The New Puritans: The Rise of Fundamentalism in the Anglican Church

(Paperback)

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Religious fundamentalism is a growing force in Australian society, but it is not confined to conservative Islam or to fringe denominations. In The New Puritans, Muriel Porter explains how the mainstream Anglican Church in this country is influenced by the ideological agendas of its largest and richest diocese, Sydney. Over the past few decades, Sydney Anglicans have increasingly modelled themselves on the sixteenth-century English Puritans. They have radically altered church services, relentlessly opposed all attempts to extend full equality to women in the Church, and joined forces with conservative Anglicans worldwide to prevent the blessing of same-sex partnerships and the ordination of gay people. Under the leadership of the charismatic Jensen brothers-Peter, the Archbishop of Sydney, and his brother Phillip, the Dean-Sydney poses a growing threat to mainstream Anglicanism. The New Puritans explores the Diocese s impact on the Church in Australia and internationally.

Author Bio

Dr Muriel Porter is a Melbourne journalist, religion commentator, author and historian. For the past twenty years she has been heavily involved in the governance of the Anglican Church of Australia. A laywoman, she is strongly committed to the cause of the ordination of women. She is married to an Anglican priest; they have two adult children.