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Please review this FAQs below for background information about whether and how liturgical resources have been authorized by The Episcopal Church. This background information is taken from the Constitution, Canons, and Acts of General Convention. We request updates and corrections: please send them to [email protected] .
The Book of Common Prayer
How is the Book of Common Prayer 1979 Authorized in The Episcopal Church (TEC)?
The Book of Common Prayer "shall be in use in all the Dioceses of this Church" (Article X of the Constitution) and is "the Standard Book of Common Prayer of this Church" (Canon II.3).
The Book of Common Prayer "shall be in use in all the Dioceses of this Church" (Article X of the Constitution) and is "the Standard Book of Common Prayer of this Church" (Canon II.3).
How is the Book of Common Prayer 1979 modified or revised?
Article X of the Constitution also governs how the Book of Common Prayer may be altered, and the most recent version of the Book of Common Prayer 1979 conforms to the 2015 General Convention. Alternations must be passed by both houses (by orders in the HOD) at two consecutive General Conventions. Revisions have included updates to the Calendar (see Resolution 2009-A095) and updates to the Lessons read in specific worship services in the book (see Resolution 2015-A067).
The Lectionary may be updated as well (See Resolution 2006-A077), and the rules governing how that happens are also detailed in Article X of the Constitution .
Article X of the Constitution also governs how the Book of Common Prayer may be altered, and the most recent version of the Book of Common Prayer 1979 conforms to the 2015 General Convention. Alternations must be passed by both houses (by orders in the HOD) at two consecutive General Conventions. Revisions have included updates to the Calendar (see Resolution 2009-A095) and updates to the Lessons read in specific worship services in the book (see Resolution 2015-A067).
The Lectionary may be updated as well (See Resolution 2006-A077), and the rules governing how that happens are also detailed in Article X of the Constitution .
Enriching Our Worship
How is Enriching Our Worship Authorized by TEC?
Enriching Our Worship is "authorized for use" by numerous Acts of Convention.
While it is true that Enriching Our Worship is not explicitly authorized by either the Constitution or Canons of The Episcopal Church, its use is implicitly allowed under the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and explicitly "authorized for use" by numerous Acts of Convention." This authorization aligns with page 13 of the BCP 1979 which states, "In addition to these services and the other rites contained in this Book, other forms set forth by authority within this Church may be used."
Note that Enriching Our Worship is not authorized "for Trial Use."
There are six volumes of Enriching Our Worship:
Enriching Our Worship is "authorized for use" by numerous Acts of Convention.
While it is true that Enriching Our Worship is not explicitly authorized by either the Constitution or Canons of The Episcopal Church, its use is implicitly allowed under the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and explicitly "authorized for use" by numerous Acts of Convention." This authorization aligns with page 13 of the BCP 1979 which states, "In addition to these services and the other rites contained in this Book, other forms set forth by authority within this Church may be used."
Note that Enriching Our Worship is not authorized "for Trial Use."
There are six volumes of Enriching Our Worship:
- Enriching Our Worship 1 Morning and Evening Prayer, The Great Litany, The Holy Eucharist
- Enriching Our Worship 2 Ministry with the Sick or Dying, Burial of a Child
- Enriching Our Worship 3 Burial Rites for Adults together with a Rite for the Burial of a Child
- Enriching Our Worship 4 The Renewal of Ministry with the Welcoming of a New Rector or Other Pastor
- Enriching Our Worship 5 Liturgies and Prayers Related to Childbearing, Childbirth, and Loss
- Enriching Our Worship 6 The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant
Do I need the Bishop's Permission to use Enriching Our Worship?
No. Resolution 2018-D046 authorized Enriching Our Worship for use without the permission of the Bishop.
No. Resolution 2018-D046 authorized Enriching Our Worship for use without the permission of the Bishop.
Can Enriching Our Worship be used at the "Principal Service" on Sunday Morning?
Yes. General Convention Resolution 2018-D046 authorized Enriching Our Worship 1-5 across the whole church. Prior acts of General Convention limited that authorization by noting that with permission was granted only "under the direction of a bishop exercising ecclesiastical authority," but Resolution 2018-D046 omitted that restriction.
Yes. General Convention Resolution 2018-D046 authorized Enriching Our Worship 1-5 across the whole church. Prior acts of General Convention limited that authorization by noting that with permission was granted only "under the direction of a bishop exercising ecclesiastical authority," but Resolution 2018-D046 omitted that restriction.
