Grasping the Heel of Heaven: Liturgy, leadership and ministry in today?s church

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
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.