ABSTRACT
Archbishop Fisher’s archiepiscopate reflected the central issues of his time and place. It was Fisher who oversaw an immense programme of reforms which effectively recast the institutions of the Church of England for generations to come. It was Fisher who proved to be the essential architect, politician and diplomat behind the creation of a worldwide Anglican Communion. His determination to promote the development of relations with other churches produced a vital contribution to the cause of ecumenism, which culminated in his momentous meeting with Pope John XXIII. Archbishop Fisher was a vigorous participant in the questions which defined national and international life. This book explores Fisher’s influence on major contemporary issues and events, including divorce-law reform and capital punishment at home and the end of Empire and the most dangerous years of the Cold War abroad. This new biography establishes the continuing significance not only of the office of Archbishop in the Church but also of the Church at large in the tumultuous world of the later twentieth century. A final section of original source material includes letters, sermons and other writings bringing vividly to life the range and character of Fisher's public and private role.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |157 pages
Life
chapter |6 pages
Introduction: Out of the Ruins …
chapter |14 pages
Formation, 1887–1932
chapter |18 pages
Chester and London, 1932–1945
chapter |22 pages
Archbishop of Canterbury, 1945–1961: The Church of England
chapter |11 pages
Church and Society, 1945–1961
chapter |17 pages
The Anglican Communion, 1945–1961
chapter |19 pages
Ecumenism, 1945–1961
chapter |13 pages
Church and State, 1945–1961
chapter |14 pages
The World's Tumult: Foreign Affairs, 1945–1961
chapter |5 pages
Retirement, 1961–1972
chapter |11 pages
Assessment
part |80 pages
Documents