This Assembly of Believers

Revelling in ‘difference’, learned in past traditions, thinking and imagining anew in the context of conventional ways of going about things, and not just how we conduct ourselves in worship, we may find exciting possibilities of transformation opening up in the lives of all those involved. Shift ‘liturgy’ to the heart of theological study where it belongs - enjoy the grace of change – and the wit and sensitivity of this book! -- Ann Loades
‘In this brilliant book, Bryan Cones leads us in relentless pursuit of a much-touted yet under-explored idea in liturgical theology: that the assembly is the primary symbol. Cones not only illumines this contention but inclusivizes it, very intentionally welcoming the gifts and graces of assembly members often overlooked—children, the bodily impaired, the LGBTIQA+ rainbow, and more. Subtle, smart, persistent, and fierce all at one, This Assembly of Believers tips us into bold depictions of the reign of God manifesting in our midst.’ -- Stephen Burns
This is an immensely rich, scholarly and imaginative work of liturgical theology. Scholarly and practical, theological and pastoral, It offers an expansive vision of the kind of church many hunger to experience, and shows how such a vision can be embodied in ordinary communities of the faithful. Through detailed case studies of baptism, eucharist, liturgies for the sick and marriage, Cones demonstrates how the church as the primary liturgical symbol can only truly reflect its deep ecclesial reality when it embraces and celebrates human difference in all its glorious richness. This book will assist the church to be more deeply what it is called to be: generously inclusive, radically communitarian, joyously creative, pastorally evangelistic. I hope it will be very widely read, its vision caught and embodied anew in many different times and places. -- Nicola Slee