Eucharist shaping and Hebert's Liturgy and society

By Andrew (Canon) Bishop

Book Description

The Church of England stands at a crossroads, grappling with fundamental questions about how worship connects to mission and relates to the broader world. At the heart of these discussions lies a deeper inquiry into the very nature of the Church itself.

Canon Andrew Bishop invites readers to rediscover a nearly forgotten voice in this conversation. Gabriel Hebert's influential 1935 work "Liturgy and Society" carried the bold subtitle "The Function of the Church in the Modern World," and its impact on Eucharistic worship practices helped shape liturgical reforms throughout the latter half of the twentieth century. Yet Hebert's contributions have largely faded from contemporary discussions.

This thoughtful examination resurrects Hebert's insights through the lens of today's ongoing dialogue about Church, liturgy, and mission. Bishop demonstrates how Hebert's thinking offers a third way beyond the polarized choices of rigid traditionalism or untethered innovation. Rather than simply reacting to change or embracing novelty for its own sake, Hebert's approach provides a more nuanced path forward.

For spiritual seekers interested in how worship shapes community and how faith communities engage with the world around them, this book offers fresh perspectives on timeless questions. Bishop's analysis reveals how historical wisdom can illuminate present challenges, making Hebert's vision newly relevant for contemporary discussions about the Church's role in modern society.

Through careful scholarship and pastoral insight, this work contributes meaningfully to vital conversations about worship, mission, and spiritual community.