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A SCHEME to encourage people back to church is being supported with a call for parishes to re-introduce traditional services at mainstream times.

Back to Church Sunday next month (Sept 28) aims to get thousands to return to the pews they once occupied. One organisation says it provides the ideal opportunity to re-engage with those who turned away when traditional services were replaced with contemporary alternatives.

The Prayer Book Society works to promote the Book of Common Prayer which dates from 1662 and is still the bedrock of our nation’s church. It says ever since modern services started to replace the traditional, through the Seventies and Eighties, congregations have been in decline. The national society warmly welcomes the Church’s drive to encourage people back and says it is much easier than many think to find a Prayer Book service.

“The 1662 Prayer Book is the traditional service book of the Church of England, and it contains the Church's historic beliefs”, says a spokesman. “The good news is that many parishes still use the Prayer Book, although in some it’s relegated to early morning Communion and Evensong, whereas we feel it still has a place in the main Sunday service.”

Now the national society, which operates in each of the Church of England dioceses, is urging parish priests to hold at least one Prayer Book service on Back to Church Sunday and promote the fact to parishioners. “Many churches introduced new-style services in the belief that they would increase attendance, but the statistics suggest that the opposite is true”, according to Prudence Dailey the Society’s chairman. “We are encouraging people to search out their nearest Prayer Book service – and it’s easier to find than many think.”

The Prayer Book Society has a directory of churches using traditional services which is available at www.pbs.org.uk or from local PBS branches. “We hear from many people who really miss the Prayer Book services they know and love”, adds Miss Dailey. “But in fact there are a lot of cathedrals and churches still using them, and our website is a good place to find out those in a particular area.” --end--

Members of the international prayer book societies will be active during the whole of the Lambeth Conference.

Those from the PBS in England will be joined in Canterbury by representatives of the Prayer Book Societies of the USA and Canada, where they will be lobbying the bishops (and their spouses), making useful contacts and highlighting the importance of the Book of Common Prayer at the heart of Anglicanism. They will also be calling for the proposed Anglican Covenant to contain strong references to the Historic Formularies of Anglicanism, including the Book of Common Prayer.

"The event is a key opportunity for us to promote the Book of Common Prayer", says PBS Chairman Prudence Dailey. "We will be at Canterbury in strength, with a temporary Conference headquarters just across the road from the Conference site,from where we can make contact with bishops and their spouses from all around the world. Historically, the Book of Common Prayer has held Anglicans together. Nowadays, some Provinces of the Anglican Communion use the 1662 Prayer Book, or something very like it, as their main service book; while others have more or less abandoned it. It is perhaps no coincidence that the Anglican Communion is now facing such a crisis of disagreement when we have lost our common thread, and we will be encouraging all the bishops to rediscover their Anglican roots in the Book of Common Prayer."

As well as hosting receptions and handing out literature and news-sheets (as the Prayer Book Societies did at Lambeth ten years ago), we will also be running a dedicated website, www.PrayerBookAtLambeth.org which will be updated with news, views and comment relating to the Lambeth Conference and the Book of Common Prayer.

There are background articles on the website already along with lots more as the Conference gets underway. The PBS is asking all its members to take a look and to encourage local clergy and your bishops to do so, as well.

There will also be a regular newsletter from the Society during the conference. --end--

ADOPTING well-known, traditional church services can be the answer to getting larger congregations according to a survey into patterns of worship.

The startling finding has been revealed by the Prayer Book Society, the national charity which campaigns to promote and preserve the use of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. This is the traditional service book of the Church of England, and it contains the Church's historic beliefs.

During the survey, in the West Midlands, one priest unwittingly admitted that the reason a nearby church had such good attendance was because ‘they only have the Prayer Book there, so consequently they have bigger congregations’.

The news has been warmly welcomed by the Prayer Book Society chairman Prudence Dailey. “While our members will have known for years that using the 1662 Book of Common Prayer helps to maintain a loyal congregation, to have it from the words of a parish priest, and spoken almost jealously, is something of a revelation”, she says.