Prior Versions of the Book of Common Prayer
Are any prior versions of the Book of Common Prayer authorized?
Yes. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer is partially authorized by Resolution 1979-A121 and Resolution 2000-B042.
Resolution 1979-A121 is provided in full below:
Resolved, That this 66th General Convention declares that the Book of Common Prayer of 1979, having been adopted in accordance with Article X of the Constitution of this Church, has thus become the official liturgy of this Church; and
This Convention declares further, That the Book of Common Prayer of 1928 is a rich part of the liturgical heritage of this Church, and that liturgical texts from the 1928 Prayer Book may be used in worship, under the authority of the Bishop as chief pastor and liturgical officer, and subject to the directions of the Convention, as set forth in the appended guidelines; and
This Convention declares further, That this action in no way sanctions the existence of two authorized Books of Common Prayer or diminishes the authority of the official liturgy of this Church as established by this Convention.
GUIDELINES FOR CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP
The Book of Common Prayer of 1979 provides the liturgical norm for our congregations. The General Convention adopts the following guidelines:
1. That there be continuing study of the 1979 Prayer Book;
2. That the congregation develop a worship committee to work with and advise the Rector or Vicar;
3. That individual worshipers be encouraged to participate actively in the liturgy;
4. That the congregation make itself familiar with music composed for the new Book. In congregations where liturgical texts from the 1928 Book are in use after the 1979 General Convention:
5. The calendar and lectionaries of the 1979 Book shall be used;
6. Copies of the 1979 Book be available for congregational study and worship;
7. Provision shall be made for the regular and frequent use of the 1979 Book.
Resolution 2000-B042 reaffirmed Resolution 1979-A121 and also stated that “for pastoral reasons, the texts of the Daily Offices and Holy Communion contained in the 1928 edition of The Book of Common Prayer remain available for occasional use under the ecclesiastical authority subject to the guidelines for supplemental liturgical materials.”
Yes. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer is partially authorized by Resolution 1979-A121 and Resolution 2000-B042.
Resolution 1979-A121 is provided in full below:
Resolved, That this 66th General Convention declares that the Book of Common Prayer of 1979, having been adopted in accordance with Article X of the Constitution of this Church, has thus become the official liturgy of this Church; and
This Convention declares further, That the Book of Common Prayer of 1928 is a rich part of the liturgical heritage of this Church, and that liturgical texts from the 1928 Prayer Book may be used in worship, under the authority of the Bishop as chief pastor and liturgical officer, and subject to the directions of the Convention, as set forth in the appended guidelines; and
This Convention declares further, That this action in no way sanctions the existence of two authorized Books of Common Prayer or diminishes the authority of the official liturgy of this Church as established by this Convention.
GUIDELINES FOR CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP
The Book of Common Prayer of 1979 provides the liturgical norm for our congregations. The General Convention adopts the following guidelines:
1. That there be continuing study of the 1979 Prayer Book;
2. That the congregation develop a worship committee to work with and advise the Rector or Vicar;
3. That individual worshipers be encouraged to participate actively in the liturgy;
4. That the congregation make itself familiar with music composed for the new Book. In congregations where liturgical texts from the 1928 Book are in use after the 1979 General Convention:
5. The calendar and lectionaries of the 1979 Book shall be used;
6. Copies of the 1979 Book be available for congregational study and worship;
7. Provision shall be made for the regular and frequent use of the 1979 Book.
Resolution 2000-B042 reaffirmed Resolution 1979-A121 and also stated that “for pastoral reasons, the texts of the Daily Offices and Holy Communion contained in the 1928 edition of The Book of Common Prayer remain available for occasional use under the ecclesiastical authority subject to the guidelines for supplemental liturgical materials.”
Use of other Eucharistic Prayers & Liturgies that are not authorized by TEC
Can "Rite 3" be used at the "Principal Service" on Sunday Morning?
Yes, but only if the liturgy conforms to Rite 3, and the Eucharistic Prayer to be used was submitted to the Bishop in advance in writing, and explicit permission has been granted by the Bishop.
