Anglo-Saxon church councils c. 650-c. 850
By: Catherine Cubitt.
Series: Studies in the early history of Britain
Publisher: Leicester University Press; Distributed exclusively in the USA by St. Martin's Press
Published: 1995
Place of publication: London; New York; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 363
Subjects: Councils and synods -- England -- History.; England -- Church history -- 449-1066.
Description: Of major importance to the Anglo-Saxon church in the period c.650-c.850, church councils played a vital role in the organisation of church life, as well as functioning as a forum for the meetings of kings and bishops.

This study investigates fundamental issues of organisation: How frequently did Anglo-Saxon church councils meet? Who attended? Where did they meet? By answering such questions, Cubitt reveals the prominent role of church councils within Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical and political developments. Individual case studies of councils and their canons focus on their contribution to the reform and development of the Church, while continental comparisons provide a much wider contemporary framework.

The significant political and ecclesiastical changes of the time are reflected and illuminated by this fascinating history of Anglo-Saxon church councils, which illustrates the reforming initiatives of Anglo-Saxon bishops in response to contemporary pressures, and reveals tensions between the sacred and civil power.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [327]-354) and index.