The death of Professor Ann Loades CBE in December 2022 has robbed us of a fine theologian and much-loved teacher. The papers in this issue reflect both of those aspects of her life, to which we should add also her love of ballet which she taught almost until her death. Four of the authors were students of Ann’s and went on to become colleagues and lifelong friends. The essays by Alison Jasper and Bridget Nichols focus upon two elements that lif at the heart of Ann’s life and work – her feminism and her sense of the sacramental not only in worship but also in the whole of life. Other essays indicate how much she was a trailblazer in her professional life, often at considerable personal cost. We have included the text of the sermon that was preached at Ann’s funeral. Though critical of much in the Anglican church in England and Scotland, Ann remained a faithful servant of it throughout her life.
We conclude with a review of Ann’s last book, published posthumously and edited by Stephen Burns, Explorations in Twentieth-century Theology and Philosophy: People Preoccupied with God.