Product Description

This is a lively and informative guide to the Church of England, from its Romano-British origins to the central church structures of the twenty-first century. It defines doctrine and how to address a Dean, covers Canon Law and explores the implications of Establishment; looks at mission and maintenance, music and ministry. From the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Thirty-Nine Articles and from Royal Peculiars to inter-faith relations, this invaluable resource brings together in a single volume the diverse threads that make up the Church of England.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #85583 in Books
• Published on: 2008-06-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 249 pages

About the Author
Dr Martin Davie is Theological Secretary of the Council for Christian Unity of the Church of England and Theological Consultant to the House of Bishops. He has written or contributed to numerous books and articles in the fields of systematic theology, church history and ecclesiology and was the chief drafter for the two Church of England reports 'Some Issues in Human Sexuality' and 'Women bishops in the Church of England'.

Customer Reviews

Sects Appeal.
This guide has been commissioned by the Church of Englands Council for Christian Unity and was originaly inspired by a request by some of the CoE's ecumenical patners on the Continent for such a handbook. The aim of this volume is to provide a full and authoritive guide to the history, organization, and theological stance of the CoE.
The structure of the book will give you an idea of the books comprehesive nature:

CHAPTER 1:When Did the CoE Begin?
-An ancient church
-An English church
-A reformed church
-An established church
-A comprehensive church
-A church commited to mission and unity
CHAPTER 2:The Organization of the Church.
-Provinces and diceses
-Archdeaconries
-Parishes
-Cathedrals
-Peculiars
-Church schools,colleges and universities
Appendix: Relationship of the Church to its Educational Institutions.
ChAPTER 3:The Government of the CoE at the National Level.
-The conciliar system
-The Church assembly
-the General Synod
-the House of Bishops
-The National church institutions
-Central church commissions
-The church commissioners and the National pensions board
ChAPTER 4: The Government of the COE at the Diocesan,Deanery and Parochial Levels.
-The Diocese
-the Deanery
-The Parish
-Principles of church government
-How the church is funded
CHAPTER 5: The Establishment of the COE.
-The meaning of 'establishment'
-Key features of establishment
-Theology of establishment
-Objections to establishment
Appendix 1:The Queens Coronation Oath 1953.
Appendix 2:Appointments Process for Diocesan Bishops.
CHAPTER 6:The Churches Legal System.
-Why a system of church law is needed
-The sources of church law
-the system of courts and tribunals
CHAPTER 7:Doctrine of the COE.
-Doctrinal authorities
-What the CoE believes
Chapter 8: Ministry in the CoE.
-Not all ministers are vicars
-Ordained ministry
-Lay ministry
-The differences between the various ministries
-Religious communities
Appendix 1:Recognized institutions for ordination training.
Appendix 2:Statistics for ministries in the CoE.
CHAPTER 9: Worship.
-The Rules governing which serves can be used
-Book of Common Prayer
-The 1928 Prayer Book and the ASB
-Common Worship
-The requirements for the holding of worship
-Music
-Preaching
-Vestments
CHAPTER 10:Paths to unity.
-The history of the search for church unity
-The CoE's ecumenical principles
-The CoE's current ecumenical relationships
Appendix-A brief guide to canons B43 and B44.
CHAPTER 11: Interfaith Relationships.
-The CoE's Involvement in interfaith
-Theological reflection on the significance of other faiths
-Multi-faith worship and the use of church buildings
CHAPTER 12:The CoE and Mission.
-The nature of mission
-Mission in England
-Mission worldwide
-Partnership for world mission
-Diocesan companion links
INDEX.

As can be seen this is an exuastive guide to the Church of England that should prove useful to anyone who wishes to know practicaly anything about the nature of the Established church.
Martin Davie has done a thorough job, this handbook should prove to be THE authoratitive guide to the CoE for many years to come.

A really good read!
One might have expected a book that explains the internal workings of the Church of England to be pretty boring! This book isn't! It is an informative and comprehensive guide to many aspects of the C of E, and the author has done a brilliant job of making this book amazingly readable. It is well worth reading by old and new members alike, as well as the outsider who wants to be informed about what the denomination is like.

It is well worth considering as a confirmation present for someone who is joining the church.