Stephen Sykes is one of the most original and creative theologians writing today. Here Sykes tackles head on one of the most fundamental but contentious issues in the Church today and examines its theological roots. In most of the great ecclesiastic disputes today, be it the ordination of women or of practising homosexuals or the teaching authority of the Churches, the issue of power is fundamental. What do we mean by the power of God, the power of the Gospel and by our easy reference to 'the powers that be'. The author's contention is that some deep and fundamental issues need to be explored and worked through before many of the most pressing contemporary issues can be resolved. This is a very honest and forthright book by a man who himself exercises considerable power and authority.