As the third millennium gets into its stride, this book charts a
history of the western church, tracing its evolution from its
genesis at Caesarea Philippi to the consecration of women to the
priesthood. The development of the church as a fundamental characteristic
and dynamic of western civilisation is traced through the identifi cation of
twenty defi ning moments in its fortunes, both sacred and secular, upon
which the work of Christ has been sustained. Each event is analysed within
the context of the holy ongoing mission of the church, and its long and
short term signifi cance explored. It is an attempt to recognise its divine
tenacity in the western world, and beyond, in the face of human weakness
from without and from within.