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The Revd Dr Andrew Davison explained that the concept of 'Fresh Expression of Church' had arisen out of a report entitled 'Mission-Shaped Church'. Its aim was to find creative ways to reach people who are completely beyond the inherited nature of church. This might find the form of a youth congregation, a bible study group, etc. The motivation behind this book is (a) to address the theological and philosophical shortcomings in the report (b) to highlight the lack of developed ecclesiology (c) to support parish priests. There was a lack of biblical exegesis and doctrine; we also have to speak up for what we understand the church to be, he said. He stressed that this was not a catholic versus protestant issue, and that he would like to see Fresh Expressions become something associated with the parish church.

The Revd Prof Alison Milbank chose to open with a Holy Sonnet by Donne, 'Show me, dear Christ, thy Spouse, so bright and clear', explaining that it described women having a reputation for embracing those whom they met, and so should the Church. 'Fresh Expressions' goes against the traditional idea of church and the danger is that it encourages networks to develop which have no connection with the community, with the parish, with Anglicanism, with the daily offices. The parish is crucial for lending identity to communities; the parish church is crucial to the mediation of a community which needs a holy place. Liturgy forms people ethically. The church's mission and gospel require resourcement to build people with theology so they can transform their lives and those around them.

Professor Peter Hennessy admitted that he is by instict a constitutional reformer. The reforms that are currently underway are the biggest Britain has experienced since 1832. We must be aware that sudden constitutional change can lead to unfortunate consequences; Britain has a tendency to go through substantial change of this kind in a state of anaesthesia. We certainly do need more intervention in government than an election every four or five years, he said. Government itself also needs more people of knowledge: in the House of Lords there are plenty of scientists, but that is not true of the Commons. Everyone involved in the election process needs to raise their collective game - and that includes the electorate.