Clare Heath-Whyte: Biographer of the neglected & ‘unfamous’
Andrew Atherstone
Biography is perennially popular, one of the best-selling and most absorbing forms of historical writing.
Many biographies focus on the rich and famous, the movers and shakers, the politicians, warriors, celebrities and adventurers who have changed the world. But one of biography’s unique strengths is that it also allows marginal and neglected voices to take centre stage. Characters who are normally written out of the narrative step forward into the limelight. They may not have won great battles, led international campaigns, or created seismic shifts in global culture, but every life is fascinating and every voice has much to teach.
John Collins: from Langham Place to HTB
Andrew Atherstone
A well-known evangelical who moved into
charismatic renewal, John T.C.B. Collins,
has died.
Ordained in 1951, John served for six years as
an assistant curate at All Souls’ Langham Place,
in central London. His training incumbent was John Stott, the pre-eminent leader of post-war
Anglican Evangelicalism. John Collins focused
especially on ministry for families, and launched
an innovative family service that filled St Peter’s,
Vere Street, in the All Souls’ parish.
Oxford’s 25 missions
Andrew Atherstone
In February, the Christian Union at Oxford University launches a major mission to students: Andrew Atherstone delves into the archives.
Tim Keller and Os Guinness are in town.