Shane St Reynolds New Book: Faithfulness in Service – A Journey Through Anglican Doctrine and Civil Rights

I am pleased to announce the publication of my latest book, Faithfulness in Service: The Evolution of Anglican Doctrine and Civil Rights in Australia (Saint Publishing Australia, 2025). This work represents the culmination of months of research, interviews, and reflection on one of the most pressing issues facing the Anglican Church today: how do we reconcile centuries-old doctrine with the demands of justice, inclusion, and civil rights in a rapidly changing society?

Why This Book Matters

The Anglican Church of Australia stands at a crossroads. As debates over same-sex marriage, gender identity, and inclusivity intensify, the Church is challenged to remain faithful to its theological heritage while responding compassionately to the lived realities of its members. Faithfulness in Service explores this tension through a unique lens—combining rigorous legal analysis with deep theological reflection.

This book is the first comprehensive study of the Church’s Faithfulness in Service code, a document that has shaped the ethical standards of clergy and church workers since 2004. Through historical context, legal case studies, and personal stories, I examine how the code has evolved in response to landmark events such as the legalisation of same-sex marriage and the growing recognition of LGBT+ rights.

What You’ll Find Inside

* A clear, accessible overview of the history of Anglican governance in Australia, from colonial times to the present.

* A deep dive into the Faithfulness in Service code—its origins, amendments, and the debates it has sparked across different dioceses.

* Case studies and legal precedents that illuminate the complex relationship between canon law and civil rights.

* Personal stories and interviews with clergy, legal scholars, and laypeople navigating the intersection of faith, sexuality, and justice.

* A hopeful vision for the future of the Anglican Church—one that embraces both tradition and transformation.

Who Should Read This Book?

Whether you are a theologian, legal scholar, clergy member, layperson, or simply someone interested in the intersection of law and religion, Faithfulness in Service offers a timely and thought-provoking contribution to the ongoing conversation about the future of faith in a pluralistic society.

Early Praise

“A thoughtful survey of the Anglican Church of Australia and the complex challenges it faces today. Shane brings both legal and pastoral understanding to the subject, offering a timely and essential perspective that brought me up to speed on recent developments within the Anglican Church.”

Where to Buy

Faithfulness in Service is available now in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon Australia.

Paperback: $9.00 (with free delivery for Prime members)

Kindle: $0.99 (available instantly)

Order your copy here

Join the Conversation

I invite you to read, reflect, and join the conversation. Share your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below or on social media using the hashtag #FaithfulnessInServiceBook.

Thank you for your support!

Shane St Reynolds
Editor, TheGoodNewsBlog.org
Author of Faith & Sexuality: Reconciling LGBT+ People and Christianity and Revitalizing Christianity: The Theology of Peter Lewis