From what I have observed, the voices on prominent publishing platforms that are praising the excellencies of “liturgy” to the American evangelical world are often likely those that do not submit themselves to the rule of the historic liturgies of the Church. In the Anglican world, this looks like folks who are using either post-Vatican II/Liturgical Movement-inflected revisions of the 20th century OR bespoke lectionaries/liturgies they’ve made for themselves or patched together from all over the place.
Challenges of Revisionist “Liturgicality”
In fact, this revocation and even death of the commons is THE giveaway of revisionist “liturgicality.” It’s not the cassock albs, the industrial worship music, or the weird stoles (quilted or otherwise). Most new editions of the “Book of Common Prayer” are actually just Book[s] of Occasional Services that leave the congregation vulnerable to its pastor’s liturgical whims, or the pastor to the whims of forceful parishioners that want him to choose the other options provided.
Seeking Authenticity in Worship
Force these folks to submit to a 1-year lectionary, a fairly strict dress code for vestments, and an unwavering adherence to “say what’s in black and do what’s in red,” and you’ll find out who’s really into “ancient pathways” and “submitting to things outside yourself.”
Understanding Worship Principles
It’s not the normative principle of worship we often see in this pro-liturgy literature. It’s the same ole post-Finney consumeristic principle of worship. It just happens to play around with seasonal colors and to understand that habits are important–and yet even those are often reduced to spiritual “hacks.”
Historical Perspectives on Liturgical Change
On the flip side, fogeys also have to be kind and patient here. Some of these folks are vaguely aware that something happened “back there” (60s-80s) that changed the fundamental nature of western liturgical practice and piety, but they often don’t realize what that something was. In fact, I’m sure many of their teachers and mentors assured them that it was all quite good or necessary. If these pro-liturgical converts had been raised in a very bare, anxious-emotionalist-revivalist-enthusiastic context, ANYTHING that is close to ceremony and a habitual rite is a breath of fresh air. And it just happened to be the revisionists that first offered that breath of fresh air to them.
Personal Reflections and Invitation
I know I was blessed to receive some solid instruction and mentoring from orthodox folks committed to the Anglican patrimony, total newbie that I was. Let’s strive to be a blessing to others. Let’s catechize with all patience and love. Live the life, and invite others to share in it.
-The Rev. Barton J. Gingerich, 12/1/2023
St. Jude's Anglican Church
We are a parish of the Reformed Episcopal Church. We have been worshiping together in the greater Richmond area for over a decade. We’d love to have you join us for Christian worship in the rich Anglican tradition.