Resolution 2015-D015 reads as follows:
"Resolved, That a bishop exercising ecclesiastical authority may authorize a congregation to use “An Order for Celebrating the Holy Eucharist” (BCP pp. 400-405) at a principal Sunday or weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist, if the Eucharistic Prayer is written and submitted in advance of its use to the Bishop; while the BCP states that the rite “is not intended for use at the principal Sunday or weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist,” the BCP does not forbid its use in such contexts."
Resolution 2015-D015 does not specifically address the rubric on page 402 of the BCP 1979, "In making Eucharist, the Celebrant uses one of the Eucharistic Prayers from Rite One or Rite Two, or one of the following forms." However, Resolution 2015-D015 aligns with page 13 of the BCP 1979 which states, "In addition to these services and the other rites contained in this Book, other forms set forth by authority within this Church may be used."
Therefore, a Eucharistic Prayer that is neither Rite One, Rite Two, nor Form 1 (BCP 1979 pp. 402-403) or Form 2 (BCP 1979 pp. 404-405) may be used on Sunday as long as it has been written and submitted to the Bishop in advance of its use and authorized for use by the Bishop.
Yes, but only if the liturgy conforms to Rite 3, and the Eucharistic Prayer to be used was submitted to the Bishop in advance in writing, and explicit permission has been granted by the Bishop.
Resolution 2015-D015 reads as follows:
"Resolved, That a bishop exercising ecclesiastical authority may authorize a congregation to use “An Order for Celebrating the Holy Eucharist” (BCP pp. 400-405) at a principal Sunday or weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist, if the Eucharistic Prayer is written and submitted in advance of its use to the Bishop; while the BCP states that the rite “is not intended for use at the principal Sunday or weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist,” the BCP does not forbid its use in such contexts."
Resolution 2015-D015 does not specifically address the rubric on page 402 of the BCP 1979, "In making Eucharist, the Celebrant uses one of the Eucharistic Prayers from Rite One or Rite Two, or one of the following forms." However, Resolution 2015-D015 aligns with page 13 of the BCP 1979 which states, "In addition to these services and the other rites contained in this Book, other forms set forth by authority within this Church may be used."
Therefore, a Eucharistic Prayer that is neither Rite One, Rite Two, nor Form 1 (BCP 1979 pp. 402-403) or Form 2 (BCP 1979 pp. 404-405) may be used on Sunday as long as it has been written and submitted to the Bishop in advance of its use and authorized for use by the Bishop.
Can Eucharistic Prayers and Liturgies from other Communions be used?
Yes, as long as they conform to the use of Rite 3 above as allowed in the BCP or by Resolution 2015-D015. In other words, the Bishop must give permission.
Yes, as long as they conform to the use of Rite 3 above as allowed in the BCP or by Resolution 2015-D015. In other words, the Bishop must give permission.
Can a Bishop give blanket permission across a diocese?
Yes, as long as the prayers have been written down and conform to the use of Rite 3 above as allowed in the BCP or by Resolution 2015-D015.
Yes, as long as the prayers have been written down and conform to the use of Rite 3 above as allowed in the BCP or by Resolution 2015-D015.
Can a Bishop give permission to a congregation to experiment without having to submit prayers?
Maybe.
Resolution 2018-A068 states:
"Resolved, That bishops engage worshiping communities in experimentation and the creation of alternative texts to offer to the wider church, and that each diocese be urged to create a liturgical commission to collect, reflect, teach and share these resources with the TFLPBR;"
A broad reading of Resolution 2018-A068 indicates that Bishops have wide latitude in how the "engage worshiping communities in experimentation and the creation of alternative texts". A narrow reading of Resolution 2018-A068 must take into consideration Resolution 2015-D015.
Maybe.
Resolution 2018-A068 states:
"Resolved, That bishops engage worshiping communities in experimentation and the creation of alternative texts to offer to the wider church, and that each diocese be urged to create a liturgical commission to collect, reflect, teach and share these resources with the TFLPBR;"
A broad reading of Resolution 2018-A068 indicates that Bishops have wide latitude in how the "engage worshiping communities in experimentation and the creation of alternative texts". A narrow reading of Resolution 2018-A068 must take into consideration Resolution 2015-D015.
The Lectionary
How is the Lectionary authorized or modified?
"The General Convention may at any one meeting, by a majority of the whole number of the Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by a majority of the Clerical and Lay Deputies of all the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies, voting by orders as previously set forth in this Article: Amend the Table of Lessons and all Tables and Rubrics relating to the Psalms." - Article X of the Constitution.
