More Than Caring and Sharing

Church schools are different not because they are exclusive but because they are distinctive. But just what constitutes this distinctiveness? It is more than a matter of ‘caring and sharing’.

This timely book seeks to help all concerned with education in church schools to explore this question. John Cox, a recently retired Diocesan Director of Education, suggests that even Christian values are not enough – it is the beliefs that underpin these values that makes the real difference: belief about God, about what it is to be human, about the Church and about the world. This is worked out in terms of the Kingdom values such as justice, forgiveness, gratitude, generosity, truth and love.

With chapters that also include a critique of the Every Child Matters agenda, and RE and Collective Worship, this is an invaluable book for head teachers, governors and parish clergy.

Quotes on this title
‘Education is always at the centre of society’s attention, and the place of the Church in education has never been under so much scrutiny. Meanwhile the Church of England is saying that church schools are at the centre of its mission. John Cox’s level-headed and informative book is therefore very timely and deserves to be widely used as a background to all that’s emerging in contemporary debate. Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest – then take courage and get involved.’
The Right Reverend John Pritchard
Bishop of Oxford and Chairman of the Church of England Board of Education and National Society


‘John Cox has written a book that will be of immense value to Governing Bodies, Boards of Education and Headteachers especially of church schools. Three things mark this book out as a unique and timely contribution to the Christian education of children. First, it is grounded in clear, orthodox and practical theology. It explains why communicating the depths of the Christian tradition is so enriching for children.
Secondly, it is full of wise, practical advice and suggestions which are accessible and useful.
Thirdly it reflects the pastoral sensitivity and accumulated experience of its author acquired over many years as a Parish Priest, Cathedral Canon and Archdeacon.

This is a gem of a book, the best of Anglicanism and something for all the church schools in my own Diocese.’
The Right Reverend Tim Stevens
Bishop of Leicester

‘A Secretary of State for Education once observed that in general, church schools shared a plus factor, if he knew what it was he would “bottle it”. John Cox who was a highly respected and popular Diocesan Director of Education delves down into what should be really distinctive about the ethos of a church school, and of Church of England schools in particular. This is a timely and helpful book which will benefit all involved with church schools, but which also makes a fine contribution in support of what is offered in such schools.’
The Right Reverend Nigel Stock
Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich