Description of The Anglican Liturgical Tradition
The following comes from my work for my masters, and is offered as descriptive rather than prescriptive. It is an understanding of the Anglican Liturgical Tradition based on the literature reviewed and my experience as an Anglican priest. The key elements of this tradition include the following -
The Anglican Liturgical (ALT) is based on an understanding of worship that is much more than singing praise songs to God. It is about the whole of life, rather than just what happens on Sunday morning. It is an encounter between the living God and God’s church, which changes those who participate, and draws who participate into God’s mission. While there is some debate about who worship is for, it is true that those who engage in worship are to participate in it, rather than observe it as an audience. It invites everyone to take part however they are able. As such Anglican liturgical tradition at its best is accessible to those who attend.
The Anglican Liturgical Tradition has as a cornerstone the prayer books of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. But its genesis goes back beyond these to the earliest liturgies of the Christian church, both from the Eastern and Western streams.
It invites people to worship in common, with those who use the same texts as we use, to worship in common with all who claim use of this liturgical tradition, which all who have and will worship in common with the ancient liturgies on which the Anglican tradition is based. This is expressed in the use of plural language. The act of worship is not about “me”, but about us and God and God’s world. For Anglicans, identity is shaped or found in this worship in common compared with adherence to confessional faith or a particular theology.
However, the Anglican Liturgical Tradition is imbedded within a certain theological framework. Part of this framework is Trinitarian in scope – we’re encouraged to participate with the Son in the power of the Spirit in the worship that is already taking place within the inner life of the Trinity. Part of this framework is Incarnational, that is it understands God to be at work in the world and inviting us into that missional activity.
The Anglican Liturgical Tradition is formational, it shapes both the individuals and the community of faith to be people of mission. It is also transformational, it changes people especially over the long term. It is not primarily missional in itself, but can have a transformational effect on non-Christians who may attend.
The Anglican Liturgical Tradition places high store on the use of scripture. This includes ensuring that large pieces are read out at each service so that those participating can hear it for themselves. It is normal that a lectionary is used for regular services, to ensure that that as much of the scriptures are read as possible over a two or three year cycle, rather than just the preachers favourite passages. At its best the preaching places the story we are hearing within the larger story of scripture – creation, fall, redemption, new creation.
Anglican Liturgical Tradition is much more than words. It includes the use of symbols and actions that enhance and/or interprets liturgy’s words. At its best it uses colour and drama and is multi-sensory.
The ALT has a flow and structure that includes: gathering with others and God; confession –acknowledging our failure to live as we and God desires; hearing God’s word in scripture and sermon; responding to Gods word in prayer (and sermon?) or other activities; gathering around the table for communion; being sent out to live in God’s world. In the Anglican Church in New Zealand this is simplified to this basic structure: GATHER – We gather with God and with each other; STORY: This is where we hear from the Bible and other readings if you want; GO:
As such, the Anglican Liturgical Tradition is outward focusing. At its best it reflects the five fold mission over time: To proclaim the good news of the Kingdom , to teach, baptise and nurture new believers, to respond to human needs by loving service, to seek to transform the unjust structures of society. to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and to sustain and renew the life of the earth.
The Anglican Liturgical Tradition engages with culture in four distinct ways. It is transcultural, contextual, counter-cultural and cross-cultural.
The Anglican Liturgical (ALT) is based on an understanding of worship that is much more than singing praise songs to God. It is about the whole of life, rather than just what happens on Sunday morning. It is an encounter between the living God and God’s church, which changes those who participate, and draws who participate into God’s mission. While there is some debate about who worship is for, it is true that those who engage in worship are to participate in it, rather than observe it as an audience. It invites everyone to take part however they are able. As such Anglican liturgical tradition at its best is accessible to those who attend.
The Anglican Liturgical Tradition has as a cornerstone the prayer books of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. But its genesis goes back beyond these to the earliest liturgies of the Christian church, both from the Eastern and Western streams.
It invites people to worship in common, with those who use the same texts as we use, to worship in common with all who claim use of this liturgical tradition, which all who have and will worship in common with the ancient liturgies on which the Anglican tradition is based. This is expressed in the use of plural language. The act of worship is not about “me”, but about us and God and God’s world. For Anglicans, identity is shaped or found in this worship in common compared with adherence to confessional faith or a particular theology.
However, the Anglican Liturgical Tradition is imbedded within a certain theological framework. Part of this framework is Trinitarian in scope – we’re encouraged to participate with the Son in the power of the Spirit in the worship that is already taking place within the inner life of the Trinity. Part of this framework is Incarnational, that is it understands God to be at work in the world and inviting us into that missional activity.
The Anglican Liturgical Tradition is formational, it shapes both the individuals and the community of faith to be people of mission. It is also transformational, it changes people especially over the long term. It is not primarily missional in itself, but can have a transformational effect on non-Christians who may attend.
The Anglican Liturgical Tradition places high store on the use of scripture. This includes ensuring that large pieces are read out at each service so that those participating can hear it for themselves. It is normal that a lectionary is used for regular services, to ensure that that as much of the scriptures are read as possible over a two or three year cycle, rather than just the preachers favourite passages. At its best the preaching places the story we are hearing within the larger story of scripture – creation, fall, redemption, new creation.
Anglican Liturgical Tradition is much more than words. It includes the use of symbols and actions that enhance and/or interprets liturgy’s words. At its best it uses colour and drama and is multi-sensory.
The ALT has a flow and structure that includes: gathering with others and God; confession –acknowledging our failure to live as we and God desires; hearing God’s word in scripture and sermon; responding to Gods word in prayer (and sermon?) or other activities; gathering around the table for communion; being sent out to live in God’s world. In the Anglican Church in New Zealand this is simplified to this basic structure: GATHER – We gather with God and with each other; STORY: This is where we hear from the Bible and other readings if you want; GO:
As such, the Anglican Liturgical Tradition is outward focusing. At its best it reflects the five fold mission over time: To proclaim the good news of the Kingdom , to teach, baptise and nurture new believers, to respond to human needs by loving service, to seek to transform the unjust structures of society. to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and to sustain and renew the life of the earth.
The Anglican Liturgical Tradition engages with culture in four distinct ways. It is transcultural, contextual, counter-cultural and cross-cultural.
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