More worryingly, perhaps, was the apparent ignorance of those who dismissed the notion of a traditional service, thereby alienating many parishioners because, as they said, ‘we have a lot of children so, of course, we have to use modern language’.

Such an idea is dismissed by Miss Dailey who is a member of the Church’s ruling General Synod. “Every year hundreds of young people, aged 11 to 18, take part in our Cranmer Awards”, she explains. “Hearing them declaiming the words of the Book of Common Prayer so articulately, and with such conviction, gives the lie to the myth that young people and the Prayer Book don’t mix. It’s simply not true”

The PBS thinks the growing tendency for clergy to feel they have to put together their own services is simply putting unnecessary extra pressure on already hard-pressed ministers. “Vicars today often oversee several parishes, so could do without the burden of creating their own orders of service”, says Peter Bolton from the PBS in Coventry.

The Prayer Book Society’s mission is to inform all congregations, and would-be congregations, that the 1662 book is still officially retained by the Church of England and is as relevant today as it was when it was published over 300 years ago.

Anyone who feels cheated because traditional services are not offered at their local church can log on to www.pbs.org.uk and find the nearest church offering what they want. Alternatively, contact the Society to find out how to bring Prayer Book services back to your parish. --end—

CHURCH of England bishops are being asked today (June 2) to consider tradition when ordaining new priests and deacons.

The call comes from the Prayer Book Society as Petertide approaches (end June), the traditional time for ordinations.

The national charity campaigns to promote and preserve the use of the Book of Common Prayer (1662). It is the traditional service book of the Church of England, and it contains the Church's historic beliefs.

“Bishops are given the choice to use the traditional or the modern alternative”, says PBS chairman Prudence Dailey. “And we strongly encourage them to look at what the Prayer Book has to offer.”

There is a reminder of the value of using the Book of Common Prayer on such occasions in the Church’s recent ‘Transforming Worship’ report. This recommends that bishops ‘give attention to the use of the BCP at episcopal services’, mentioning ordinations, consecrations and confirmations.

“The publication of the report, specifically mentioning the BCP is very encouraging”, according to Miss Dailey who is a member of the Church’s ruling General Synod. “Bishops have every reason to consider using the traditional rite for this most important service.”

The Revd Paul Thomas is deputy chairman of the Prayer Book Society and a member of the Liturgical Commission which produced the report. He hopes that those responsible for organising ordinations will consider the recommendations made by the Liturgical Commission.

“The encouragement given to bishops to use the BCP ordination rite reminds us that in the BCP the Church has a powerful treasury rich in prayer and praise which is more than capable of speaking afresh about the love of God in our generation”, says the Revd Paul Thomas. “We need to remember that without our history we risk forgetting ourselves.”

The Bishop of Wakefield, Chairman of the Liturgical Commission, recently ordained his son using the BCP ordination service.

The 1662 Ordinal has now been re-published by Church House Publishing which means it appears in an accessible modern edition, so there is every reason for it to be used more widely throughout the Church. --end—

A SURREY church has been praised by a national organisation for sticking to its traditional roots.

St Nicolas, in Pyrford (near West Byfleet), is a well presented Norman village church. Today it defiantly uses only services from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

It’s a move which has been recognised by the national Prayer Book Society which has members across the country in each of the Church of England’s dioceses.

“While many of the country’s churches have forsaken tradition in favour of guitars and tambourines, happily this is not the case at St Nicolas”, according to a Prayer Book Society spokesman.

“The rural Surrey church sticks to the Prayer Book which goes down very well with the congregation.” Some passers-by may think the mid-twelfth century church to be little used, like others gracing out countryside. But nothing could be further from the truth as any Sunday visit will confirm. Services start with an 8am Communion and run through to a quiet Evening Prayer.

“The services are well attended, the building is well lit and the church seems full”, according to Ted Gibson from the congregation. “In fact, the close proximity of the preacher means the sermon can feel more like a chat.”

