Episcopal Etiquette And Ethics: Living The Craft Of Priesthood In The Episcopal Church

Hawkins recounts his decades of work in the Church and various situations that he has encountered over the years. These are presented largely as "problems" facing "clergy" -- no doubt reflecting his years teaching seminary -- but are just as applicable to any serious lay member of the church. After all, the Episcopal Church cherishes the priesthood of all members -- and thus there is much to learn from these cases for all members.His reflections and resolution sometimes do not align well with my own thinking, as in how he dealt with some challenging situations around marriage ceremonies (I'll skip the spoilers). However, that is not a problem because the book serves exceptionally well to call us to reflection; if we disagree, that's OK if we simultaneously think more deeply about why and what the situations mean.The writing is light and non- "theological" in tone, making it an enjoyable read. Some of the stories will have you laughing, others will call to mind friends and acquaintances in the church, and others may make you sit up and argue with the author. That's good all around and highly recommended for anyone interested in the church, which is to say all "priests", that is, all members, ordained or lay. Cheers!

The author does have some old-fashioned insight in his views of certain ordinances of the church. He makes some valid points with setting guidelines with the parish, but also allows some flexibility to work for some circumstances.

Book was in perfect condition. It is a great read and might give some one who is new to the Episcopalian way a sense of what is really going on. My parish priest looks at me like I'm nuts when I tell him about some of the reads.

Highly recommend this deceptively practical read to anyone in studies for priesthood, and to vestries or other lay ministers, wanting a deeper, clearer, and accessible understanding of a priest and her, or his, relationship to the Church and the world.

Excellent reading for laypeople to better understand the struggles of the men and women of the Episcopal clergy who serve them and God.

Gives some helpful tips in these days when fewer curacies exist. Basically the same material covered in the class I had with him.

a ok

Great book. Sound advice and antidotes in ministry.