New Book From Tarsitano and Toon

From the authors of NEITHER ARCHAIC NOR OBSOLETE: the language of Common Prayer and Public Worship (2003) there is now also available NEITHER ORTHODOXY NOR A FORMULARY: the Shape and Content of the 1979 Prayer Book of the Episcopal Church (May 2004).

Louis R Tarsitano & Peter Toon, having explained and defended the nature, purpose and practical use of the received language of public prayer, turn their attention in the new book to asking whether the 1979 Prayer Book of the ECUSA is or can be a true Formulary of the Anglican Way.

They explain what is a Formulary and the critical place of such in the orthodox Anglican Way.

Then they examine the Catechism, the Eucharistic Services, the Baptismal Service, the way that ancient texts are translated, the nature of Common Prayer and other related matters. They do so in order to ascertain whether or not the shape and content of the 1979 Book can be regarded as presenting and containing orthodoxy and reformed Catholicism.

Their conclusions are:

• That in and of itself the 1979 Book does not contain a clear confession of orthodox doctrine.


• That the 1979 Prayer Book belongs to the liturgical genre which Anglicans have called “A Book of Alternative Services” rather than a classic Book of Common Prayer. Thus it was an error by the ECUSA to call this book by the same title as the historic Prayer Book of the Anglican Way.


• That as a "Book of Varied and Alternative Services," it can only rise to be counted as orthodox if – and only if -- it is understood and used in the light of the doctrinal standard of the historic editions of the classic Book of Common Prayer (1662-1928).


• That the 1928 edition of the classic Book of Common Prayer ought to be restored as the primary Formulary of the Episcopal Church and of all Anglicans in the USA.


• And, that with the right Formulary and spirit, there is hope for the renewal of the Anglican Way in the USA.

A MUST READ for all desiring reformation & renewal.

AVAILABLE from The Prayer Book Society, P.O.Box 35220, Philadelphia, PA. 19128-0220, or on line from www.anglicanmarketplace.com or by phoning 1 800 727 1928 for $12.50 including post and packing (PA residents PLEASE add sales tax).

UK orders send e mail to peter@toon662.fsnet.co.uk for details of how to obtain.