Episcopal Press and News

No Title (Services for Trial Use Letter)

Diocesan Press Service. July 20, 1972 [72095]

Dear Sirs:

May your paper be used as a means for stating some possible reasons for supporting "Services for Trial Use" as offering advantages over the 1928 Prayer Book. (1) The Holy Eucharist is stated as "the principal act of worship on the Lord's Day." (2) More opportunities are given for active lay participation. (3) A variety of intercessions and Eucharistic prayers are available. (4) Emphasis on our sinfulness or on the joy of salvation can be varied according to the occasion and season. (5) A far wider variety of Bible readings is offered through the 3 year cycle, with Old Testament selections included. (6) A service of private sacramental confession and one of commitment to Christian service, neither in the 1928 Prayer Book, are available. (7) Saint Joseph, Saint James of Jerusalem and the Blessed Virgin Mary have been given their due honor through new major feast days. (8) The baptismal vows are more meaningful for these times. (9) Modern language that doesn't necessitate previous study to understand is available. (10) Baptism is the only "garment" necessary for a person to receive Holy Communion according to the rubrics, as our Lord intended it to be.

Sincerely,

Louis Logan (signed)