The Fate of Communion : The Agony of Anglicanism and the Future of a Global Church

Current debates over a host of issues, particularly those relating to homosexuality, have left the 70-million-member Anglican Communion straining to understand what it means to be a communion -- and even wondering whether life as a communion is possible.

In this timely book two priest-scholars, Ephraim Radner and Philip Turner, examine the future of the concept of "communion" as a viable church structure, tracing its historical development as a self-conscious Anglican third way between Protestant congregationalism and Catholic centralism. In examining this essential issue, Radner and Turner relate the specific challenges of the U.S. Episcopal Church to the unity of the worldwide communion, touching on such divisive subjects as the place of Scripture, liberal theology, and episcopal authority. Their discussion is at once measured and impassioned, erudite and practical.

Compelling reading for Episcopalians and those in other traditions who are searching for a truly Christian approach to these thorny topics, The Fate of Communion is a forthright, direct examination of a church in turmoil.

Ephraim Radner is an Episcopal priest and rector of Church of the Ascension, Pueblo, Colorado. He is the author of several books, including Hope among the Fragments and The End of the Church (Eerdmans).

Philip Turner is interim dean of The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, Austin, Texas. His long career includes teaching posts in Uganda, at Yale Divinity School, and at The General Theological Seminary, New York City.