A WORD IN SEASON – Reflections on Spirituality, Faith and Ethics by Richard Randerson.

Richard Randerson retired as Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral and as Assistant Bishop of Auckland last year, after an earlier ministry as Social Responsibility Commissioner for the Anglican Church in this country and then as Assistant Bishop of Canberra-Goulburn.

In this collection of 30 addresses, sermons and articles, Richard has brought together a wide variety of material ranging from university graduation addresses to reflections on the spirituality of St Francis, Thomas Merton, Henry Nouwen and Matthew Fox.

In the second half of the book he includes some of the “hot topics” that have often thrust him into the media spotlight and created robust debate.

One reflection, entitled ‘Richard Dawkins and the “Ágnostic Dean”,’ is the result of a debate about Dawkins’ book The God Delusion and Richard’s response in the NZ Herald. He was unfairly referred to by the Herald as ‘the agnostic dean,” but Richard points out that “ít is solely in relationship to that image of God as a scientifically verifiable entity that I used the word agnostic…”

His deep faith is clearly expressed in his sermons for Holy Week and Easter which are included in the book. The continuing debates about the authority of Scripture and human sexuality are also addressed. As he says, “to seek in the Bible precise and specific answers on every issue is misguided.”

This 130-page book is ideal for personal or group use. Each of the 30 brief sections is followed by two or three questions to promote discussion. All of the issues covered in A Word in Season are still very much in season.

The final chapter, ‘Can God keep the Anglicans together?’ connects with the 2008 Lambeth Conference discussions and the debates leading up to it. These discussions will no doubt continue for years to come.

Richard Randerson’s book and his stimulating writing will assist us on the journey.

Bishop David Coles is Vicar of Wakatipu.

Copies of A Word in Season are available from JR Randerson, 13 Matai Rd, Hataitai, Wellington 6021. Price $19.50 (incl Pand P) with discounts up to 35% for orders of five copies or more. For details email randersonjr@paradise.net.nz. Or ph 04 976-6050.