Jann Aldredge-Clanton offers a powerful and creative collection of prayer services to bring healing and renewal to both individuals and faith communities. The services focus on Christ-Sophia, a symbol drawn from Judeo-Christian scripture and tradition that embraces new possibilities for wholeness and shared responsibility. This symbol is built upon the foundation of the inclusive christology the author developed in her book In Search of Christ-Sophia and is intended to overcome dualisms and make equal connections between male and female. These rituals and prayer services use the themes of justice, relationship, peace, and healing--among others--to address the concerns that contemporary Christian women and men encounter in their lives. The inclusive language and images seek to convert the Christian imagination to view God and others in a balanced, holistic perspective, one that benefits all peoples alike. Over thirty-five original texts set to standard hymn tunes are featured. These graceful and enlivening songs offer participants an opportunity to express their spirituality and human needs through egalitarian words and sacred symbols sung to familiar melodies. Liturgists, members of inclusive worship communities, Women-Church participants, and anyone concerned with an inclusive, liberating theology will find the services within this book of tremendous value.
