 31-viii-2013 ( )

A thoughtful perspective from the liberal side of the CofE debate, although understandably partisan in places. Arguments sometimes suffer from omission and inconsistency (applauds Catholics despite their stance on homosexual issues? Biblical exegesis is inconsistent though this is partly due to brevity of format). Interesting commentary on CofE finances and the issue of quota. The overriding conclusion from this book is that the gulf between Liberals and Evangelicals is not one of intellect or compassion, it is one of preconception. ( )