The Church of England has a problem. People are simply not attending services, and many no longer profess a belief in God. Meanwhile, the church is engaged in a struggle between forces that would approach this calmly and without pressuring people, and those who wish in your face conversion efforts. One priest becomes the target for those wishing stronger conversion tactics; he is being watched. Meanwhile, a young priest has been bitten by the evangelical bug. The work lays out the positions of each group according to its lights, and refrains from taking sides. The story is interesting and the characters well drawn, but it is not as compelling as it could be, given the situation. Too many side stories complicate the ability of the work to fully satisfy. ( )

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