‘Stephen Cottrell writes about Christ as if he were here now. As if redemption were possible for all of us, as if the void that threatens to engulf us all could be filled by a personal relationship with Christ in the present. He is a compelling writer.’ – Russell Brand
Inspired by a conversation with a barista who asked him why he became a priest, this is the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell’s extended answer to that question – as well as the letter he’d like to write to a divided country that no longer sees the relevance or value of the Christian narrative.
Archbishop Stephen is a much-admired voice within the church, but in this book he writes for a more general audience, and those who might call themselves spiritual seekers – as well as anyone who is concerned about the life and unity of the UK. A short, beautiful book, this is at once both contemplative and deeply practical, which will speak to both Christians and those on the edges of faith.
‘A deeply thoughtful exposition of faith’s transformative power, Dear England gave me hope, not only for the future of Christianity, but for a changed world too.’ – David Lammy MP
Inspired by a conversation with a barista who asked him why he became a priest, this is the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell’s extended answer to that question – as well as the letter he’d like to write to a divided country that no longer sees the relevance or value of the Christian narrative.
Archbishop Stephen is a much-admired voice within the church, but in this book he writes for a more general audience, and those who might call themselves spiritual seekers – as well as anyone who is concerned about the life and unity of the UK. A short, beautiful book, this is at once both contemplative and deeply practical, which will speak to both Christians and those on the edges of faith.
‘A deeply thoughtful exposition of faith’s transformative power, Dear England gave me hope, not only for the future of Christianity, but for a changed world too.’ – David Lammy MP
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Reviews
It was written partly in response to a question from a barista at Paddington station about why he became a priest, and partly as a letter to a divided and uncertain country that no longer sees the relevance of Christianity.
The Archbishop has written a heartfelt and appealing apologetic. The question that it poses, however (as he freely admits), is whether this letter will reach those to whom it is addressed - which is arguably also the most pressing challenge for a socially distanced Church in its approach to England. We can only hope so, for the sake of both.
But it is very much a tome of our times, with multiple references to Brexit and the Covid pandemic, and how these events should make us rethink our attitudes.