Yes - but the BCP liturgy is still more participatory than either the latin
mass or the pared-down reading-and-sermon services with which the puritans
tried to replace it.
In reply to Chris- it is actually surprising how many people had their own
prayer books by the early C16, and there was a range of utilitarian early
printings available (see Duffy, *Stripping of the Altars* for details of
some of these).
And on a totally different subject. I was surprised to find such a heavy
emphasis on (female) virginity in the early Irish church - it's certainly
not shared by the church in Wales. (Yet another argument against the
concept of a 'Celtic' spirituality?) Of course we did have virgin saints,
and saints whose lives were defined by virginity and its defence (eg
Gwenfrewi/Winifred). But there were also non-virgin saints including
Gwladus, wife of St Gwynllyw and mother of St Cadoc, who is credited with
founding and leading at least two religious communities.
I think the dating of the stories may be crucial here. It is possible that
some of the Welsh stories may have been modified over time to place a
heavier emphasis on chastity.
Maddy
>Ah, but what makes you think they were expected to participate? The
>Calvinist view of liturgy expected the people to listen passively to what
>was said by the minister. If you look at the rubrics of the BCP you will
>find that many things which are now customarily said by the priest and
>people together are actually appointed to be said by the minister on behalf
>of all those present.
>
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