Prof. Bryan David Stuhlman's Occasions of Grace, a study of the pastoral and episcopal services in the Book of Common Prayer, articulates a sacramental theology as ecumenical as it is Anglican. He succeeds in presenting complex ideas with such skill that the reader of average intelligence with interest in reading liturgical theology should find this well-documented volume readable.

Perhaps Dr. Stuhlman's organized approach contributes significantly to this book's clarity. That is, he starts with baptism and shows how Holy Communion nourishes the Christian throughout life. This eucharistic gift interweaves with pastoral offices comprising Marriage, Reconciliation of a Penitent, Ministration to the Sick, Ministration at the Time of Death, Burial of the Dead, plus a section devoted to Ordination.

Prof. Stuhlman views the pastoral offices as liturgical gatherings which grace individuals at high and low points of living. Through such worshipful sharing, God's grace transforms individuals through Christ's death and Resurrection. The author discusses all of this while substantiating research by making ample references to scripture as well as to church fathers such as Augustine and John Chrysostom.

All persons interested in the grace-filled richness of liturgy ought to obtain a copy of this book and digest its contents. Lutherans and Episcopalians and all students of ecumenism ought to think about the important points Stuhlman raises. Occasions of Grace stands as a scholarly, clearly written and multifaceted piece of liturgical theology.

Ed Ambrose Las Cruces, N.M.