The Once and Future Parish

by Alison Milbank

Few other books have caused as much stir in the Church of England in recent decades as has For the Parish . Twelve years on from its publication, in the wake of the Covid pandemic and the ‘Save the Parish’ movement much has changed, but much has stayed the same. In this follow up to this influential and controversial book, new and already familiar themes are newly inflected in the debates of the present principally minster hubs, the ‘Emerging Church’ programme and the Strategic Development Fund. Alison Milbank challenges the ecclesiology, models of theological anthropology and the analysis of secularism that are present (explicitly or implicitly) in these movements, and offer a striking and encouraging vision of what the parish model could offer to our anxious world.

144 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2023

Reviews

[Christopher Trend · Rating 5 out of 5]

A challenging and sobering book discussing the current strategies in the Church of England & the dangers of moving away from parish based ministry. Using a range of theology & English church history the book lays out the importance of the parish in community life and how the church is at its historic centre.

Although challenging in parts (and I hope the CofE hierarchy also feel challenged) it offers a positive insight at the end.

[Dr Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and powerful defence of the parish. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the current state of the Church of England and its future.