This is a work of considerable strategic importance for the ecumenical movement and for the Anglican Communion. It describes and interprets Anglican understanding of the Christian Church, from the Reformation to the present day.

It presents the development of Anglican identity and ecclesiology in its historical context, focusing particularly on Anglican engagement with the Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions. The book also provides substantial accounts of the major Anglican theologians, from Richard Hooker to modern writers.

In this new and expanded edition, Paul Avis includes discussions of the influence of evangelical theology and reflects on the integrity of Anglicanism for the future.