Other Issues

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. Collapsing Churches: a Sociological Analysis David Mills
    A sociological rather than a theological analysis of the decline of mainline churches to help us discern and understand our situation better.  Explores thoroughly the fundamental reasons behind the collapse, the ineffective response institutions take, what course of action evangelicals should take in the face of inevitable collapse, and why this collapse should yet be a cause to hope for a better future.

  2. Rowan Williams - A Godly Concern Melvin Tinker
    This booklet explains why evangelical Christians are concerned about the appointment of Dr Rowan Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury, and how this is not just because of his views on the gay issue because of fundamental issues in other areas too.  It looks at his views as stated in his writings and works through the implications of his beliefs.

  3. The Word we Preach: the Words we Sing Christopher Idle
    A penetrating discussion of modern hymnody: the fitting place of music in a church service, the frequent misunderstanding of what worship and praise is, and the importance of the lyrics in reflecting sound doctrine by their choice of language and subject matter.  It shows that great music in church and sound doctrine do not have to be mutually exclusive!

  4. Models of Parish Evangelism David Banting
    This booklet is designed firstly to encourage good thinking and practice in evangelism and secondly to stimulate ideas on evangelistic strategies for churches in their parishes.  Much of the suggestions and comments come from a questionnaire survey of various individuals and churches and two workshops at the Reform Conferences 1995 and 96.

  5. Reforming the Parish Church Mark Ashton
    A plea for believers to continually seek to reform their local churches as this will be the most effective way of reforming the Church of England as a whole.  Drawing from his personal experience on a church leadership team the author explains the marks of an effective strategy for church growth, with practical suggestions for all areas of church life.

  6. Lay Presidency at the Lord's Table Donald Allister
    A straightforward argument for the benefits of allowing lay presidency at the Lord’s Table, including why it’s an important issue, the problems with the current priest-only system, answers to some evangelical objections, and evaluations of some possible courses of action to change the current law.  With questions for discussion.

  7. Admitting Children to Holy Communion Donald Allister
    A clear explanation of the reasons behind the current experiment of bishops authorising the participation of children in Communion before their confirmation.   The author gives reasons why he disagrees with this development, and how bishops, clergy, PCCs and the laity can respond.

Truth Matters Leaflets

  1. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader Mission and the Local Church
    Briefly clears up misunderstandings regarding what mission is and is not, compares Jesus’ mission with his commission to us, and looks at what the gospel priority of mission means for the life of the local church today.

  2. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader How Can I Be Sure?
    This leaflet aims to help Christians who struggle with assurance of their salvation by showing how our confidence rests on the nature and work of God and not ourselves and dealing with some common objections.  Gives suggestions for further reading.

  3. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader Election and Predestination
    These two doctrines have caused much controversy.  This leaflet explains what they are, how they are an essential part of the Biblical picture of God’s rule over his creation and why they are a source of assurance and hope for the Christian.  Gives suggestions for further reading.

  4. Genesis and Creation
    A brief exposition by a professor of science of the important themes in the early chapters of Genesis, and describing some possible points of view on current scientific theories of creation origins taken by evangelicals.

  5. Why then the law?
    A leaflet looking at how Christ’s work on this earth affects the role of the Old Testament laws in Christian living today.  Has particular relevance in light of the current debate on the Bible’s stance on homosexuality.  Gives suggestions for further reading.