By Simon Cuff Socialism is a dirty word. In politics on both sides of the Atlantic, socialism is perceived as an unhelpful label for a politician seeking election to public office. During election periods, the specter of socialism is invoked to suggest images of failed regimes, large queues of unemployed people, state surveillance, and an environment hostile to religion and … [Read more...] about Ethics: Christian Socialism
Essays & Reviews
An Intimate, Franciscan Crucifix
By Dennis Raverty At first glance, the Franciscan crucifix at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in New York City looks like a traditional Byzantine-style Eastern Orthodox icon. However, Francis of Assisi, beloved as he is among Western Christians, both Protestant and Roman Catholic alike, is not considered a saint by the Eastern Orthodox churches. So when icon writer Zachary … [Read more...] about An Intimate, Franciscan Crucifix
Liturgical Revision’s Unintended Consequences
By Lawrence N. Crumb Liturgical revision always begins with good intentions, but often ends with unintended results. When Archbishop Cranmer compiled the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549, he was concerned with a situation in which the laity attended Mass every Sunday but received Holy Communion only once a year. To correct the situation, he included a rubric: “So many as … [Read more...] about Liturgical Revision’s Unintended Consequences
Tiffany’s Triumph of Light
All photos (c) St. Michael's Episcopal Church | Hover cursor over image to pause rotation By Dennis Raverty In 1894, Louis Comfort Tiffany patented his new processes for the production of stained glass, and the following year the seven magnificent lancet windows over the high altar in Manhattan’s Episcopal Church of St. Michael were completed, a marvelous tour de force of … [Read more...] about Tiffany’s Triumph of Light
Trauma-Informed Ministry
By Sinclair C.P. Ender As the COVID pandemic’s end draws ever closer, the more it seems our cultural lens is shifting toward retrospection. We are beginning to think of ourselves as survivors. Lately I have heard it expressed that the pandemic, as a collective traumatic experience, demands that clergy reorient toward a trauma-informed ministry, one that responds to … [Read more...] about Trauma-Informed Ministry
Lessons from the Arch: Learning from Desmond Tutu
By Meredith Tilp In 1984 I was the Africa grants associate for Trinity Church Wall Street. The first time I met Archbishop Desmond Tutu was in the rector’s dining room at the parish office building. Having lived in the Transkei (now Eastern Cape Province of South Africa) in 1979 as a teacher, I was a little apprehensive, but confident, as I knew the Xhosa words to say. Tutu … [Read more...] about Lessons from the Arch: Learning from Desmond Tutu
Finitude and Hope in Bioethics
Bioethics: A Primer for Christians, 4th ed. By Gilbert Meilaender Eerdmans, pp. 172, $19.99 As an Amazon Associate, TLC earns from qualifying purchases. Review by Gerald McKenny Bioethics textbooks typically have three characteristics. They are written for health care professionals. They focus on abstract moral principles. And they make for dull reading. On all three … [Read more...] about Finitude and Hope in Bioethics
Anglicanism and the Natural Sciences
By Alister McGrath The news that a new Anglican Communion Science Commission is being established is to be welcomed, not least because it ensures that Anglicanism will be prepared to engage an increasingly confident scientific culture that often challenges traditional beliefs and attitudes. There is a need for Anglicans to be aware of both the scientific and theological … [Read more...] about Anglicanism and the Natural Sciences