The title of Bob Scott’s new book says it all.

For over a half a century he has been in the middle of most of our arguments, national and ecclesiastical.

This 445-page autobiography gives the inside story on the ministry of this “turbulent priest,” a label not always kindly bestowed by those who met Bob in his advocacy and anti-racism work.

He describes himself on the book cover as faithful, radical, gay and story teller.

Interestingly, “faithful” is the first adjective. For all the political  confrontations and complications of his career, in the ecumenical and anti-apartheid movements, working for Wellington’s Inner City Ministry, the Student Christian Movement, the International Coalition for Development Action (ICDA), the National Council of Churches and  finally the World Council of Churches’ Programme to Combat Racism, there a steady and clear sense of vocation that underwrites these pages.

Bob writes:

  “Very soon after my ordination I sensed that I would be terrible in parish work and that I maybe had the ability to move my priestly contribution into a wider field. The story of the Father reaching our to the Prodigal Son is a strong parable for me, and it has guided and inspired me. We don't have to look for God, God finds us.”

This is an important book historically for anyone interested in social justice; inside stories about the intersection of government, church and community action are told here for the first time.

The Anglican record in Aotearoa over the last half century would be incomplete without this publication. If you have been around this church for any length of time you are bound to meet people you know in these pages and learn new things about them.

It is also an important human story of a gay priest who kept the faith as often (in spite of the church) as because of it. Not often are such stories told so honestly and without rancour or bitterness.

“In the middle of it” will be in bookshops from January but is now available online at www.smallfish.co.nz/shops/bob-scott for $25 plus $4 postage.

Payment via Paypal on that online address or send a cheque to Bob Scott at 53a Rangatira Rd, Beach Haven, Auckland 0626. Internet banking ANZ 060115010130312