The Anglican Liturgy Essay -- Religion/Spirituality

â€Å"†¦the Prayer Book is not only a manual of public devotions, it contains the fullest statement of the teaching of the Church†. This understanding of the prayer book as the dominant treatise of Anglican belief is central to this essays argument that the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer (1979), and particularly its rite of Baptism, has fundamentally shifted Anglican thinking and liturgical practice in relation to Eucharist and ministry. We will explore this argument by first clarifying what is said in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), especially within its preface to the rite of Baptism, comparing this to the Book of Common Prayer 1662, to elicit differences and subtle nuances within the theology expressed. The consequences of these changes in relation to Eucharistic practice and invitation will then be explored, particularly the way in which confirmation is understood in the new schema. Following this, we will seek to understand the impact that this has had upon t he Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia and how it has affected our Anglican Identity liturgically and ecclesiologically, especially in regards to ministry. Finally, we will offer a small critique of the liturgical understanding of Baptism as full initiation to the Eucharistic table, drawing upon biblical images and Church teaching to pose questions of whether this is appropriate. ‘Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body the Church’. These few words are the initiatory comments in the Book of Common Prayer (1979) concerning the rite of Baptism and the purpose of the service. Within them lies an understanding that, while possibly implicit, in previous Prayerbooks had not been made clear, or was deliberate... ...can Style. July 10, 2010. http://anglocatholic.net/2010/07/10/communion-anglican-style/ (accessed May 14, 2012). The Church of England. The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church according to the use of The Church of England. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1662. The Church of the Province of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. A New Zealand Prayer Book/He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa. Auckland: Collins, 1989. The Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church : together with the Psalter or Psalms of David according to the use of the Episcopal Church. New York, NY: Church Hymnal Group & Seabury Press, 1979. White, James F. Introduction to Christian Worship. 3rd Edition. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2000.