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scmpress.bsky.social
SCM Press
@scmpress.bsky.social
1.5K followers 320 following 560 posts
We publish books that engage academic theology with the wider church and with society
https://scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk
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scmpress.bsky.social
NEW on the SCM Press blog:
We speak to @chrisshannahan.bsky.social about his research into austerity-age poverty in the UK and his new book.
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/blog/why-do-...
A standalone sign for a foodbank, in front of a low wall. The sign reads: Foodbank open. Emergency good for local people in crisis. The logo shows it is a Trussell Trust foodbank.
November 12, 2025 at 12:46 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
3. The Bishop and the Baptized by Justin Pottinger

Posing serious questions about the way the Church of England is structured, how dioceses are run & the role of bishops through the lens of liturgical theology.

Enjoy our pre-order offer this month only:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
An endorsement quote for The Bishop and the Baptized: Justin Pottinger’s sensitivity to the language, imagery and symbolism of ordination rites shapes a vivid presentation of all three orders of ministry within the baptized community of the church. His work should inspire a new interest in the liturgy of ordination as an articulation not so much of event, as of dynamic relationship. Bridget Nichols, Lecturer in Anglicanism and Liturgy, The Church of Ireland Theological Institute
November 3, 2025 at 11:01 AM
scmpress.bsky.social
Also out this month:
2. Life on the Breadline: Theology, Poverty and Politics in an Age of Austerity by Chris Shannahan

The first fieldwork-based book by an academic theologian to analyse Christian responses to UK austerity-age poverty

20% off in November:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
An endorsement of Life on the Breadline from Anthony G Reddie, Professor of Black Theology, Unversity of Oxford. It reads: Chris Shannahan's Life on the Breadline lifts the lid on the roots of the scandal of rampant poverty that exists in one of the richest nations in the world. He shows that structural poverty has not occurred by accident and so the solutions to this multi-faceted problem need to be intentional, prophetic and sustained.
November 3, 2025 at 10:55 AM
scmpress.bsky.social
Introducing November's titles:
1. Types of Christian Mission: An Introduction by Stephen Spencer

A vital introduction to the challenges, complexities, debates and contexts of contemporary missiology.

Order via our website within this month for 20% off RRP:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
A front cover of Types of Christian Mission and the following endorsement quote: This recently revised and updated introduction to Christian Mission from Stephen Spencer is a vital resource for students wanting to engage deeply in the study of mission for today’s Church. While covering an impressive range of church traditions, Spencer is able to probe contemporary practice with real insight and clarity, raising questions which will no doubt generate significant conversation in classrooms and churches. Joshua Cockayne, Academic Dean of Cranmer Hall, Durham and Director of the Bede Centre for Church Planting Theology
November 3, 2025 at 10:31 AM
scmpress.bsky.social
Did someone say new book day?!

@docbrush.bsky.social
A fan of four paperback books from SCM Press: The Way Through The Trees by Sarah Brush, Christian Women at University by Jenny Morgans, Growing Together in Faith by Emma L Parker and Sarah Strand, Decomposing Holy Ground by Emma Lietz Bilecky.
October 29, 2025 at 2:31 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
Jonathan Kimber 'crucially sets out ways in which [left and right hemisphere-led approaches] can integrate and work together for effective church leadership... a distinctive, interesting contribution to thinking about church leadership'

Find out more here:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
The front cover of Fullness of Vision, Fullness of Life by Jonathan Kimber
October 28, 2025 at 5:11 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
NEW on the SCM Press blog: A Q&A with the authors of Growing Together in Faith, Emma Parker and Sarah Strand:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/blog/growing...

20% off the book when ordered via our website during October
A man and a young boy, facing away from the camera, both raise their hands in worship at the back of a room during a church service.
October 22, 2025 at 9:23 AM
scmpress.bsky.social
Excited to share the details of the launch for
@docbrush.bsky.social's new book, The Way Through The Trees, at Ripon College Cuddesdon on Friday 14th November.
Please RSVP to the college with the details on the flyer below/in the alt text.
Flyer advertising the book launch of The Way Through The Trees by Sarah Brush, at Ripon College Cuddesdon on Friday 14th November 2025. Join us to celebrate the launch of Sarah Brush’s exciting new book about faith development models that also outlines her own tree-based metaphor. Ripon College Cuddesdon OX44 9EX 3pm for Tree planting 3.30pm for Tea, cake and a chance to chat to the author and buy a signed copy Limited edition lino-print bookmarks free with every book purchased at the book launch How to register: email Sophie at enquiries@rcc.ac.uk or phone 01865 874404 for Ripon College Reception
October 15, 2025 at 2:35 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
NEW on the SCM Press blog:
Emma Lietz Bilecky on faith, farming, climate grief and the inspiration behind her new book, Decomposing Holy Ground.
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/blog/theolog...
A hand with pale skin sifting through soil above a large planter full of soil.
October 15, 2025 at 9:39 AM
scmpress.bsky.social
And last but by no means least, @docbrush.bsky.social presents her model of faith development, one of continuing discipleship, along with outlines and analysis of existing models in The Way Through The Trees: An Introduction to Faith Development.

