The Oxford Handbook of the Book of Common Prayer

Abstract This volume considers the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) in its widest sense, including the various historic and more recent editions bearing that title in churches throughout the Anglican Communion and also modern books in various parts of the Anglican Communion that fulfill the same function. Introductory chapters consider the Prayer Book and Anglican identity, the impact of colonialism, approaches to Prayer Book revision in different Anglican Provinces, the influence of the BCP on other liturgical traditions and their influences on the BCP, and supplemental books. Significant attention is given to inculturation of worship, in an introductory chapter and in several chapters throughout the volume. Several chapters consider the language of the BCP, including questions of translation and inclusive and expansive language. Because the Prayer Book is not just a text but also a script for worship, the Handbook includes chapters on worship space, rubrics, and music. The remaining sections consider theologies and practices of the liturgical year, Christian initiation (baptism, confirmation, admission to communion), services of the word (daily offices and eucharist), eucharist, ordination and ministry, and pastoral offices. While many of the chapters introduce historical background, the focus is the interpretation and use of contemporary Prayer Books, with attention to the impact of the twentieth-century Liturgical Movement. Since the 1980s, Anglicans have met through the International Anglican Liturgical Consultation (IALC) to consider principles for liturgical revision and to share news of developments in their home Provinces, and several chapters take note of the findings of these consultations.