1st Edition

Ambassadors of Christ Commemorating 150 Years of Theological Education in Cuddesdon 1854–2004

Edited By Mark D. Chapman Copyright 2004
    244 Pages
    by Routledge

    248 Pages
    by Routledge

    Ambassadors of Christ commemorates 150 years of theological education in Cuddesdon with a collection of substantial essays. It begins with a discussion by Mark Chapman of the revival of theology and education in the early years of the nineteenth century. This is followed by essays by Alastair Redfern on Samuel Wilberforce as a pastoral theologian and a revision by Andrew Atherstone of Owen Chadwick’s Centenary History in the light of more recent historical research, bringing the discussion up to the 1880s. For the first time, Ripon Hall, which merged with Cuddesdon in 1975, receives a thorough and detailed historical treatment by Michael Brierley. Mark Chapman then discusses the 1960s under Robert Runcie, and a final chapter by Robert Jeffery deals with the theological and churchmanship issues which emerged from the merger. Two marvellous sermons preached at College Festivals by Michael Ramsey and Owen Chadwick are also reproduced in appendices. This special commemorative volume will appeal to past and present students as well as specialists in nineteenth and twentieth-century church history and all those interested in ministerial education and spiritual formation.  

    Contents: Preface; Foreword, Most Revd Rowan Williams; Living the truth: Cuddesdon in the history of theological education, Mark D. Chapman; The founding of Cuddesdon: Liddon, ritualism and the forces of reaction, Andrew Atherstone; Wilberforce and pastoral theology, Alastair Redfern; Controversy renewed: partisan polemic and the great ritualist 'conspiracy', Andrew Atherstone; Ripon Hall, Henry Major and the shaping of English liberal theology, Michael W. Brierley; The triumph of wit: the Runcie years, Mark D. Chapman; An uneasy alliance: from the merger to the present day, Robert Jeffery; Appendices; Index.

    Biography

    Mark D. Chapman is Vice Principal at Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford, UK.

    'In the discussions now going forward about restructuring ministerial education, a book like the present volume has a huge contribution to make, not just to the intellectual and institutional history of the Church of England but to that Church’s self-understanding. As we read this excellent memoir of a history both brave and complex, we can be grateful that the Church of England has been so wonderfully served; and we can strengthen our resolve to make sure that such a service is still available to the Church of the future'. The Most Revd Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury '...this collection commemorates the 150th anniversary of a singularly Anglican institution, now styled Ripon College, Cuddesdon... All the contributions are lucidly written, informative historical essays... to single out essays is invidious since they are all of a high standard.' Theology 'This is a book to be read and enjoyed, not just by alumni of the two colleges, and church historians, but by all concerned with training for the ministry in the Church of today.' Church Times '... a stimulating insight into church life in the early years of the nineteenth century as well as some of the figures and controversies that dominated the period.' Contact 'It makes most fascinating reading, touching in its pages a wide range of aspects of how clergy should be trained today.' Anvil