Most Recent Booklets

The articles and booklets listed have been written by Reform members or are based on talks given at a Reform conference. The views expressed are not necessarily the 'Reform position' on a particular issue. Discussion papers are written by individual members for the council of Reform and the wider church. The author alone is responsible for the paper. All the papers may be copied freely.

  1. Why the Church of England?
     Three reasons for remaining committed to the Church of England.

  2. Interpreting the Bible
    Some principles and practical tips for understanding the Bible.

  3. Better Bishops Mark Burkill (2009)
    This booklet aims to distinguish key biblical principles for episcopacy from elements within its current practice which simply reflect past social and traditional forms in which bishops have exercised their ministry, in order to suggest ways in which the current practice can be effectively reformed. It looks at the biblical principles for congregational leadership that are found within the New Testament, and how the ministry of bishops developed in the history of the Christian church, and articulates a vision for the reform of the episcopate. With a bibliography and recommended reading list.

    Mini-Version. This is a compressed version of the longer paper and is designed to be used in church magazines or newsletters.

  4. Applying for posts in the Church of England Hugh Balfour (2008)
    This booklet offers guidance on understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, investigating whether a post could suit you, and the application and interview process (particularly for non-evangelical parishes). It will be of interest to all church members, not just the candidates, to raise their awareness about the issues surrounding appointments in the Church of England and help them support potential applicants.

  5. Back To The Future. Reforming The Church of England - Learning From The Past Jonathan Fletcher (2008)
    The eighteenth-century Church of England was in a worse state than it is today. Humanly speaking its reform is largely attributable to the efforts of 11 evangelical clergymen. Evangelicals today can learn from their example. They were successful because they held firm to their evangelical doctrines; they did not leave the Church of England; they kept the law but freely broke conventions for the sake of spreading the gospel; and they lived holy lives. This booklet recounts details from the lives of these men to illustrate these points, compares the situation today with their own, and ends with an appeal to greater unity amongst those sharing the work of contending for Christ in the Church of England.

    Mini-Version. This is a compressed version of the longer paper and is designed to be used in church magazines or newsletters.

  6. Fractured Foundations. The urgent need to recover our doctrine of the Trinity Angus MacLeay (2008)
    One overlooked cause underlying the various problems in the Anglican Church today is the confusion over our doctrine of God, in particular a loss of the concept of God as Trinity. This article explains how the trinity is vital in understanding revelation, salvation, mission, ministry (concerning male and female roles), and sexuality. It demonstrates that we must hold onto this doctrine as a secure foundation.

    Mini-Version. This is a compressed version of the longer paper and is designed to be used in church magazines or newsletters.