Large liturgies Books received for (Continued) review generations present at the liturgy on its own level. Preachers in the liturgical tradi- Spiritual Exercise: Based upon Paul’s The Church in a Postliberal Age, George tion will want to seriously consider, along Letter to the Romans, Joseph A. Fitzmey- A Lindbeck, J.J. Buckley, Ed, (Eerdmans, with parish catechists, Fr Wisdom’s con- er (Revised Edition, Eerdmans, 2004). 2003). tention that separating the worshipping VOLUME X | ISSUE 3 | ALL SAINTS 2004 community according to age unintention- Paul on Marriage and Celibacy: the Hel- Gather Into One: Praying and Singing ally fosters the breakdown of family and lenistic Background of 1 Corinthians 7, Globally, C. Michael Hawn, (Eerdmans, community. In light of the decline of many Will Deming, (Eerdmans , 2004). 2003). General Synod 2004: parishes since the advent of separate Sun- day morning programs for children the au- One Equall Light, An Anthology of the The Psalms: Strophic Structure and The 37th General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada met thor challenges us to avoid the temptation Writings of John Donne, Compiled and Theological Commentary, Samuel Ter- edited by John Moses, with a forward rien, (Eerdmans, 2003). Making in St. Catharines, at Brock University, in late May and early to divide congregations: children to their Sunday morning catechesis and teenagers by Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of June. It was an excellent Synod, replete with thoughtful and to special liturgies or groups. He makes a Canterbury, (Eerdmans, 2003). If you would like to review one of these respectful debate, difficult decisions on difficult issues, and filled powerful plea for aiding the recovery of vi- books please contact John Hodgins at all things tal and integrated Christian communities On the Reliability of the Old Testament,
Niagara, is Past Chair of Liturgy Canada the agenda was necessarily inward-looking. AESTHETICS OF CHRISTIAN TRUTH along with their traditional liturgies into John W.B. Hill David Bentley Hart (Eerdmans, 2003) and chaired the General Synod Worship The election and installation of a new pri- the Roman Communion in the USA. The Committee. He was a member of the 2004 mate, our ongoing attempts at reconcilia- With provision has not, to date, been extended t may be that the Spirit moved at Gen- General Synod Planning Committee and tion with our aboriginal partners, and the his work is an elegant rendering of to Canada or the U.K.. This book, arguably, eral Synod to prevent us from fl ying outlines specifi c decisions of the Synod divisive issue of same-gender relationships philosophical and patristic learn- marks the fi rst publication of a distinctive apart at the seams; but now we need which relate to liturgical practices. He were primarily concerned with internal One ing by an Eastern Orthodox schol- “use” authorized in the Roman Rite and to ask what exactly the Spirit may have also notes some of the problems in creat- church matters. The forceful exception was I T ar who is thoroughly conversant incorporating elements of the English been telling us. ing worship resources and services for this the passionate speech by Stephen Lewis with Western thought. The author builds a (Anglican) liturgical tradition since the It is generally acknowledged that pass- large gathering of representatives from about the tragedy of AIDS in Africa. Lewis theology of love and beauty by addressing Sarum Use. The large volume (974 pages) ing the motion to affi rm “the integrity and across the broad spectrum of the national challenged the Church to see beyond its Voice? four elements of Orthodox Faith: Trinity, includes two rites each for the Daily Of- sanctity of committed adult same-sex rela- church. internal preoccupations in order to reach Creation, Salvation and Eschaton. He then fi ce, Holy Eucharist, Holy Baptism, Holy tionships” was in part a reaction to the dis- David Fletcher reminds us that allow- out to people who are trying desperately tackles the Market as this age’s chief “prin- Matrimony and The Burial of the Dead as appointment many members felt because ing individual dioceses to keep or abolish to survive. His speech reminded the Synod cipality” exploring how the beauty of the well as both the traditional Coverdale Psal- of the previous day’s action: the passing marriage commissions seems reasonable that the Church cannot and should not ex- Gospel has power to engage the imagina- ter and The Psalter: Contemporary from of the emended motion which deferred and fl exible, but that the effect of differing ist for itself. tion of those who are seeking truth amidst the U.S. Episcopal Book of Common Prayer affi rmation of the authority and jurisdic- practices may prove confusing for couples I was privileged to be a member of the the spent philosophies of the late twentieth (1979). The rites in both hieratic (Rite 1) tion of any diocese to authorize the bless- and clergy. The challenges of creating wor- worship committee of Synod and, conse- century. Writing as a contemporary Amer- and