NEITHER ORTHODOXY NOR A FORMULARY

Available from mid-May 2004 from The Prayer Book Society, P.O. Box 35220, Philadelphia, PA. 19128-0220.

The Prayer Book Society of the U.S.A. has pleasure in announcing the publication of a most important Book, which explains in the clearest of terms why it has consistently for many years stated that the ECUSA 1979 Prayer Book -- whatever its merits as experimental liturgy --is neither a genuine Book of Common Prayer nor a true Formulary of the Anglican Way.

Neither Orthodoxy nor a Formulary. The Shape and Content of the 1979 Prayer Book of ECUSA

It is written by two priests who have been studying liturgy, doctrine and the language of prayer for a long time, and who have cooperated in the writing of several books. They are:

• The Rev’d Dr. Louis R. Tarsitano, who is a professor of English and a rector of an Anglican church in Savannah, Georgia; and

• The Rev’d Dr. Peter Toon, who is a retired professor of theology and the rector of two village parishes in the Church of England.

In the Book, the authors explain the necessity of Formularies for the public profession of Christianity and show what are the Anglican Formularies. Then they examine the major aspects and parts of the 1979 Prayer Book to see whether they rise to the level required to be an orthodox formulary. In particular they look at the Catechism, the Eucharist, Baptism, Ordination and doctrine through language. Further, the authors explain what has been understood to be Common Prayer through the centuries and demonstrate clearly that the 1979 Book belongs to the modern type of prayer book known as “A Book of Alternative Services.”

Many Episcopalians will not like the conclusion of this Book; but, all serious-minded clergy and lay leaders ought to read it if they are truly concerned with the reform, renewal and regeneration of the Anglican Way in the U.S.A. Reform must be based upon Truth.

Available from The Prayer Book Society, P O Box 35220, Philadelphia, PA. 19128-0220, or via its web site – www.anglicanmarketplace.com or by phone 1 800 727 1928, for $12.50 including post & packing (PA residents add tax).

Also available from the Prayer Book Society:

Neither Archaic nor Obsolete, the language of Public Worship and Common Prayer, also by Tarsitano & Toon, $14.00 (including post).

The Annotated Holy Communion Service of 1928, with notes by Peter Toon, $7.00 (including post).