2020 Winter

When we decided over a year ago to look at the Book of Revelation and other apocalyptic biblical texts in Transforming ministry, we had no idea that this issue would come out towards the end of this strangest of years, when we have been learning to live with lockdown and the fear of disease. The contributors to this magazine though are not telling us that the end is nigh – rather they are looking at these troubling texts with balanced, scholarly eyes. We are given practical advice on how to preach on apocalyptic scripture as well as reassurance that while humans have always faced struggle, fear and difficulty, God is both faithful and eternal. I am delighted that we have contributions from eminent theologians Ian Paul, Margaret Barker and Steve Moyise, as well as cultural historian Natasha O’Hear and our own Dr Peter Clough. I hope you will find their articles, and the related Postscript by Andrew Walker, both helpful and challenging.

Other articles include a comparison of the roles of Readers in the Western and Eastern Churches by Francis Young, advice on engaging with younger people by Stephen Laird, two responses to the Black Lives Matter movement (from Sian Nicholas and Funmi Makanju), an article about the influence of the Emperor Constantine on the development of the early Church by Nick Partridge, a celebration of the use of creativity in spiritual practice by April McIntyre and a discussion about the role of silence in our churches. Our popular book feature includes an extract from The Way Under Our Feet and an interview with the author, Bishop Graham Usher. If lockdown has given you more time for reading, I hope you find plenty to enjoy.

Our first issue in 2021 will focus on Caring for Creation, looking at the theological background as well as offering practical advice. This will be followed by issues themed on ‘Creativity and worship’ (copy needed mid-January), ‘Preaching on Wisdom literature’ (copy needed mid-April) and ‘Sunday to Saturday Faith’, for which I will need your articles by the end of July. Do let me know if there are other topics you would like to address as well.

With best wishes

Richenda