Order here: scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
The front cover of The Way Through The Trees by Sarah Brush. There is an endorsement quote alongside, which reads: Sarah Brush proves herself to be an adept, playful, creative and generative guide to the geography of faith development theories and styles. The genius of this book is the independence of her judgment, the clarity of her analysis and the playfulness with which she invites her reader into exploring how this landscape might excite, nurture and grow faith … practical theology at its very best. This is a quote from James Woodward, Principal of Sarum College.
October 2, 2025 at 2:41 PM
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Decomposing Holy Ground: Theological Compost for Shifting Worlds by Emma Lietz Bilecky
In this startling piece of theology, Emma draws on her understanding of earth, soil and compost, challenges us to rethink our understanding of land, church and God.

20% off: scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
The front cover of Decomposing Holy Ground by Emma Lietz Bilecky, with an endorsement from Brian McLaren. The endorsement reads: Emmma has experienced a transformation in her relationship to land, to soil, to Earth, to the web of carbon and water and sunlight and life of which we all are part. This is a transformation we need, for our common well-being depends on it. Powerfully written and deeply insightful, this book is extraordinary.
October 2, 2025 at 2:02 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
Sarah Strand & Emma Parker have written Growing Together in Faith: Thinking Theologically About Ministry With Children and Young People, a comprehensive exploration of the theological and practical aspects of nurturing their faith.

Order now at £20 during Oct
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
The front cover of Growing Together in Faith by Emma Parker and Sarah Strand. The endorsement by Chris Curtis, Chief Executive of Youthscape, reads: Emma and Sarah write with the rigor of academic study and the heart of pastoral care to help the church embrace intergenerational ministry putting children and young people where they belong at the centre of the church community. Making a compelling Biblical case for the vital role of children and young people in the church, they introduce us to a bigger vision. Convincing and encouraging.
October 2, 2025 at 1:56 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
It's October, and we have FOUR new books out this month!

Here's the first: Jenny Morgans' Christian Women at University,
uncovering the resources and strategies Christian women employ in trying to feel at home at university.

20% off all orders this month:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
The front cover of Christian Women at University: Faith, Feminism and Feeling at Home by Jenny Morgans. The endorsement quote form Dr Nicola Slee reads: Jenny Morgans' impressive study conveys wide and deep knowledge of young women's transition to university and the impact of this on their identity and faith. There is authority in her account of this complex transition, borne out of her research and work as a university chaplain. Every page is thick with learning, yet it is carried lightly and it makes for a compelling read. I cannot speak too highly of it.
October 2, 2025 at 1:50 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
Still time to order a discounted copy of Emma Percy's latest book, a feminist pastoral response to the reality of pregnancy termination and a theological approach to issues around this.

scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
A picture of the front cover of Emma Percy's book, How do we talk about abortion? Next to it, a quote from Margaret Kamitsuka, Professor Emeritus of Religion at Oberlin College, Ohio. The quote reads: Emma Percy provides a comprehensive and eminently readable pastoral overview of the challenges and stigmas regarding decision-making about reproductive issues. The book's compassionate, practical, and even-handed tone makes it a perfect choice.
September 16, 2025 at 12:48 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
Wonderful to see a panel of SCM Press authors: Selina Stone, Isabelle Hamley and Charlie Bell, discussing what the festival’s topic might look like: speaking truth to power. Whose truth? Who has power? When and how do we speak?
Photo of the front of Southwark Cathedral with four panellists (Mark Oakley, Selina Stone, Isabelle Hamley and Charlie Bell) seated around a table, with an audience in the foreground.
September 13, 2025 at 1:59 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
Congratulations to Selina Stone, whose launch event was this evening! A Heavy Yoke is book of the week (with 20% off) at Church House Bookshop until tomorrow: chbookshop.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
A tall smiling black woman in a navy blue dress holds a paperback book entitled A Heavy Yoke, standing inside a hall with stairs behind her.
September 11, 2025 at 8:30 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
Only one more day to reserve your place at the launch for A Heavy Yoke by Selina Stone in central London on the 11th. The evening will include a book signing, artwork, a Q&A and resources from charities. There will be refreshments too: scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/events
September 4, 2025 at 1:41 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
3. The DARE Primer on Global Queer Theologies ed Lisa Isherwood and Hugo Córdova Quero

Scholars from around the world illuminate the transformative impact of queer theologies on traditional religious frameworks.

