The nine criteria the Church of England uses to discern potential vocations to the priesthood are explored, and linked with personal qualities that are necessary for new, but also existing, leaders in a church and culture which has changed much over the last 50 years.

Fragile Mystics reworks traditional concepts of prayer and gives them a contemporary 'spin'. Like Steel Angels, it draws on the author's own experience as a Christian priest and offers illustrations from the world of visual arts, film and contemporary culture. It includes some biblical examples, and connects present day yearnings and wrestling's as a 'person who wants to pray better' with those of the mystics and holy people from the Christian past. It is about 'reclaiming' and transforming our inner spaces so that we have a renewed and hopeful approach to life and ministry. Each chapter has...