Lena Böttcher offers an overdue exploration of the early years of the deaconess community in Neuendettelsau from a gender perspective. Drawing on rich archival material, she focuses on the process of a distinctive collective identity. Central to this study is the assumption, drawn from the social sciences, that collective identity is a social construction which requires the participation of the whole group through identification and which is consolidated by developing specific rituals, symbols, codes and normative texts, which facilitate integration, and by constructing external boundaries, which separate from the world and the wider church. This approach highlights the fact that the women were not merely passive recipients but participated and contributed to the formation of a distinct Neuendettelsau deaconess culture. Thus, this study offers an explanation for the popularity such institutes enjoyed amongst single and widowed Protestant women in the latter half of the nineteenth century. In consequence, this study significantly widens the scope of historical research on the Institute which so far has tended to take into account solely the male perspective of the Rektoren.

"A Michael Glazier book." Includes bibliographical references and index.

This landmark volume from an influential group of Anglican theologians explores baptism as the foundation for living out all forms of Christian vocation – in confirmation, marriage, ordination, and religious life. It offers theological and pastoral perspectives on the centrality and significance of baptism for a Church that has perhaps lost a sense of the radical commitment that baptism calls for. It explores the meaning of vows today as promise, covenant, oath, Rule and explores the difference between religious and secular vows. It considers the nature of the vows under which all Christians live, and the particular vows such as marriage and ordination embraced by some. Together, these perceptive reflections offer a theological and pastoral resource for activating every Christian’s the sense of call and response whatever their mode of life.

Examines the promise of obedience in the rite of ordination, particularly the 1991 addition of a second promise for religious, deacons and priests to the bishop. The work connects the theological issues of the promise of obedience with their historical development in ordination rituals and religious vows.

ÒConceived and developed by two of Europe's most eminent missiologists, in the country where the scientific and sustained study of mission first took shape, [the 'Dictionary of Mission'] represents the finest of the chorus of voices that comprise contemporary missiology . . . The choice of topics and the authors to address them reflects what Christian mission has become: a genuinely worldwide and ecumenical phenomenon. That there would be entries on regional theological developments is indicative of how the world church is developing. A host of other topics here explored show too how the landscape of mission is changing. Taken as a whole, then, the 'Dictionary of Mission' is a road map through this exciting and challenging terrain. --from the Foreword

Operating instructions for being a Catholic. The Catechism is an amazing collection of Church teachings and rules that cover everything from the basics, like honoring God, to more unusual subjects, such as paying just wages and respecting animals. Perfect for students, lay teachers, Catholics, and readers of other faiths, this guide is the key to understanding the daily life of Catholics and gives readers an appreciation for what Catholics believe. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • Transformative insights into the Trinity and the nature and power of prayer. • An in-depth look at baptism, Eucharist, reconciliation, and the other sacraments. • Helpful hints on how to apply the Catechism to your daily life. • An insider’s perspective on the people, teachings, and rituals that have shaped the Catholic Church.