Shortt, Rupert. Rowan’s Rule: The Biography of the Archbishop of Cantebury. US edition: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009. ISBN: 9780802864611.
Meet the Author
Rupert Shortt is the religion editor of the London Times Literary Supplement. He is the author of four books: Rowan’s Rule: The Biography of the Archbishop of Canterbury; God’s Advocates: Christian Thinkers in Conversation; Rowan Williams: An Introduction; and Benedict XVI: Commander of the Faith.
Book Basics
Rowan’s Rule is Shortt’s second volume on Rowan Williams. This extensive biography was written with William’s cooperation and stands as the primary work on the life of the 104th Archbishop of Cantebury (the head of the global Anglican Communion).
Dr. Rowan Williams (1950 -) is a well published scholar who is fluent in seven languages. He began his academic career at the University of Cambridge for nine years and then moved to the University of Oxford for five years, while also engaged in some parish duties. Williams then served as Bishop of Monmouth for eight years and Archbishop of Wales for two years prior to becoming Archbishop of Canterbury in 2003.
The first section of the biography covers his life and ministry through his position as
Archbishop of Wales and the second section focuses on his life and ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury. While written with William’s cooperation, the book is a balanced. It considers the words of his advocates and detractors and provides a realistic look at many of his struggles. The text is far from an easy read and requires full and thoughtful engagement to track the many names, places and issues covered. In the end, the text portrays Williams both positively (humble, scholarly, and pastoral) and negatively (politically naive, uncomfortable with confrontational leadership, and idealistic).
So What?
Most of my readers are not a part of the Episcopal Church USA, but most are disciples of Jesus Christ. Think of the example of a servant leader who has shaped the life of your congregation or denomination in recent years. What characteristics make this individual an effective spiritual leader? How can you and others in your midst pray for and support this person?
Note: To learn more, visit the Archbishop of Cantebury’s website.