The Church

Defining Moments in Its Western Tradition

As the third millennium gets into its stride, this book charts a history of the western church, tracing its evolution from its genesis at Caesarea Philippi to the consecration of women to the priesthood. The development of the church as a fundamental characteristic and dynamic of western civilisation is traced through the identifi cation of twenty defi ning moments in its fortunes, both sacred and secular, upon which the work of Christ has been sustained. Each event is analysed within the context of the holy ongoing mission of the church, and its long and short term signifi cance explored. It is an attempt to recognise its divine tenacity in the western world, and beyond, in the face of human weakness from without and from within.