Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music Collecting Data on Congregations
Episcopal News Service. May 16, 2002 [2002-123-5]
In response to General Convention resolution A066, the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music is developing a pair of questionnaires that will provide more data on the congregational worship life.
The first questionnaire will identify current patterns and practices in Sunday worship and the second has been sent to 10 people in each diocese, chosen by the bishop to represent the diversity of the diocese in all aspects of its life, according to an announcement by the Rev. Bruce Jenneker of Boston, co-chair of the commission, and the Rev. Clay Morris, the church's liturgical officer. They pointed out that the commission was 'making history in its implementation of the resolution' because this is the first time the commission is seeking the advice of congregations, since the 1979 Prayer Book was drafted. It is also the first time it has used the Internet to gather information.
Jenneker and Morris report that the response to both questionnaires 'has been very good.' The congregational survey response has been over 20 percent and the diocesan survey has been sent to over half the dioceses--and half have already reported.
Once the date has been collected, a committee will begin the process of interpretation so that it can be published in the General Convention Blue Book.
For further information contact the Office of Music and Liturgy at the Church Center (800-334-7626) or e-mail to cmorris@episcopalchurch.org.