Edgewise?: Experiences of some Anglican lay women

Nine lay women in the Church of England have written about their experiences being lay in the contemporary church and world, offering a fascinating snapshot of diverse lives and experiences. The book provides valuable material for reflection by the Church of England and beyond.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 160 pages
\n Publication date: 30 June 2021
\n Publisher: Darton,Longman & Todd Ltd
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Thirty years have passed since the Church of England decided to ordain women to the priesthood, and nine lay women have shared their perspectives on what it means to be committed to being a lay in the contemporary church and world. These writers have been part of an Anglican lay women's group for over twenty years, meeting, sharing, and reflecting together. Edgewise? collects their individual perspectives on being a lay woman in the church since the opportunity for ordination became a reality, with some threads and themes in common and others unique. The result is a fascinating, thoughtful snapshot of several lives and diverse experiences that presents rich material for reflection by all in the twenty-first-century Church of England and beyond.

Introduction:
Thirty years ago, the Church of England took a significant step by allowing the ordination of women to the priesthood. This decision marked a transformative moment in the Anglican Church and opened up new opportunities for women to serve in leadership roles within the church. Since then, the role of lay women has continued to evolve and expand, and their contributions to the church have been invaluable.

Lay Women's Perspectives:
In Edgewise?, nine lay women from the Church of England have shared their thoughts and experiences on what it means to be a lay woman in the contemporary church and world. These women have been part of an Anglican lay women's group for over twenty years, meeting, sharing, and reflecting together. Through their individual perspectives, the book offers a glimpse into the diverse lives and experiences of lay women within the church.

Common Threads:
Despite the diversity of their backgrounds and experiences, the writers of Edgewise? share some common threads and themes. One of the most prominent themes is the importance of community and connection. The women emphasize the value of being part of a supportive and nurturing community, where they can share their struggles, celebrate their joys, and support each other in their faith journeys.

Unique Experiences:
However, the women also share unique experiences that reflect their diverse backgrounds and roles within the church. Some of the women have served in leadership positions, while others have been involved in outreach and ministry work. Some have faced challenges and obstacles along the way, while others have found great fulfillment and joy in their lay roles.

Reflection and Implications:
Edgewise? provides a rich source of material for reflection by all in the twenty-first-century Church of England and beyond. The book offers insights into the experiences of lay women and challenges the traditional stereotypes and assumptions about their roles within the church. It encourages readers to think critically about the role of lay women in the church and to recognize their valuable contributions to the broader community.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Edgewise? is a valuable contribution to the literature on the role of lay women in the church. The perspectives shared by the nine lay women in the book offer a glimpse into the diverse lives and experiences of lay women within the Church of England. The book encourages readers to think critically about the role of lay women in the church and to recognize their valuable contributions to the broader community.

\n Weight: 206g\n
Dimension: 135 x 216 x 14 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781913657260\n \n