Alan Hargrave first briefly sets out the history of the request by Anglican Churches in Chile to the Province of the Southern Cone of South America, to allow a short experiment into having trained and authorised delegates from the Bishop to preside at communion ("lay presidency"). The request was narrowly rejected, and so the experiment was never tried, but it raised important questions which haven't gone away since. (And see Grove Worship booklet number 208 for a much more recent argument for lay presidency.

He explores the arguments against this that were given at the time and since, and then looks at the difficulty this position -- the traditional one -- raises about the nature of ordination as well as what makes a church. He marshalls arguments from theologians as diverse as Luther, Kung, Boff and William Temple to make a strong case that exceptional or even routine delegated presidency is more theologically defensible, as well as practical in areas where there aren't enough presbyters/priests to go around.

It's particularly helpful that he doesn't ignore the ecumenical dimensions, noting both where there is support for it from other denominations or traditions (such as URC and Methodists), and where it will be problematic. He also doesn't forget about Deacons and Readers, though that part isn't fully worked through.

I was particularly struck by comments about:
* that the ordained ministry (at least to Anglicans) is not of the essence of the church, whereas the eucharist is. We should therefore explore what is really a eucharistic community, and what that means for less common gatherings such as church houseparties and clergy chapter meetings (p.15)
* what do we really think is the theological value of irregular celebrations of the Lord's Supper, as has happens routinely in Brazil, and occasionally in most places? And, similarly, do Catholics think that all Anglican celebrations are really worthless, given their view that Anglican Ordained Orders are "null and void"? (p.17)
* Boff's ecclesiology starts with the 'faith community' not with 'powers transmitted [down the generations]' -- and so suggests the Risen Lord who is alive today is the source of ordained ministry, not a linear apostolic succession.

Who should read it? Anyone interested in the discussions about what to do about falling clergy numbers, or in these days of greater variety in expression of church, exploring the issues around who can preside at communion. ( )