Parish: An Anglican Theology of Place

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.


Author: Andrew Rumsey
Publisher: SCM Press
Published: 06/30/2017
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.62lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780334054849

About the Author
Rumsey, Andrew: - "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'."