Monica Furlong

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Monica Furlong (January 17, 1930 – January 14, 2003) was a British author, journalist, and activist.

Many of Furlong’s books reflected a deep interest in religion and spirituality. She was especially noted as a biographer, writing about John Bunyan (1975), Thomas Merton (1980), Alan Watts (1986) and Therese of Lisieux (1987). In addition she authored books covering such diverse topics as the spiritual life of aboriginals (1995), medieval women mystics (1997), and the Church of England (2000). She also wrote a popular series of children’s novels set in medieval England: Wise Child, Juniper, and Colman. Her autobiography was published in 1995.

Furlong began her writing career as a freelance journalist in the 1950s. She then worked for The Spectator as a regular columnist writing on religious subjects . In 1961 she started writing feature articles for the Daily Mail where she remained for the next seven years.

In the 1960s Furlong became involved in religious reform. In her first book, With Love to the Church (1965), she expressed her beliefs in an inclusive Church and sided with those who felt excluded. She became supporter of the cause of women in the Anglican Church. In the 1980s she campaigned for the ordination of women and when that goal was reached she called for the appointment of women to senior Church positions.