Simon Cuff – författare

Described as 'the Catholic church's best kept secret,' Catholic Social Teaching provides a rich body of thought, and finds a particular resonance as all denominations in the church seek to engage with the needs of contemporary society. Yet beyond the immediate context of the Catholic church, it is all too readily ignored. Resolutely aimed at those who come from traditions beyond the movement’s traditional catholic heartlands but who seek to view their ministry through the lens of generous orthodoxy, Love in Action offers a deeply scriptural but accessible introduction to this vital approach to the church’s ministry in the world.

“God’s being gives meaning to God’s action”. So said Gustavo Gutiérrez. If we grasp what it means to say that God is just, we learn what justice really looks like. If we understand how divine anger works, we understand how we can be fruitfully angry. Understanding who God is, is not an ‘ivory tower’ activity, but one which helps us to better grasp of both Christian worship and Christian action. An accessible introduction to the doctrine of God, Only God Will Save Us demonstrates for students, ordinands and Christian practitioners how a theological articulation of the nature of God can drive and refine Christian action in the world.

Clericalism is everywhere in the Christian life and perhaps not where you might expect. It elevates certain models, vocations, or ways of being Church in such a way as to diminish others. In 'Priesthood for all Believers, Fr Simon Cuff argues that a radical focus on the particularity of vocation and intentionality of living out vocation are central tools in the Church’s tool box to stop clericalism in its tracks. Some attempts to be less clericalist by doing away with certain forms of ministry can, he suggests, encourage clericalism. One of the best ways to overcome clericalism is a more intentional focus on particular ministries and the particular ministry of the ordained. Exploring these particular ministries afresh, grounded on Christ’s priesthood and the importance of a diaconal commission to overcome processes of marginalisation, this book offers a vital perspective both for those preparing for ministry and those trying to make better sense of the ministry they already hold.

In a restless, fast paced world of quick fixes, there is huge value in the way priesthood is, as the ordinal puts it, ‘weighed and pondered’. In this thoughtful exploration, Simon Cuff addresses key aspects of priestly life and the ways in which it prophetically stands in contrast to the priorities of contemporary culture. 'Priesthood' explores the foundational relationship between Christ's priesthood and ordained ministry. 'Parish' reflects on the intimate nature of serving a community. In 'Power and Privilege', readers consider the ethical dimensions of authority. 'Prayer and People' emphasizes the importance of communal ministry within the Body of Christ. Finally, 'Providence' reassures readers of God’s guiding presence throughout their vocation.Distinguishing itself with its contemporary relevance, devotional depth, and focus on sustaining a life-long ministry, Waiting on the Lord is an essential companion for navigating the spiritual and practical challenges of priesthood, ensuring a grounded and resilient ministry rooted in divine calling.