Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The SCLM Report on Prayer Book Revision: Join the conversation

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!