Transformed Heart, Transforming Church: The Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion

Selina, the Countess of Huntingdon (1707-1791) has a special place in the history of the Revival because she was one of its most prominent women advocates. Selina's influence, however, reached deep, extending not only into her circle of aristocratic friends and contacts but also into the heart of strong relationships with the leading evangelists of the day, not least George Whitefield and both the Wesleys. She gained a hearing for the Revival where it might not otherwise have gained entry and brought the 'new birth' into the drawing rooms of the aristocracy, where it was not always welcomed. Selina's heart had been transformed by the gospel, and she sought out avenues to enable the gospel to transform her church. Less well-known is that Selina was at the heart of the conflict for the soul of the Established Church. The lessons are salutary for today. Dr. Richard Turnbull is Director of the Centre for Enterprise, Markets and Ethics. He has a wide range of experience in business, the church and public life. He holds a degree in Economics and Accounting and spent over eight years as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst and Young. Richard also holds a first class honours degree in Theology and PhD in Theology from the University of Durham. 'Richard's previous publications include Anglican and Evangelical?, Shaftesbury, the great reformer, Reviving the Heart (a history of the Revival) and A Passionate Faith (what makes an evangelical). He is also a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.' He was ordained into the ministry of the Church of England in 1994. He has served on the General Synod and was a member of the Archbishops' Council, the Chairman of the Synod's Business Committee and chaired a number of church working parties including a review of the remuneration of the clergy. Richard was in pastoral ministry before being appointed Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, in 2005 where he served until becoming the Director of the Centre in 2012.Read less