Through resolution A169, the
2015 General Convention directed the Standing Commission on Liturgy
and Music (SCLM) "to prepare a plan for the comprehensive revision of
the current Book of Common Prayer and present that plan to the 79th
General Convention."
At the outset, it's important to
remember that General Convention did not ask the SCLM to begin revising
the Book of Common Prayer! Rather, it asked for the construction of a
plan for revision for the 79th General Convention (2018) to consider.
The request was for a thorough and linear process. No efforts to revise
the Book of Common Prayer took place this triennium, because that was
not what the SCLM was asked to do. The Episcopal Church, through
General Convention, has yet to decide whether to revise the prayer
book. It will have that conversation this summer at the 79th General
Convention in Austin, Texas (July 5-13, 2018)
The SCLM report to General Convention proposes two options: a) a comprehensive plan for full-on prayer book revision, and b) a plan for a deeper, church-wide engagement with our existing prayer book, which includes a proposal for translations in Spanish, French, and French Creole. The considerations of the SCLM Report on Prayer Book Revision are plentiful and varied.
The SCLM hopes that you will take the time to read the report, and use the SCLM blog to ask questions as well as offer your insights and opinions. Welcome to the conversation!
