This book explores the epiclesis or invocation of the Holy Spirit in the Eucharistic Prayer, using the Anglican tradition as an historical model of a communion of churches in conscious theological and liturgical dialogue with Christian antiquity.

Incorporating major studies of England, North America and the Indian sub-Continent with summaries of other parts of the world, the author includes an exposition of Inter-Church ecumenical dialogue and the historic divisions between western and eastern Eucharistic traditions and twentieth century ecumenical endeavour.

This unique study of the relationship between theology and liturgical text, commends a theology and spirituality which celebrates the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Eucharist as present and eschatological gift. It thus sets historic, contemporary and ecumenical divisions in a new theological context.

Contents:
Introduction; The Reformation legacy; Scripture and tradition: post-Reformation exploration in the 16th and 17th centuries; Anglican diversification; Pan-Anglican reports and statements; Ecumenical exploration; The 1928 Prayerbook: 'Eastern' or 'Western' identity?; Liturgical renewal in England: 1945–2000; The Anglican Communion: case study 1: the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada; The Anglican Communion: case study 2: the Churches of the Indian sub-continent; The Epiclesis: the spiritual dynamics of sacramentalism; Select bibliography; Index.