This new book - from a variety of theologies and disciplines " + is an important marker of the Uniting Churchs public role in Australia at the beginning of the twenty-first century, examining topics rarely discussed in denominational studies and dealing honestly with themes that have newly emerged in the first decade of the twenty-first century. These include the distinctive nature of Uniting Church spirituality; the tension between good management and theological faithfulness; the political involvement and ecological engagement of Uniting Church people; the Churchs extraordinary cross-cultural and inter-faith commitment; and the rise of Progressive Christianity. The contributors, both lay and ordained, represent a broad range of disciplines (theology, history, social sciences, environmental studies, political science), bringing both scholarship and passion to their writing.