“The congregation is rightly proud of the tradition”, adds the spokesman. “Many of our members feel there is a loss of reverence in modern services, whereas the 1662 Book of Common Prayer is firmly rooted in the Bible and is irreplaceable as the guarantee of orthodoxy, dignity and beauty in the Church’s worship.”

The Church scores ten-out-of-ten for authenticity from the Prayer Book Society. More details about the Prayer Book Society and membership information from its website www.pbs.org.uk --end--

CHURCHGOERS are being asked to help a national charity record traditions which date back many hundreds of years.

The Prayer Book Society promotes the 1662 Book of Common Prayer which is the basis of the Anglican faith around the world. Today, though, the historic book is often neglected and its services condemned to ‘off peak’ times despite their heritage.

Now the society has launched a drive to complete its unique website directory which lists churches, up and down the country, still using the old services.

“We need help from churchgoers everywhere to compile the most comprehensive and up-to-date register of prayer book services”, says the Prayer Book Society chairman, Prudence Dailey. “There are many, many people who are prepared to travel miles each week to attend a traditional service, and we are always being asked where they are taking place. Now, with the help of people across the country, we will be able to provide a reliable and meaningful database.”

To add details of a church service, simply go to www.pbs.org.uk and click on Churches and Services. The society hopes to have its new, fully searchable directory in place by the summer. “It will be possible to search by diocese, city or town”, adds Prudence, “or to find a particular service such as the much neglected morning prayer, or Matins, service.”

Currently no one, not even the church authorities, knows everywhere that traditional services are held. The new database could be of use to academics, tourists and historians, as well those seeking a church in which to worship, hopes the PBS.

As well as listings on its new database, the charity will be including some of the churches in its regular magazine, the PBS Journal. --end--

A DERBYSHIRE clergyman has been commended for following a centuries’ old edict which has seen an end to pulpit sermons at his evening services.

Andrew Montgomerie, rector of Eyam and vicar of Baslow, has instead turned to the ancient writing of the 1662 Catechism, from the Book of Common Prayer, to instruct his Sunday congregations.

The text is intended to prepare people for confirmation, and covers the very basics of Christian life – beginning with Baptismal promises and covering Christian belief, Christian behaviour and Christian belonging.

The practice has gone down well in the parishes. “I have found the congregations most appreciative”, says Mr Montgomerie, who finds his flock regularly looking up the text in their Prayer Books. “For some it is a reminder of childhood and youth, preparing for Confirmation. For others, it is a novel experience”, he says. For the Rector himself, it is ‘enormously rewarding’. He believes the old Catechism is not too long, nor too complicated, but comprehensive.

It’s a move which has also delighted the national Prayer Book Society which fights to promote and preserve the use of the traditional service book of the Church of England which contains the historic beliefs.

In an age when the Book of Common Prayer is increasingly endangered by indifference, and undermined by neglect the re-introduction of the Catechism in Derbyshire is to be ‘commended’ according to the Society. It hopes other parish priests will follow the example set in Derbyshire.

“In many churches, the 1662 book is not used at all, whilst in others it is marginalised to ‘off-peak’ times”, according to PBS Chairman Prudence Dailey. “Too often, younger churchgoers and newcomers to the church have barely even heard of it”, she adds.

For the Derbyshire priest, he believes it’s an excellent opportunity for catechizing and for instruction in the Christian faith, amid the hustle and bustle of the modern world. “Most teenagers and young people are very busy during the week”, he says, “but for both young and old, Sunday evenings seem to be convenient.”

He feels too many of our worldly-wise congregations are sadly lacking in basic Christian understanding – not only of vital doctrines, but also of Christian morals. Perhaps the new approach in Eyam and Baslow will rectify this. --end—

A DEVON church has been praised by a national organisation for sticking to its traditional roots.

St Blaise, in Haccombe, was built in 1233. Today it defiantly uses only services from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

It’s a move which has been recognised by the national Prayer Book Society which has members across the country in each of the Church of England’s dioceses.

“While many of the country’s churches have forsaken tradition in favour of guitars and tambourines, happily this is not the case at St Blaise”, according to a Prayer Book Society spokesman. “The south Devon church sticks to the Prayer Book which goes down very well with the congregation – Vivat Sanctus Blasius!.”