contemporary (Rite 2) language are ing of committed same-sex unions, and ship services for major events are May- quently, was able to experience General ican scholar, Hart reveals both the waste- harmonized with Roman Catholic doc- the request for the Primate’s Theological lanne Maybee’s concern as a deacon and Synod for the fi rst time. The committee land of modern materialistic society and trine but allow for ceremonial and ru- Commission to rule whether the blessing as a representative of the national church. was very aware of the tensions which the empty gestures of Derrida and French brical variations from the recent Vatican of such unions is a matter of doctrine. She offers both philosophical and practical would permeate the Synod and conscious- literary theory. He offers in place of post- directives: Redemptionis Sacramentum “Sanctity” and “Doctrine.” What did points to consider in the planning and pre- ly sought to draw people together into modernism a renewed metaphysical hori- drawn from the 2003 encyclical Ecclesia de General Synod intend when it used these sentation of liturgies involving numerous the body of Christ with prayers, readings, zon based upon Christian theology and its Eucharistia. In many ways similar to the “...the efforts to terms? Was there an established meaning leaders and participants. music, and communion. As an observer, I search for beauty and truth, a search which Anglican Missal and the American Missal for either word to which Synod could ap- The motion to permit the blessing of learned a great deal about the diversity of the core value of can rise above the literal and actual vio- which are of Anglo-Catholic provenance peal? Is the meaning of either term to be same-gender unions was deferred until opinions present within our Anglican ex- unsuccessful thr0 lence of our age. Moving beyond Hegel’s this publication is sure to draw the atten- found by appeal to traditional usage, or is General Synod 2007 so that the Primate’s pression of the Christian faith, a diversity cycle and Tillich’s symbolic language, Hart tion and comment of those interested in the meaning of each to be inferred from the Theological Commission can determine which is refl ected in our liturgical life. offers an opportunity for liturgical and English liturgical forms on both sides of context of its use in the debate? Is it pos- whether or not this is a matter of doctrine. Willem Hart, a member since the spiritual renewal in the beauty of Christ: the Tiber. sible for the church to hold some doctrine However, a motion was passed “to affi rm inception of Liturgy Canada, orginally To be drawn, subversively, to the beauty without being aware of holding it? Does the the integrity and sanctity of committed known as the Hoskin Group, has designed of the divine is to adopt a style of vision PREACHING TO A MULTI- Anglican Church hold any doctrine that is adult same-sex relationships.” Two words, this publication for over ten years. He’s de- whose intensity – whose hunger for the GENERATIONAL ASSEMBLY not a doctrine of the whole Church? If the “doctrine” and “sanctity,” have become key cided that it’s time for a change. I hope you weight of glory – cannot be accommo- Andrew C. Wisdom, OP (Liturgical legitimacy of blessing something depends points in the debate. In a brief article, John like the results. dated by the immateriality and lightness Press, 2004). on discerning whether it is already blessed Hill invites our readers to offer their inter- of the market’s bloodless, dispirited desires by God, did the motion that used the word pretations of the meaning and signifi cance Sharyn Hall is the Parish Vicar of St. Luke’s … to be drawn to the beauty of Christ is The author, in true Dominican form, Anglican Church in Burlington, Ontario, and a “sanctity” pre-empt the motion that used of these two words. to encounter with joy the infi nite intensity, brings contemporary thought and analysis member of the Liturgy Canada Executive. the word “doctrine”? Could either motion resistance, and generosity of his form, its to the challenge of speaking effectively to have a force unintended by Synod? enduring and radiant particularity … the several generations in the contemporary We appeal to you, our readers: Send us market embraces only forms that can be Christian assembly. To theological refl ec- your proposals for the clarifi cation of these dissolved, displaced, and replaced. (p. 438) tion he adds communications theory and Volume X, Issue 3, All Saints/04 Review Editor Membership Rates two words, as employed by General Synod. David Hart offers us a book which in- marketing analysis in the North Ameri- John Hodgins
