Episcopal Press and News
Liturgical Commission Begins Its Work
Diocesan Press Service. December 5, 1967 [60-2]
What constitutes trial use of the New Liturgy of the Lord's Supper? According to the General Convention resolution which authorized trial use for the next three years, this question is left to the diocesan bishop.
In an effort to assist diocesan bishops to formulate their answers the Standing Liturgical Commission approved a series of guidelines during its meeting Oct. 20 - 22 in Chicago. These guidelines are in the form of suggestions which can be adapted to local situations. They are designed to ensure adequate use of the new liturgy so that parish members can form a valid response. Use for a sufficient length of time, use under a variety of circumstances, taking advantage of the flexibility of the new liturgy, and an opportunity for comparison between the new liturgy and the present service in the Book of Common Prayer are all items the Commission feels should be considered in framing directives on trial use.
The Commission is also concerned to gather meaningful comments to guide it in preparing a revision of the Book of Common Prayer, a major task given the Commission by General Convention.
During its meeting the Commission elected officers for the next three years. The Chairman is the Rt. Rev. Chilton R. Powell, Bishop of Oklahoma; vice-chairman, the Rev. Massey Shepherd, Jr.; and secretary-treasurer, the Rev. Canon Charles M. Guilbert.
The Commission in other action welcomed the Rev. Leo Malania, newly-appointed coordinator for Prayer Book revision. Father Malania is vicar of St. David's Church in Queens and will continue his parish work while commuting to the Executive Council headquarters in Manhattan. Before his ordination, Father Malania was closely associated with the work of the United Nations and from 1949 to 1965 was a senior member of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General.
The Commission also drew up a list of 205 nominees for consultants on Prayer Book revision. They include 29 bishops, 125 clergy and 51 lay persons. Their appointments will be requested from the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop.
At its next meeting, to be held in Dallas Jan. 28 - 30, the Commission will consider criteria for Prayer Book revision, including questions of language, format and style.