Episcopalians are aware that within their official Prayer Book – that dated 1979 – there are two forms of The Eucharist, one in so-called “traditional language” and one in “contemporary language”.
Many Episcopalians think that the traditional-language service. Rite One, is much the same as “The Order for Holy Communion” in the editions of the American BCP dated 1789, 1892 and 1928.
In fact, this assumption is incorrect. Certainly there is the use of the basic text of 1928 in 1979 but it has been highly edited. Further, and most importantly, it has been pressed into a new SHAPE or SEQUENCE OR STRUCTURE in order to be of the same shape as the new material in the contemporary-language Rite Two texts.
The Prayer Book Society has now published an attractive booklet, THE SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION ANNOTATED, which has the 1928 text on the left hand side and then notes of explanation on the right hand side. It is intended for laity, for confirmation classes and so on, but clergy may also benefit from its valuable notes.
For those who really want to know what has been the classic TEXT and RITE of the Anglican Way in the USA since 1789 then the reading and considering of this booklet is a necessity! At least then they will be aware of what are the true choices for sacramental worship and what is the text from which eucharistic doctrine, as such, is deduced for classical Anglicans.
To order a copy either call 1 800 PBS 1928 or go to the website, www. anglicanmarketplace.com and please send me any comments. thanks, PT.
The Rev'd Dr. Peter Toon M.A., D.Phil. (Oxon.),
Christ Church, Biddulph Moor & St Anne's, Brown Edge
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