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 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 Churchs 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 Revd Esther Prior This book's four themes of Faith, History, Place, and Transcendence beautifully express the enduring significance of the Church of England in our national life. -- Esther Prior 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 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 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. -- Rick Simpson 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 books eighteen contributors offer contrasting perspectives highlighting the moral compass the gospel can offer in national debates especially when the Church of Englands privileged position serves the common good on behalf of all its partner Churches. -- The Most Reverend Bernard Longley 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 nations 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 Revd Dr Michael Volland
