Liturgy forms both individuals and the community in the faith and life of the Christian gospel. In doing this it offers back to God the human response to his grace. Animating Liturgy invites you to consider the liturgical offering which stands at the heart of the Christian faith. It brings together essays by liturgist Stephen Platten which take us in three main directions:

• the sacraments, their history and their celebration
• liturgical history, study and practice
• general theological, practical and ethical aspects of liturgy

The essays integrate our understanding and practice of the liturgy and in doing so offer insights to a broad range of readers, from theological students to lay people who wish to understand something of the background of daily and weekly worship.

The breadth and depth of Stephen Platten’s theological and liturgical interests are clearly displayed in this wide-ranging collection which deserves a wide readership.
The Revd Canon Dr Simon Jones, Fellow & Chaplain, Merton College Oxford

This is definitely a volume that should be read by those who think they are not interested in liturgy. They will be surprised how much of value they learn.
Paul F. Bradshaw, Emeritus Professor of Liturgy, University of Notre Dame

This is the Bishop at his most characteristic and best: perceptive, well-read, and able to hold our attention, but always surprising us with insights nourished by a deep pastoral sensibility.The Rt Revd Dr David Stancliffe (former Bishop of Salisbury), The Church Times

Platten brings substantial erudition to the task, quoting a dazzling array of writers, philosophers, historians and theologians to illuminate our traditions of worship. Buildings as sacred spaces, the Eucharist, baptism and confirmation, biblical liturgies, Common Worship and the Book of Common Prayer all lie within his purview – and all receive fresh insights, provoking the reader to ponder anew. … This is a book to savour: one that will provide a source of reference and inspiration for many years.Peter Clough, The Reader

About the Author

Stephen Platten was Chair of the Church of England Liturgical Commission from 2004 to 2014. He has been Dean of Norwich and Bishop of Wakefield, and is now Chaplain to St Martin-within-Ludgate, London, Chair of Hymns Ancient & Modern and an Honorary Assistant Bishop in the dioceses of London, Newcastle and Southwark.