The Ecclesial Canopy

'In this third book of his trilogy on ecclesiology Martyn Percy unfolds a vision for the church. Percy's well known gifts as theologian and writer shine through the lively and insightful theological sketches in this volume. The author speaks of a living, breathing church with remarkable capacities for renewing social life. The result is an imaginative, attractive and engaging spirituality of the church in contemporary culture. Faith, hope and charity emerge as key marks of an ecclesial canopy. The book is an engaging, wise and stimulating commentary on the persistence of religion in western society.' The Rt. Rev'd Dr Stephen Pickard, Director Oxford Centre for Ecclesiology and Practical Theology, Ripon Theological College Cuddesdon, Oxford 'The ebb-tide of secularization has left many stranded with a sense of something, including some visible church practices and presences, missing. Canon Martyn Percy sets forth an original, pastorally-inflected theological reflection inspired by Daniel Wayne Hardy and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Percy surveys the utilities, benefits, and socially constitutive meanings of Christianity in light of social science yet within a larger focus on God above all things and accessible in all things. Christians in all traditions will appreciate an Anglican cultural analysis not cast in iron-clad categories of culture war polemics. In proposing "ecclesial spirituality" and "ecclesial intelligence", Percy steers readers away from the conventional ease of "spirituality without religion" and "believing without belonging" and in line with the Incarnation he underlines the importance of concreteness not only in the humanity of Jesus but in visible presences of Jesus' very human churches. Percy spices clear, readable theology with wry humour even when dealing with the plague of consumerism, with sin and society, with the challenge of public truth in pluralist societies, and with hope for ecclesial praxis animated by charity.' Rev. D. Thomas Hughson, Associate Professor Emeritus of Theology, Marquette University, USA 'Reading Martyn Percy is a complete delight. Insight after insight, delivered with humor and panache, fill the pages. This third volume in his trilogy is set to change the ways in which we think about ecclesiology, culture, and faith. This is Percy at his best.' The Very Rev. Ian Markham, Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary, USA '[Percy] has some interesting points to make about the contribution the Christian concept of sin can make to public debate.' The Church of England Newspaper 'This engaging and stimulating book is the third in a trilogy, addressing Church, faith, and society... This book is full of wise and encouraging words, but it is not bland. One of its many virtues is its rigorous engagement with sin and death, with suffering and self-delusion.' Church Times 'Percy's perspective is clearly influenced by the Anglican tradition and the UK context, yet his vision on the meaning of church, faith, and religion transcends this framework. His insightful ideas of consumerism, sin, human rights, pluralism, and sacred space make this book a worthwhile and inspiring contribution for scholars, ministers, and everyone interested in a vision of the ongoing interaction between secular and sacred reality... Percy identifies crucial themes for ecclesial embodiment in (post)modern societies making The Ecclesial Canopy a valuable contribution to the field of practical and pastoral theology.' Religious Studies Review 'A worthwhile read, at times passionate and always illuminating, Percy may have saved the best of his ecclesiological essays for last.' Regent's Reviews 'Always readable, often wise and sometimes provocative, The Ecclesial Canopy makes a valuable contribution to anyone (though particularly Anglicans) wondering today what the Church is for.' Stephen J. Plant in Theology 'Percy is an engaging and stimulating conversation partner who, like Augustine, thinks in questions. He quotes others extensively and almost always to good effect. In the main, I found his arguments and principles persuasive and often compelling.' Reviews in Religion & Theology