A Voice in the Wilderness Why should we listen to the Church of England?
A Voice in the Wilderness: Why should we Listen to the Church of England
The support of a TORCH Knowledge Exchange grant enabled one of our longest standing supporters and collaborators Professor Josh Hordern to produce this exceptional new book
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Background
The Church of England’s status as the only established church in the Anglican Communion often sparks heated debates, with critics calling it an outdated relic in need of reform. Yet, beneath the surface of public discourse lies a broader and more nuanced conversation – one that this book brings to light. A Voice in the Wilderness gathers an eclectic mix of voices – politicians, historians, journalists, theologians and experienced clergy – to explore the enduring value of the Church of England’s public role. Far from a one-sided defence of establishment, this collection captures the diverse reasons people from various walks of life cherish the Church’s unique place in society. Highlighting perspectives from unexpected quarters, the book challenges common assumptions and invites readers to reconsider what it means for a church to be ‘established’ in a modern, pluralistic society. Both a contribution to the ongoing debate and a reflection of the varied opinions surrounding the Church, A Voice in the Wilderness is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, culture and public life.
Authors
Contributors include Tom Holland (historian and host of The Rest is History), Jill Duff (Bishop of Lancaster), Daniel Greenberg (Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards) and Dominic Grieve (former attorney general and MP).
Reviews
This book is essential reading. Should the established church retain its unique, privileged role in the life of the country? With a new King, new church leadership, talk of a ‘quiet revival’ in religious belief and church attendance, and attempts by ethno-nationalist forces to appropriate religion, it is time to rethink the relationship between faith and the public realm. This diverse, thoughtful and timely collection will be a vital resource for all of those interested in exploring many of the most challenging issues facing our society and democracy over the coming years.
Jon Cruddas, Senior Fellow, McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics and Public Life, University of Oxford
In the context of our Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogues at national and international levels, A Voice in the Wilderness will prove a valuable tool for reflecting on the unique role the Church of England currently plays in public affairs as well as in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The book’s eighteen contributors offer contrasting perspectives highlighting the moral compass the gospel can offer in national debates – especially when the Church of England’s privileged position serves the common good on behalf of all its partner Churches.
The Rt Rev'd Dr Bernard Longley, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham
A Voice in the Wilderness is an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the basis upon which the Church of England continues to be called to speak into and engage with the nation’s life. Readers will be better equipped to contribute to the vocation of the Church of England to bear faithful and fruitful witness to the lordship of Jesus Christ and his coming kingdom in our rapidly changing cultural context.
The Rt Rev’d Dr Michael Volland, Bishop of Birmingham
This timely and stimulating book reminds us of the central place of the Church of England in our national life. From the coronation oath to the parish system, high and low, spiritually and socially, the Church has held us together for a thousand years and can do so again. These essays, not all in agreement, represent a broad range of voices. Amongst them, we hear the authentic voice of a learned and compassionate Anglicanism, proving the vitality and significance of the Church to the struggles and the hopes of this age.
Danny Kruger MP
The four themes of Faith, History, Place, and Transcendence beautifully express the enduring significance of the Church of England in our national life. Of these, the theme of Place is, for me, especially compelling. The simple yet profound reality that every square inch of England lies within a parish means that each person is held within a framework of spiritual care, entrusted to a parish priest and their diocesan bishop. This rootedness speaks of the Church’s deep commitment to community and belonging, offering a sense of home, attentive care, and faithful presence. It also creates a unique opportunity to commend Jesus to all, sharing his message of love, hope, redemption, grace, justice, and compassion, irrespective of faith or background. In this way, the Church can serve as a moral anchor, nurturing compassion, fostering unity, and affirming our shared humanity within an increasingly diverse and fragmented society. This book is a valuable conversation partner for anyone seeking to live out that calling well.
The Rt Rev'd Esther Prior, Bishop of Aston
In our generation the Church of England – locally and nationally – needs to find confidence to speak about matters of truth, goodness, faith and human flourishing with a voice at once both humbler and bolder, rooted deeply in the Christian story and relevant to the whole of society. This is a timely, thoughtful and helpful book helping us to consider how we may best do this, and why it is legitimate and important to do so.
The Rt Rev'd Rick Simpson, Bishop of Durham
More about the work of Revd Professor Joshua Hordern
Professor of Christian Ethics, Faculty of Theology and Religion
Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford
Joshua Hordern and Graham Tomlin (editors) A Voice in the Wilderness: Why should we listen to the Church of England?
Projects and Centres
The Oxford Collaboration on Theology and Artificial Intelligence
Oxford Healthcare Values Partnership
Author of Compassion in Healthcare: Pilgrimage, Practice and Civic Life (OUP, 2020)
Author of Political Affections: Civic Participation and Moral Theology (OUP, 2013)