2 Liturgy Canada Volume X | Issue 3 | All Saints, 2004 7 Large liturgies For me, however, the liturgy that worked preacher, and order of service, but also While much time and energy was exerted at General Synod with regard to the matter of same-sex (Continued) the best was held in the plenary hall, with about hospitality, liturgical roles, the lo- the altar and ministers on the main plat- gistics of communion, and the imaginative recognition and blessing within the life of the church community, a matter with particular pastoral after, not before, the breaking of bread and form made doubly visible by the use of the and appropriate use of space, symbols, and implications was also brought before the church – that of Diocesan Matrimonial Commissions and the pouring of wine. large video screen. This contrasted with the movement. pastoral practice regarding the marriage of divorced persons. By David Fletcher Peter Wall, Dean of Niagara, contends installation of the primate, where the con- that there is no reasonable way to con- gregation was seated in collegial style, but Deacon Maylanne Maybee is Co-ordinator for Justice Education and Networks for the Angli- trol the distribution of bread and wine where the sight lines, for many, were poor. FLIP VAN DER BURGT GREATEST “THE SONG” can Church of Canada. She serves as deacon in art of the debate was the core value of unity have been unsuc- to large congregations, and that we must The outstanding moments for me at that the parish of St. Stephen-in-the-Fields and is regarding the matter cessful throughout our history. The Acts simply brace ourselves for a little chaos. I service were the prayers of the people and currently co-president of the Council of Associ- of “local option” and of Uniformity, the Clarendon Code,* and believe he has a point, though others are the sermon, simply because I could see and ated Parishes for Liturgy and Mission. the complexities that other legislative endeavours have tended to convinced that some orchestration is both hear the action. References: could arise when juris- break up the Body of Christ, and not build possible and necessary. Where possible, then, most of the ac- 1. Aidan Kavanagh, Elements of Rite – A Hand- dictions might differ in it up. Indeed, most efforts at uniformity of Clay Morris, liturgical offi cer for the tion needs to take place at a level higher book of Liturgical Style (New York, NY: Pueblo their practice of allow- practice have resulted in even more radical ECUSA, uses a three-sided formation than the main fl oor. Processional crosses Publishing Company, Inc.,) 1966 ing divorced persons to reforms. at General Convention liturgies, with as and candles should be tall enough to be 2. Ibid. p.75. re-marry. The Diocesan Within the Communion, there has al- many stations as there is room for. People seen, and torches should be more numer- 3. Howard E. Galley, The Ceremonies of the Eu- charist – A Guide to Celebration (Cambridge, Matrimonial Commission was intended to ways been a local option, and authority approach their station in two lines, each ous than at smaller liturgies. Books, can- P MA: Cowley Publications) 1989 be an advisory body to the Ordinary, en- within the church has never been mono- leading to a distributor of bread, with chal- dles, and vessels should be substantial in suring that the legal obligations related to lithic, homogenous, or uniform. Today, a ice bearers stationed at right angles. Hav- size. Vestments should be large and bold in divorce had been satisfi ed, that some level variety of liturgical expressions, the place ing received the bread, they turn right or fabric, colour, and cut. Large liturgies are of learning had taken place through the of ordained women, and the jurisdictional left toward three or four chalice bearers, good occasions for processing bannners divorce process, and that suitable pasto- role of the bishop vary from province to * At the time of Charles II restoration, a series of take the cup, then move through the line and making imaginative use of non-tradi- Peter Wall responds ral preparation for a second marriage had province, and, indeed, from diocese to dio- acts were passed to compel the use of the Book of chalice bearers back to their seats. The tional space. (I refer readers to www.ktotv. taken place. cese. We hold that Scripture is to be under- of Common Prayer, ban non-jurists from offi ce, confi guration looks like this: com, following the links to “Evènements,” eacon Maybee’s refl ections are and prohibit unauthorized religious gatherings At its best, the Commission was an effec- stood within the somewhat elastic context for a wonderful viewing of an ordination erudite and helpful. The tasks (conventicles). tive pastoral tool to assist those preparing of tradition and reason, and that each gen- Bread Bread at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where which present themselves to any for marriage after divorce to understand eration and culture will be challenged and Wine Wine portions of the liturgy, including the gos- General Synod Worship Commit- The Reverend David Fletcher is a priest in the pel and prayers of the people, took place in D the legal, pastoral, affi rmed in its understanding of Scripture. parish of Lantz, Nova Scotia, who co-ordi- Wine Wine tee are indeed daunting, and include daily doctrinal, and eccle- In other words, the principle of sicut erat nates the non-stipendiary ordained ministry Wine Wine the square outside.) Bible study, daily eucharists, and a myriad make