Seeking to dynamically alter the way that theologians, ecclesiologists, students of religion and ministers look at the relationship between church and society, this book takes religion, politics and society as basic categories and explores how oft-overlooked issues are in fact highly significant for the shaping of theological and ecclesiological horizons. The Ecclesial Canopy is not, however, simply about reading meanings into religion, politics and society. Rather, it sets out to faithfully interpret much of the material that surrounds us, yet is often taken for granted or unnoticed. Paying close and patient attention to beliefs, language, artefacts, rituals, practices and other material - all of which are constitutive for ecclesial life and theological identity - this book offers an invitation of engagement to the scholar or minister. The Ecclesial Canopy makes a significant and important contribution to the field of pastoral and practical theology. Building on the concepts of implicit and invisible religion, Martyn Percy offers a fresh and original interpretative 'take' on contemporary society, appealing to clergy, laity, scholars and all those working in the field of theory and reflective practice in practical and pastoral theology.

Introduction; Part I Faith and Futures; Chapter 1 Fission: Faith in the Market Place; Chapter 2 Shopping for God: Consumer Religion; Chapter 3 Formation and Embodiment: Sketches on Sacred Space; Part II Hope and Transformations; Chapter 4 Liberating Captives: Theology and Social Christianity; Chapter 5 Falling Far Short: Taking Sin Seriously; Chapter 6 Living with Pluralism: Public Faith and Human Rights; Part III Charity and Church; Chapter 7 Context and Catholicity: An Anglican-American Dilemma?; Chapter 8 An Incorporate Body: Church and Culture; Chapter 9 Communion: Faith, Hope and Charity; concl ConclusionFaith in the Canopy: A Forward-Looking Critical Retrospect; coda Coda Faith in the Free-market: A Cautionary Tale for Anglican Adults;