This book is an expanded volume of optional commemorations of significant figures in the history of the Episcopal Church. It replaces the popular Holy Women, Holy Men. By action of the 2015 General Convention, A Great Cloud of Witnesses is being made available for devotional or catechetical use and for use in public worship throughout the Church.

GCW reflects the lively experience of holiness, especially on the level of the local community. GCW is accordingly a useful tool for learning about the history of the church and identifying those who have inspired and challenged us from the time of the New Testament to the present.

Each entry includes a biographical narrative of the person or people, highlighting the significance of their life and witness. A devotional collect is provided in both Rite I and Rite II language and a set of indexing “tags” suggests how the entry fits into the broader scope of Christian history and delineates the Christian gifts and virtues that may have inspired the person’s ministries.

Also available as a 3-ring hardcover foil stamped binder with loose leaf pages and tabs. The binder allows for insertions and deletions by action of future General Conventions without repurchasing the bound edition.

Read an excerpt