Holy C of E

In this episode we talk with Fr Harri Williams, Principal of St Stephen's House in Oxford. Fr Harri tells us his story of coming to faith and discerning a vocation to the priesthood. We then ask him about his vision for forming priests, recent trends in the Church of England and theological training, and more. 

If you're a potential ordinand or exploring a vocation, consider an upcoming Advent retreat at St Stephen's House, 7th to the 9th of December. Details here.

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As the feasts of All Saints and All Souls approach, we discuss the significance of the saints in the theology and practice of the church. Have a listen while you carve your pumpkin for All Hallows' Eve. And then sing: "For all the saints who from their labors rest."

Check out a similar episode from this time five (!) years back, if you are so inclined.

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Rhys speaks with returning guest Fr Thomas Plant to discuss his new book King Oswald’s Heirs: Meditations on the Catechism of the English Church. 

The book re-presents the Catechism of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer through the lens of the English saints and the Church's spiritual inheritance. In this episode they discuss some of the key themes of the book: re-enchantment, modernity, and the particular as the vehicle to the universal. 

See more of Fr Thomas’ work on his Substack, Ghostley Counsel. 

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Fidelium is a lay-led network of young adults in London which aims "to foster connection, confidence, and belonging among those seeking a faithful and rooted life in the Church." This vibrant group is an encouraging sign of life and hope for the catholic movement in the Church of England. 

We spoke with Charlotte, director of Fidelium, about what they do, why young people are drawn to Anglo-Catholicism, the role of social media in reaching young people (no AI posters!), the importance of laity in the life of the church, and more.

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Last summer, theologian Matthew Barrett wrote a widely-read article explaining his decision to leave the Baptist tradition for Anglicanism. Rhys and Joel speak to him about this journey, how it has affected the systematic theology he is writing, why classical theology and the beatific vision matter, and more.

Dr. Barrett is Research Professor of Christian Theology at Trinity Anglican Seminary in the US. He is also theologian-in-residence for Anselm House at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of Credo Magazine, host of the Credo podcast, and Director of the Center for Classical Theology. He is the co-director of Aquinas KC.

On 24-25 April, Dr. Barrett is hosting the Credo Conference on the Beatific Vision in Washington, DC. Do join if you are able!

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In this episode, the team speaks with Rev'd Dan Kim about ChristianStory, a project that aims to bring the history and theology of Christianity to life with deeply researched and beautifully animated videos. Think BibleProject, but with history and theology! Ecumenical in its ethos, it is a gift to the church catholic and a fantastic resource for people in parish ministry, working with youth, or as a general tool for catechesis and discipleship. 

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Fr Calum and Joel talk with returning guest Fr Thomas Plant about Darwell Stone’s case for mere Catholicity. Fr Thomas has recently written an introduction to a new (and handsome) edition of Stone's concise systematic theology, Christian Dogma: Outlines of Orthodox Anglican Theology. 

Stone was Principal of Pusey House, Oxford from 1909 to 1934. Fr Thomas recently gave a talk on Stone at a conference at Pusey House on the 20th-century principals of the house.

See more of Fr Thomas' work on his Substack, Ghostly Counsel.

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Rhys and Joel speak with Fr Christopher Trundle SSC of Our Most Holy Redeemer, Clerkenwell (London) about his parish's approach to mission and evangelism. The discussion covers the theology and practice of using contemporary music in a traditional sung mass, what Anglo-Catholics can learn from evangelicals, potential limits to merging charismatic and catholic worship, and more. 

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The team caught up with Scholastica Jacob to discuss a recent book she edited, The Letters of Herbert Kelly and Dorothy L. Sayers. She came on to discuss Kelly and Anglican religious life in this episode from 2024.

Scholastica is the librarian and archivist of St Anthony's Priory Durham, which is run by the Society of the Sacred Mission (SSM). Formerly a member of Stanbrook Abbey, and before that a lawyer specialising in charity law, Scholastica has a PhD in church history from the University of Durham. As well as managing the library and working on the SSM archives, she also has a leading role in the development of the Herbert Kelly Institute for Anglican Religious Life.

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In this episode, the team talks with Rev'd Dr. Mike Michielin about E.L. Mascall's views on metaphysical realism, natural theology, the doctrine of the Incarnation, how these all fit together, and what this might mean for the Christian life. Because you can never have too much Mascall. Barth may or may not be mentioned.

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