20% off pre-orders this month:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
A rainbow cloth is the top half of the image, with the title at the bottom: The DARE Primer on Global Queer Theologies
September 1, 2025 at 9:22 AM
scmpress.bsky.social
2. How Do We Talk About Abortion? A Feminist Pastoral Theology by Emma Percy

Carefully navigating the intricate intersection of faith, ethics, and reproductive choice, Percy invites readers to engage in a compassionate dialogue from a Christian perspective.

scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
Front cover of How Do We Talk About Abortion? A Feminist Pastoral Theology by Emma Percy. A purple silhouette of a woman stands facing a fork in the path. The front cover of the book plus an endorsement from Reverend Doctor Chris Swift, the Director of the Leeds Church Institute and a Former President of the College of Health Care Chaplains. He says this book is written with clarity and candour, as well as a commitment to contextual experience, this book should be essential reading for Christian, clergy, theologians and perhaps especially men.
September 1, 2025 at 8:58 AM
scmpress.bsky.social
Welcome to September's new titles:

1. Black, British and De-churched: Message to the Mainstream by E.P. Louis (foreword by Robert Beckford)

Why are increasing numbers of Black Brits becoming attracted to Afroasiatic Diasporic Religions?

20% off this month:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
This book is therefore more than just a study; it acts as a catalyst for a new direction in Black theology in Britain. It signifies the emergence of a third generation of Black British and womanist theologians, who continue to prioritise lived experience over abstract theorising and listen carefully to the concerns of Black Churches and the communities they serve. Although Louis writes from within the mainstream Baptist tradition in the UK, the questions raised here resonate across different denominational boundaries. Pentecostal, Methodist, Anglican, Apostolic, and New Church movements alike will see themselves reflected in these pages. This is not solely a Baptist matter, nor even a narrowly defined Christian concern. It relates to how Black communities throughout the UK pass down faith, hope, and resilience to future generations in a society that continues to racialise and marginalise them. Ministers, pastors, and practitioners who approach this work with honesty may uncover a path to transformation. Although Louis does not offer a complete set of answers, she makes it clear that halting the tide of disengagement with Christianity will require decolonisation. Louis indicates a new practice that dismantles colonial theological frameworks, the erasure of Black histories, and the diminishment of Black cultural expression, and instead advocates for a Christianity that is embodied, culturally relevant, and unapologetically committed to Blackness in all its forms. A book cover image with the following text on a black background: Black, British & De-churched: Message to the Mainstream. Foreword by Robert Beckford. The author is E.P. Louis.
September 1, 2025 at 8:49 AM
scmpress.bsky.social
Our big summer sale ends today! Over 70% off a wide range of books that cover Ministry, Practical Theology, Biblical Studies, Philosophy and more.

Includes books by Rowan Williams, Karen O'Donnell, A. D. A. France-Williams and Walter Brueggemann.
The words 'Summer Sale Ends Today' above six book covers that include Ghost Ship, The Dark Womb, Christianity and Depression, Forbidden Fruit and Fig Leaves, Controversies in Body Theology, and Wrestling with Angels.
August 29, 2025 at 10:42 AM
scmpress.bsky.social
A Heavy Yoke: Theology, Power and Abuse in the Church will be published tomorrow! But you can still pre-order the book from our website at 20% off today.

#theology #aheavyyoke #scmpress
Book cover next to the following quote: 'The misuse of power is so integral to the experience of spiritual abuse ... This book is both timely and important. Whilst the book rightly explores abuse of power in depth, it also comes from a position of hope, we can do and be better' by Lisa Oakley, Chair BPS Safeguarding Advisory Group and Tutor at University of Chester.
August 27, 2025 at 3:53 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
All our tickets sold out, so there will be a 2nd ticket drop at 5:30pm this evening for the A Heavy Yoke launch in September. Head to our events page to grab a ticket before they all go!

#aheavyyoke #scmpress #theology #events
Image of book cover beside the following words: Dr Selina Stone's A Heavy Yoke Book Launch. 6:30pm 11th September. Fleet Street London. The evening will be hosted by Dr Lisa Adjei and will include an author interview, readings from the book, and contributions from Ana Franca-Ferreira, and Revd Dr Ayla Lepine as well as a book signing. More tickets available at 5:30pm tonight.
August 26, 2025 at 3:14 PM
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New Blog from Harvey Kwiyani over on our website! Harvey's new book, Decolonizing Mission, will be published this month and is available to pre-order with a 20% discount.
Why We Need to Talk about Mission Without Empires. In this blogpost, Harvey Kwiyani ponders how we can (and must) de-couple spreading the good news from imperial, colonial legacies.
August 22, 2025 at 1:39 PM
scmpress.bsky.social
Decolonizing Mission US launch on the 11th of September! If you're in Houston that day, why not drop in?

#theology #launch #decolonizingmission
Join us for the release of Dr Harvey Kwiyani's new book, Decolonizing Mission. Dr Kwiyani will share how he traces the history of Christian missions alongside empire's history and influence, and how we can realign our missional methods with God and away from colonialism. The presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A. There will be an opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed by Dr Kwiyani. September 11th 2025 7-9pm. Address: Crossover Bible Fellowship, 12332 Perry Road, Houston, Texas. Facilitated by Dr Collin Cornell.
August 21, 2025 at 4:09 PM