In this book twelve distinguished scholars explore the character of the English Church through the remarkable individuals who have played a part in its long history. Over the centuries thee outstanding personalities have made an enduring contribution to the development of the Anglican spirit. That so many of them have a place in the history of our literature too, demonstrates that the English religious tradition has been a source of inspiration and a living relationship between the Church and the Word. This book is more than a celebration of our religious heritage. The English Church has been shaped by its island nation and people, yet it has grown bigger than its island home with churches in over 160 countries, But how can Anglicanism survive in a spiritually diminished world, where Christianity itself is under threat? In the final chapter, Stephen Sykes, the Bishop of Ely, takes an unflinching look at Anglicanism today. The twelve chapters in this volume were originally given as a series of lectures in the Chapel of Keble College, Oxford in 1992 to mark the bicentenary of the birth of John Keble (1792-1866). Sermons given by the Bishop of Oxford and by the Chaplain of Keble College to mark the anniversary are also included and there is a Foreword by the Archbishop of Canterbury.