Bernard Thorogood Knihy

After 60 years in Christian ministry, Bernard Thorogood reports on significant meetings, travels, and issues met along the way. Beginning his ministry in the islands of the South Pacific at the end of the colonial period, he describes Polynesia before the tourist rush as a paradise with deep scars. Called to take responsibility for the world work of the mission society, he needed to meet other parts of the world church in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Here Bernard Thorogood faces some key issues for Christian mission today. The third part of his ministry was in the United Reformed Church in Britain, involving much ecumenical activity, as the movement for unity shifted from the central organs of the churches to the congregations. Thorogood also tells of personal joys and heartaches. From Sussex to Polynesia, from London to Sydney, this is a spiritual as well as a global journey.

This collection of prayers is intended to help anyone who is leading worship in groups or congregations. It covers a wide variety of themes and can be used in different modes or responses. The author has a long ecumenical experience, so these prayers may suit worship in diverse traditions. They are written in a style that is easy to use, and they reflect current life concerns.

This collection of essays brings together recent work by Bernard Thorogood on a variety of theological themes. 'My Quiet Time' is a monthly cycle of private prayer and readings. 'From the Beginning' offers interpretations for today from Genesis and Exodus. 'Your Kingdom Come - here and now' reflects current longings for action that serves the prayer. A short piece, 'We Believe' suggests how we need to rethink some of the phrases in the Nicene Creed. 'The Always God' looks at the Gospel event as revelation of what is always the reality. In '25 Significant Events' the author notes in a lighter vein the historical highlights in a long life; and in 'My Top Fifty' he tells us of his favourite books.

We follow Niki, a deacon of the Orthodox church in Moscow, as he becomes the messenger between the Vatican and the patriarch, as the two great branches of the church begin a search for reconciliation. The powers of the Kremlin resist such a new alliance and work to derail the process. But the reforming pope presses on and meets disaster. Niki has to leave Russia and follows his new lover to Britain, to marriage and academic life. A surprising archaeological discovery in Italy brings the heads of the churches together. The story takes us to Rome, Moscow, Geneva, Milan, the Crimea, and York and brings us reflections on church politics, the ecumenical movement, and how costly it is to cross the bridges between communities.