Not totally true that Parliament is the ultimate authorizing body for CofE
liturgy. Under the Worship and Doctrine Measure 1975 the BCP 'retains its
authority as a doctrinal standard' (ASB, p.10) but authority to revise
liturgy is devolved to the General Synod [of which I am a member]. The
Alternative Service Book 1980 was the first new prayer book to be produced
under the new arrangements. Interestingly, the second, Common Worship -
which will be fully authorised from Advent Sunday 2000 - includes both
modern and traditional language and orders of service 'to give a clear
signal that both have an appropriate place in the worship of the CofE today'
(CW: Planning for Change, p. 6). Members of Parliament guard jealously the
rights of their constituents, and for some, particularly one who is also a
member of GS, this includes the right to worship according to the BCP if
they so wish. But new services etc are not seen, debated, nor voted on by
members of either House of Parliament.
-- --
Penny Granger
23 Chesterton Towers
Cambridge CB4 1DZ
01223 354961
[log in to unmask]
homepage: http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/terrace/rcd95/penny/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|