The Church must throw off old attitudes, renew its spirituality and refocus its mission if it is to flourish as it enters a new period of exile. Preparing for exile and living in it means learning from those who were ‘exiles’ in their own day - men and women who challenged the Church to remain fresh and engaging. Exiles from the Bible and from all traditions of the Church are recalled, including Benedict, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Luther, Wesley and Pascal.

While drawing strength from past experiences of exile, Whitworth considers new ways of doing mission and how to revitalize our spirituality. Prepare for Exile will encourage and inspire all those who want to know how we can truly ‘sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land’.

‘Whitworth writes, as ever, with experience and wisdom - this is a realistic and encouraging contribution to the discussion on the challenges facing the Church.’

Revd Dr Alison Morgan, author of The Wild Gospel