David Runcorn

Published in association with the Inclusive Evangelicals network, this insightful and timely book presents a fresh perspective on evangelical life, faith, and understanding within the Church of England. Avoiding familiar debates and declarations, it instead offers a forward-looking exploration of the identity and core convictions of this diverse and dynamic tradition. Engaging with topics such as the centrality of scripture, theological approaches to life and faith, historical context, and the unique challenges and opportunities of being part of a broad church, the book weaves together thoughtful reflection with real-life stories and conversations from ministry. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand or engage with this vibrant strand of church life.

Playing in the Dust offers a fresh, engaging take on the creation stories, inviting readers to explore these ancient narratives in a new light. David Runcorn brings an adventurous, open-hearted approach to themes like being made in God’s image, freedom and obedience, and the tension between dominion and ecology. Through short, conversational chapters, Runcorn explores key questions about human identity, calling, temptation, rest, and more, helping readers reconnect with the playful wisdom of Genesis. He offers an invitation to return to these familiar stories of our beginnings and rediscover their original gift, as they refresh and guide our journeys of faith and life with God our maker. Here are the foundations for an inspirational, forward-looking and generous faith through which to engage with our emerging world and the questions and challenges with which it presents us.

Reflections for Daily Prayer continues to be one of the most popular and highly valued daily Bible reading companions. Continuing its tradition of excellence, regular favourites and new contributors offer insightful, informed and inspiring reflections on the scripture readings of the day, based on the Common Worship lectionary for Morning Prayer. Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, is the guest contributor for Holy Week. New voices this year include Gregory Cameron, the Bishop of St Asaph and author of the popular An Advent Book of Days and An Easter Book of Days; Chine MacDonald, author, broadcaster and Director of the religious think tank Theos; and Emma Parker, Deputy Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham. For every day (excluding Sundays) of the 2023-24 church year, there are full references and a quotation from the day’s set of Scripture readings, concise and challenging commentary, and a collect. Also included is a simple order for Morning and Night Rrayer, and additional helps for nurturing a habit of regular daily prayer.

Does the Bible really condemn same-sex relationships? Many Christians wrestle with this question. Here, in his compassionate, cogent book, David Runcorn outlines how someone can support same-sex relationships on the basis of the Bible, not in spite of it. The Church, in every time and place, finds itself working out the shock and surprise of God’s unfolding ways – often scandalized by where holiness, goodness and the life of God are to be found. Runcorn’s insightful and moving reflections show how speaking in gospel friendship will help to dispel the anxiety and division that have tended to mark the Church’s response to homosexuality. Covering sexual abstinence and celibacy, sexuality and the sacred, he leads us to one powerful conclusion: love means love. ‘Brim-full of gentle and clear wisdom. Highly recommended!’ PAUL BAYES, Bishop of Liverpool ‘Joyful, truthful, scandalously inclusive . . . This book will literally save lives. It opens the door of grace and beckons you in.’ NICK BUNDOCK, Rector of St James and Emmanuel, Didsbury ‘Liberates us to read our beloved Bible with faithfulness, both to the text and to the fruit of Christ we often see in LGBT+ lives. For a good number of us, it will be met with a cry of “at last!”’. JODY STOWELL, Vicar of St Michael’s Harrow and Chair of London Clergy

Tears are a common experience we rarely discuss, and then only in relation to pain and loss. David Runcorn draws upon a long Christian tradition of seeing tears as a gift to explore their deeper meaning and purpose, their place in human life and their significance for prayer and spirituality. In the early centuries of the church tears were regarded as an extension of baptism or a gift of the Spirit. They were integral to prayer and a vital part of human integration and maturing. Jesus said that those who mourn were 'blessed'. The Language of Tears explores how tears are a natural and important way of processing loss, uncertainty and anxiety, drawing upon theology, scripture, psychology and biology. This accessible and sensitive guide is for all engaged in spiritual direction, counselling or pastoral care.

Lent is one of the three 40-day ‘seasons’ in the church’s year, besides Advent and the period from Easter to Pentecost. The name itself, Lent, derives from an ancient word meaning ‘spring’ or ‘long’, referring to the time of year when days are beginning to lengthen and the world is turning from winter cold and dark to the warmth and promise of spring. During this time, the church calls us to a special period of prayer, self-examination and teaching — and this book has been written to accompany you through that period, a time of turning from winter to spring, from death to life. Dust and Glory ranges across the whole business of living and believing, where the questions are as important as the answers and may call us to deep heart-searching. The goal is always to draw us to authentic faith — a way of living and believing that is real and vulnerable, strong in knowing its limits, rooted in joy and wonder, blessed with the healing and merciful presence of God. Such faith acknowledges both the dust of our mortality and the glory that keeps breaking in with unexpected life, hope and new beginnings.

The ancient people of Israel and contemporary Western society share a preoccupation with the idea of leadership. In this perceptive and engaging book, David Runcorn reveals just how deeply one world can speak to the other. The story of 1 and 2 Samuel opens with a woman weeping. But grief is often the precursor of change, and the answering of Hannah's prayer is revealed in her song as a prophetic sign of God's ways in all the world. As the author then helps us reflect on various revealing episodes, time and again, he enables us to trace the true presence of God in the words, actions or faithful endurance of people on the edge of the 'main' script. And, he suggests, it is in the kind of honest, disciplined attentiveness they display, that the greatest hope for leadership will be found today.

Spirituality Workbook is many things: a book of riches and surprises; a guidebook for explorers who want their spiritual life to go deeper; an invaluable aid for those seeking to travel faithfully in a strange land; and it is itself a journey through the many facets of Christian spirituality. In five sections, David Runcorn suggests an integrated vision for Christian spirituality. 'Then and now' looks at roots, historical and ancient spiritual ways, and the rules of living for diverse communities and their modern relevance. 'Life together' considers the essential role of community in spirituality, while 'Becoming who I am' explores the relationship between spirituality, humanity, identity and the stages of our life journey. 'When you pray . . . examines some of the ways we pray and our understanding of prayer. The final section, 'In the midst of life', is about Christian spirituality lived in the real and sometimes messy world. The author provides numerous inspiring and engaging examples, exercises to bring the text alive and to help us apply spiritual techniques, and suggestions for further reading. All these make this a book to live by as well as one to pray and learn with.

Brings the resurrection 'down to earth', interpreting the strange cluster of stories describing the resurrection appearances.

In this text, David Runcorn talks openly and honestly about the real problems experienced in life. Runcorn looks at the implications of free will, its excitements and its burdens. He also faces head-on tough questions of desire, of feeling overwhelmed, of feeling far from God. His writing should attract those looking for a deeper prayer life and a faith with true integrity. The book has an original and direct approach and an unusual style.