"The General Convention may at any one meeting, by a majority of the whole number of the Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by a majority of the Clerical and Lay Deputies of all the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies, voting by orders as previously set forth in this Article: Amend the Table of Lessons and all Tables and Rubrics relating to the Psalms." - Article X of the Constitution.
Which Lectionary is authorized?
There are several authorized lectionaries in The Episcopal Church:
Sundays & Holy Days
The Revised Common Lectionary (as amended) is authorized for use in The Episcopal Church for Sundays and Holy Days (See Resolution 2006-A077). The lessons in specific liturgies throughout the Book of Common Prayer 1979 were amended by Resolution 2015-A067 to conform to the Revised Common Lectionary.
Resolution 2012-B009 allowed that "worshiping communities wishing to use the lectionary for Sundays and Holy Days as originally printed in the Book of Common Prayer (1979) may do so, with the permission of the Ecclesiastical Authority."
Daily Office
The Book of Common Prayer 1979 Daily Office Lectionary is authorized.
Weekday Eucharist
Resolution 2015-A056 authorized for trial use the liturgical resource entitled, “Weekday Eucharistic Propers 2015." This resource has never been unauthorized and the trial period had no end date.
Lesser Feasts and Fasts - See below "Which Calendar is Authorized"
There are several authorized lectionaries in The Episcopal Church:
Sundays & Holy Days
The Revised Common Lectionary (as amended) is authorized for use in The Episcopal Church for Sundays and Holy Days (See Resolution 2006-A077). The lessons in specific liturgies throughout the Book of Common Prayer 1979 were amended by Resolution 2015-A067 to conform to the Revised Common Lectionary.
Resolution 2012-B009 allowed that "worshiping communities wishing to use the lectionary for Sundays and Holy Days as originally printed in the Book of Common Prayer (1979) may do so, with the permission of the Ecclesiastical Authority."
Daily Office
The Book of Common Prayer 1979 Daily Office Lectionary is authorized.
Weekday Eucharist
Resolution 2015-A056 authorized for trial use the liturgical resource entitled, “Weekday Eucharistic Propers 2015." This resource has never been unauthorized and the trial period had no end date.
Lesser Feasts and Fasts - See below "Which Calendar is Authorized"
The Calendar
How is the Calendar authorized or modified?
The Calendar in the Book of Common Prayer is modified as any other change to the Prayer Book - it takes two consecutive conventions. First something is approved for trial use, then it is added to the Calendar. Resolution 1994-A078 & Resolution 1997-A080 and Resolution 2006-A063 & Resolution 2009-A095 provide a good example of how this is done.
Lesser Feasts and Fasts (similarly Holy Women, Holy Men and Great Cloud of Witnesses) provide an additional / expanded calendar. These books and the calendars in them must be authorized by General Convention. (See Canon II.3.5)
General Convention 2015 specified what the Criteria for Calendar additions was.
The Calendar in the Book of Common Prayer is modified as any other change to the Prayer Book - it takes two consecutive conventions. First something is approved for trial use, then it is added to the Calendar. Resolution 1994-A078 & Resolution 1997-A080 and Resolution 2006-A063 & Resolution 2009-A095 provide a good example of how this is done.
Lesser Feasts and Fasts (similarly Holy Women, Holy Men and Great Cloud of Witnesses) provide an additional / expanded calendar. These books and the calendars in them must be authorized by General Convention. (See Canon II.3.5)
General Convention 2015 specified what the Criteria for Calendar additions was.
Which Calendar is Authorized?
The Calendar of the Church Year found in the Book of Common Prayer was most recently altered in 2009 - see Resolution 2009-A095.
Resolution 2024-A129 authorized Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2024.
Resolution 2018-A065 requested that the SCLM provide the 80th General Convention in 2021 with a clear and unambiguous plan for a singular calendar of Lesser Feasts and Fasts. 2022-A013 created "A Plan for Clarifying the Calendar of The Episcopal Church."
The Calendar of the Church Year found in the Book of Common Prayer was most recently altered in 2009 - see Resolution 2009-A095.
Resolution 2024-A129 authorized Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2024.
Resolution 2018-A065 requested that the SCLM provide the 80th General Convention in 2021 with a clear and unambiguous plan for a singular calendar of Lesser Feasts and Fasts. 2022-A013 created "A Plan for Clarifying the Calendar of The Episcopal Church."
