Shy But Not Retiring: Memoirs

Description

Eric Kemp's influence on the life and direction of the Church of England in the latter part of the 20th Century has been immense. A leading light in the Catholic movement in the Church of England, he fought passionately for certain causes, most notably his battle to stop the Church of England ordaining women. A diocesan bishop for twenty-eight years, there are few key people in the Church life that Bishop Kemp has not known. Here his charming and perceptive reminicences include Michael Ramsey, Robert Runcie and his celebrated predecessor in Chichester, Bishop George Bell. Essential reading for anyone interested in the recent history of the Church of England.

Eric Waldram Kemp DD D.Litt FR Hist was until recently Bishop of Chichester

"The charm of these memoirs stimulates the reader to look at other accounts for a cross-check to Kemp's memory and perspective...we are grateful for the glimpses he does give us of Anglican church life for the past ninety years." -James Dunkly, Anglican Theological Review -- James Dunkly "This retrospect by the bishop over a long life and ministry is full of interest on every page, and of entertaining anecdote... In addition to the autobiograophical narrative, readers will find shrewd observations about Anglican identity, occasional criticism of the General Synod and also frank acknowledgement of his own part in decisions that he subsequently thought to be unwise... There is no trace of self-advertisement; rather, we read the record of a perceptive, charitable, unassuming servant of God and the Church, a record all the more impressive and eloquent for its being understated. " Reviewed by Alec Graham in Ecclesiastical Law Journal, 2007 'a wealth of anecdotes' ~ Review on Eric Kemp, Church of England Newsletter, 28 July 2006 -- Paul Richardson * Church of England Newspaper * 'The tone conveys the man: always unpretentious and equable. Harsh judgements are shunned...These memiors offer a sidelight on the history of the 20th century from a perspective that is often edited out of contemporary historiography.' ~ Church Times, Ret Revd Richard Chartres, 15/09/2006 -- Rt Revd Richard Chartres * Church Times * 'Undeniably, it has immense charm.' -- Edward Benson * New Directions * "The reader is treated to a full but discreet account of a long and worthy life of service, but the best bits are where Kemp tells us what he really thinks" * Tablet, The *