Since early modern times, following the Reformation, Christianity has been a key part of national identity, being passed on largely, though not exclusively, through the worship, teaching and pastoral ministry of the Church of England. This book seeks to reclaim what is unique about the Church of England - a church which claims to be 'part of' the one, holy Catholic Church - and its role in our national life, and how a deeper understanding of Christian faith can still be passed on through it to the English people. As part of this, Angela argues that the Church of England has been taken over by American evangelicalism, and that returning to its roots as a parish church in every community will bring hope back to the people of England in these fractured times. To give you a flavour of Angela’s argument, she talks about her sense of sadness of the ‘decline of a Church which has brought comfort and courage to so many’ and at the recent policy of ‘top-down managerialism’ rather than addressing the roots of these problems in the ‘godless devaluing of human priesthood, community and responsibility.’ She writes that the Church of England of our time ‘seems increasingly fragile’ and that it has tried to make itself relevant by over-identifying with progressive issues – she believes it needs to be ‘more wary, more considerate and more inclusive when it debates these issues’ and that ‘we must live with differences as a gift and not a curse.’ Interestingly, she also writes, ‘there is a panicked conviction that unless the Church is doing something different, it will die. It might, of course. But Christianity should be able to cope with that.’ She notes that ‘at least some of the disarray and confusion within the Church of England in the 21st century comes from what I have come to see as an evangelical ‘takeover’ and, with it, an introduction of some of the sectarian tendencies that can accompany evangelical faith.’ While being realistic about the serious issue of abuse within the Church and its role in slavery, oppression and racial injustice – ‘it has often failed to live up to the standards it proclaims’ – she concludes, ‘we need the Church of England more than we ever did. It is the church of the nation, the guardian of our historical faith and the moral fabric on which our laws, habits and customs are based.’ But, she writes, ‘to be a blessing, we must first get our own house in order’, and then prioritise the needs of the poor, linking with other faith communities, caring for our heritage, returning to common liturgical prayer, making sure our leaders are teachers not managers, and making our churches a safe place for all. ‘Place and nation, parish and community are the bedrock. Low key, enduring, faithful.’ About the author:Angela worked as a producer within the BBC’s Religious Department for many years before training for ordination in the Church of England. She was a parish priest in the Diocese of Ely and worked at Westcott House in Cambridge and as a lecturer with the Cambridge Theological Federation. She was also Canon of Christ Church Cathedral Oxford. Now retired, she is Canon Emeritus of Christ Church Cathedral and a chaplain and honorary canon at Portsmouth Cathedral. She contributes regularly to Radio 4’s Thought for the Day, writes a weekly column for the Church Times, and is very active on X.
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