A New History of the Church in Wales
Governance and Ministry, Theology and Society

Marks the centenary of the Church in Wales and critically assesses landmarks in its evolution.

Norman Doe (Edited by)

9781108499576, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 March 2020

390 pages, 16 colour illus.
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.6 cm, 0.7 kg

'This is a lively collection of essays … more importantly fresh approaches to the role and mission of the Church in the undoubtedly challenging decades that lie ahead.' David Ceri Jones, Journal of Church and State

This book marks the centenary of the Church in Wales, following its disestablishment in 1920. Part I provides a historical overview: from the Age of the Saints to Victorian times; the disestablishment campaign; Christianity in Wales since 1920; and broad issues faced over the century. Part II explores the constitution, bishops and archbishops, clergy, and laity. Part III examines doctrine, liturgy, rites of passage, and relations with other faith communities. Part IV deals with the church and culture, education, the Welsh language, and social responsibility. Part V discusses the changing images of the Church and its future. Around themes of continuity and change, the book questions assumptions about the Church, including its distinctive theology and Welshness, ecumenical commitment, approach to innovation, and response to challenges posed by the State and wider world in an increasingly pluralist and secularised Welsh society over the century.

Foreword Bishop Andrew John and Bishop June Osborne
Preface
Introduction Norman Doe
Part I. Historical Antecedents and Overview of the Century: 1. The age of saints to the Victorian church Roger Brown
2. The road to disestablishment Jeffrey Gainer
3. A century of Christianity in Wales D. Densil Morgan
4. The church in Wales across the century William Price
Part II. Governance and Ministry: 5. The constitution of the church Norman Doe
6. The bishops and archbishops Arthur Edwards
7. The clergy: priests and deacons Barry Morgan
8. The laity and patterns of ministry Rhiannon Johnson
Part III. Doctrine, Liturgy, Rites and Other Faith Communities: 9. The doctrine of the church Peter Sedgwick
10. The liturgy of the church Gregory K. Cameron
11. The rites of passage Charlotte Wright
12. The church and other communities of faith Ainsley Griffiths
Part IV. The Church and Society: 13. Welsh Anglicans and cultural debate Rowan Williams
14. The church and education Rosalind Williams
15. The church and the Welsh language Enid R. Morgan
16. The church, state and society Joanna Penberthy
Part V. Conclusions: 17. The image of the church Mary Stallard
18. The church of the future John Davies
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Theology [HRLB], Church history [HRCC2], History of religion [HRAX], Comparative religion [HRAC]