One of the motions at the last General Synod which almost flew under the radar was a call to have a thorough revision of liturgical texts for use in the Anglican Church of Canada. Prayer Book traditionalists were concerned that the motion would eliminate the BCP from common use, and replace it with a mishmash of “modern” or “Post modern” liturgies. In the end, the amended resolution which passed called for Faith Worship and Ministry to come up “fresh new expressions” for use in the Anglican Church of Canada. Resolution A226 was amended, so that only “contemporary language rites” would be subject to the proposed revisions. While I applaud the possibility of “fresh new expressions”, I find that, like the case of the rites for the catechumenate, the early drafts of such liturgies (pdf) leave a lot to be desired.
I think that the Anglican Church can certainly benefit from a critical self examination in the area of liturgy, particularly when it comes to such liturgies as a means of sharing the Gospel with a largely "post Christian" culture. However, I think there could is room for improvement:
“Journeying Beyond: A Pilgrimage of Exodus after Confirmation”
Rationale for the Rite:
It is well known in Anglican circles that Confirmation, while a significant milestone in forming a life of discipleship, is too often seen as an exit time for many young people from the community of the Church. Recognizing this to be the case, the Faith Worship and Ministry Committee, following the guidelines of A226 (GS 2007), has developed the following experimental liturgy: “Journeying Beyond: A Pilgrimage of Exodus after Confirmation”. The proposed liturgy would be used with those young people who have undergone Confirmation, but have decided (either at the time of Confirmation or shortly thereafter) to formally disassociate themselves from the Anglican Church of Canada. It seeks to honour their personal seeking in an authentic way, while at the same time giving shape to a form of return. In so doing, the spirit of autonomy inherent in a national church is fostered and nurtured in one of its most important constituent member groups: its youth.
Background and History:
While the theme of Exodus has firm Scriptural roots in terms of an overall progression to the Promised Land (though not in a terms of a permanent contemporary political entity), it is also recognized that this Exodus was a time of “wandering”. Indeed, the concept of wandering is an integral part of a mature faith, for without this constant wandering, we cannot follow, even in a geographic sense, the itinerant nature of Jesus’ own wanderings as articulated in the Synoptic Gospels. Recognizing that, in many cases, late adolescence is a natural time for such wanderings, we seek to encourage young people in their journey away from the Church, trusting that they will return when their own children need baptism, and thus setting in motion the continuous circle of the journey of faith, where both parents and newly baptized can then wander away again, to return at times of infinite transition (eg "funeral").
The Shape of the Rite:
Gathering of the Community:
The Presider should enter from a side door, rather than process via the center aisle. The newly confirmed should enter from whichever direction they choose. A large, broken compass may be placed on the altar.
One: "Not all who wander are lost."
All: "And also with you."One: "The universe expands in all directions."
All: "As does our faith. There are no boundaries, only frontiers!"One: "N., you have been brought to this place through the workings of Mystery. We, as the community in which you have been nurtured, now set you free. As Abram left the home of his ancestors, so we set you free to leave this, the home of your spiritual ancestors. As you grow, you must shed the old skin. There may come a time when you return: we may be here, or we may not. Your journey endures forever."
The Presider then hands the Traveler a broken compass:
"Receive the signpost of our faith. Let no direction dictate your footsteps."The Traveler takes the compass and covers it with a cloth. The colour of the cloth will be determined by the liturgical season.
Traveler: "Everyone who seeks will find. How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again. It’s always been the same, same old story."
Presider: The service continues on page 185.
All stand, as the traveler exits by a side door.
Update: The Diocese of Saskatchewan website has an important press release from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Man, you had me there, Joseph!!
Posted by: The Sheepcat | April 01, 2008 at 02:24 AM
Bravo
Posted by: Donald | April 01, 2008 at 05:55 AM
The news just broke in time for April 1. Please feel free to email your comments or concerns to the Faith Worship and Ministry Committee regarding this new liturgy.
Posted by: joseph | April 01, 2008 at 08:49 AM
What's the date today??
Posted by: Kate | April 01, 2008 at 11:12 AM
eerily resonant though.
Posted by: cpm | April 01, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Absolutely wonderful!
Posted by: Susan | April 01, 2008 at 05:45 PM