Unusually, the Rector of the church hold the rare title of Archpriest – a privilege founded in medieval times and ratified in 1913 by King George V. This entitles him to wear lawn sleeves, like a bishop, and a fur stole, or amyss.

“The congregation is rightly proud of the tradition”, adds the spokesman. “Many of our members feel there is a loss of reverence in modern services, whereas the 1662 Book of Common Prayer is firmly rooted in the Bible and is irreplaceable as the guarantee of orthodoxy, dignity and beauty in the Church’s worship.”

The Church merited two stars in Simon Jenkin’s ‘England’s Thousands Best Churches. --end--

THE national finals of the 2008 Cranmer Awards were held in Mary Sumner House, Westminster on 23 February with a very strong field of young contestants from across the country.

In fact, the 'strongest ever' according to Lesley Cook the chairman of the judges for the senior awards (15-18 years).

The prizes were presented this year by The Very Reverend Canon John Hall, Dean of nearby Westminster Abbey.

Both the Senior and Junior winners, by co-incidence, chose the same passages to recite (from memory) for the finals - the Collect, Epistle and Gospel readings appointed for St Thomas the Apostle.

The contest was not new to Senior Winner Zoe Hallam - she had taken part three years earlier in the Junior Section. And the Junior Section (11-14 year olds) winner this year, William Bishop, had his elder brother Joseph for company as he won through to the finals of the Senior Section.

Zoe was said, by the judges, to have exemplary 'connection' - connection with the text and connection with the audience. This made her the senior winner. While young William, the judges said, produced a wonderfully 'prayerful' performance which was well conveyed - "he lived up to his surname", said chairman of the junior judges Revd Dr Stephen Young.

This year's youngest finalist was 11 year-old James Evans from Ludlow whom the judges praised for his commitment to master his chosen passages - the Te Deum and the Jubilate Deo (Psalm 100), both canticles from Cranmer's service of Morning Prayer.

All the participants were congratulated on their performances and went home with a certificate to show that they were 2008 finalists.

THE author and compiler of the centrepiece of the Anglican church was remembered at a special ceremony on Saturday 15 March, 2008 at the spot in Oxford city centre where he was executed.

Archbishop Thomas Cranmer’s martyrdom in 1556 was marked by the organisation concerned with preserving and promoting his most famous work, the Book of Common Prayer.

The Prayer Book Society’s event began with a service of Matins (or Morning Prayer) at 11.00 in Exeter College Chapel, Turl Street, Oxford. This will be followed by a procession to the Martyrs’ Memorial in St Giles where a wreath was laid.

This replicates the route taken by Cranmer from his trial to his place of execution.

The actual anniversary is on 21 March but since that fell on Good Friday, the commemoration was moved and the opportunity taken to stage it on a Saturday in order to attract a wider audience.

A SURVEY, conducted by the Prayer Book Society has revealed a glaring gap in one part of the country. “There has been a decline in traditional services offered in the diocese compared to a similar survey carried out a number of years ago”, says the Prayer Book Society’s Peter Bolton.

“The service to suffer most is Matins, or Morning Prayer which is in danger of being wipedout altogether in the Coventry area”, he adds, “while there has been a slight increase in evening services of Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer.”

The research has also highlighted a worrying ignorance of ancient traditions among church bosses in the area, and the availability of 1662 services.

“Research like this is invaluable”, claims the Prayer Book Society’s chairman Prudence Dailey. “Only with such ammunition can we lobby relevant Bishops to encourage them to offer their congregations a choice of church services, the traditional as well as the modern.”

The Society, which has hundreds of members around the country, arranges regular training sessions for members of the clergy, to introduce them to the wealth of material in the Book of Common Prayer. These result in an increased choice of services for churchgoers.

“Clearly Coventry needs to be our next target”, adds Miss Dailey. “We shall work hard to encourage parishes to offer more traditional services and offer advice and support as needed.”