Book of Common Prayer Is Adopted by the Church of England
The Book of Common Prayer is a significant text within the Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church. Formulated under the guidance of Thomas Cranmer during the reign of King Henry VIII, it emerged as a foundational document following the English church's separation from the Roman Catholic Church. The prayer book was officially mandated by the First Act of Uniformity in 1549, which required its use in church services, marking a pivotal change in Anglican worship practices. It presented a simplified liturgy in the vernacular English, moving away from traditional Latin, which aimed to make religious services more accessible to the general population. Over the years, the Book of Common Prayer has undergone various revisions and adaptations, reflecting the evolving nature of Anglican worship. Additionally, versions of the text have been created for use by other Anglican communities, notably in the United States. The adoption of this prayer book has played a crucial role in shaping the identity and practices of the Church of England and its worldwide affiliates.
Book of Common Prayer Is Adopted by the Church of England
Book of Common Prayer Is Adopted by the Church of England
The prayer book of the Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church, is formally entitled The Book of the Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church According to the Use of the Church of England. Popularly called the Book of Common Prayer, it was drafted under the supervision of Thomas Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury, during the reign of King Henry VIII. It was part of the formation of the new Church of England after the English church separated from the Roman Catholic Church. By the First Act of Uniformity, passed by the English parliament on January 21, 1549, during the reign of Henry VIII's son Edward VI, use of the Book of Common Prayer became mandatory effective on Whitsunday, which that year fell on June 9. The new prayer book set forth a simplified version of the Roman Catholic liturgies and did so using the vernacular, rather than Latin. The Book of Common Prayer has been revised and amended on several occasions over the centuries, and versions have also been produced for use by sister churches in the United States.