The outstanding British religious leader of this century (1881-1944) became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1942. His career as the last great defender of the welfare-oriented Church of England is all the more significant at a time when the British Welfare State's survival is in jeopardy.

This book evaluates William Temple’s theology and his pursuit of church unity. It exposes a number of paradoxes and conflicts that have generally gone under-appreciated in assessments of Temple. William Temple was one of the most outstanding leaders of the early ecumenical movement. In many ways his ecumenical efforts provided a paradigm others have looked to and followed. Through detailed analysis of primary sources, this study sheds light on several behind-the-scenes conflicts Temple experienced as he worked toward church unity. Edward Loane explores the foundation of Temple’s work by analyzing the philosophy and theology that underpinned and fueled it. The book also exposes the tensions between Temple’s denominational allegiance and his ecumenical convictions—a tension that, in some ways, undermined his work for reunion. This book reveals issues that contemporary Christians need to grapple with as they seek to further church unity.

This volume, commissioned by a group of Bishops in hard-hit dioceses, looks to develop strong theological foundations for local social action initiatives by churches, especially for activists who are not familiar with the Church of England’s tradition of social theology, developed by William Temple and others a century ago.

Here, theologians explore religion, economics, and culture in our increasingly globalized world. The book covers conflicts inherent in conversation, embodied conflicts and conversations, and expanding boundaries of conversation.