uniformity sial implications of in principio (as it was in the beginning) program for the Diocese of Nova Scotia and person person I don’t think that the bearing of little of other details. It is important to note that unity have been Prince Edward Island. He is a doctoral candi- the subsequent mar- defi nes God, not the theology of on-going person person “symbols” is a good idea in any liturgy, deacons proclaimed the Gospel at both the date at Seabury Western Theological Seminary ughout history.” riage. At its worst, the revelation. person person but it works least well in a large setting. Electoral Eucharist and at the Primatial In- in Evanstan, Illinois, and is a member of the Commission could What this means to us is that the “local Editorial Board of Liturgy Canada. At the primate’s installation, while many stallation Service. The important principle be intrusive, embarrassing, and contrived, option,” even when mitigated by pragma- In my experience, crowds have a certain symbolic gifts were given, it seemed that of assigning liturgical roles to members of occasionally even allowing incumbents to tism, egotism, or circum- wisdom about how to organize themselves the real moment of installation happened Synod often confl icts with other principles abrogate their responsibility in being able stance, is neither to be con- for communion, given the right combina- when the primate received and put on the of liturgical planning. We were aware of “It is possible for us to disagree to say to a couple that the church could not demned nor embraced but tion of space, common sense, and non- button blanket presented by Chief Willard these divergences and had to make diffi cult meet their needs or expectations. simply acknowledged. It is about matters of practice, but respect military intervention, and ushers are not Martin. This vestment was strongly associ- decisions. The decision of General Synod enables possible for us to disagree generally needed. More than 800 people at ated with the primatial offi ce and its giving the choices that others make.” each diocese to retain, alter the role of, or about matters of practice, the ECUSA General Convention received and receiving was a gesture that was readily abolish the Matrimonial Commission, and, but respect the choices that communion reverently and expeditiously seen by all. I hope that we can continue to as well, to allow for a variety of practices others make. without the aid of ushers. explore ways of recognizing and solemniz- ing a change in leadership (such as instal- with regard to the place of marriage. In But we also have to respect the discipline other words, the groundwork is in place for of others. This is what it means to sing in a Space and movement lations and inductions) other than bestow- a “local option.” choir—one must strive for a unique blend The opening eucharist of General Synod ing objects on a single person, which has For some, the notion of a “local option” of voices suitable to each piece of music. took place in a theatre. Participants were the effect of emphasizing the burden of with regard to pastoral practice is troubling. There will be times when a solo expresses seated in theatre style, facing towards a offi ce rather than the mutuality of respon- One could picture individuals seeking a the needs of the piece of music; there will small stage. The effect was one of intimacy sibilities. favourable or sympathetic jurisdiction in be times when the choral blend needs to in the midst of a large crowd. Shimmering order to be married in the church; clergy accommodate a variety of voices. blue fabric at the base of the altar empha- Conclusion might question whether or not to submit By acknowledging the place of the “local sized the baptismal theme of water, and a Every eucharist, whatever the occasion, applications to a matrimonial commission, option” for Diocesan Matrimonial Com- mood of playfulness and laughter accom- is about making Christ present in the as- given that in a neighbouring diocese there missions, we may also be forging a path for panied the sprinkling of the people. This sembly of the faithful, in the sacramental might be no canonical reason to withhold even more divisive issues, and the tolerance use of artistic elements to defi ne the wor- ministers, in the proclamation of the word, the blessing of the union; there might even and understanding that we show in this ship space gave visual links to the synod and in the elements of bread and wine. be contention within the House of Bishops matter may also illuminate other matters theme and helped to draw in the partici- And every eucharist , large or small, mer- or Provincial Synods. presently before the Church. pants. its careful thought not only about music, And yet, the efforts to make uniformity
6 Liturgy Canada Volume X | Issue 3 | All Saints, 2004 3 at an event like Synod which draws togeth- turgical need, the need being determined tensively about the diaconate, suggests er people of varying cultures and worship by the assembly rather than by ideology.1 three deacons be present at the liturgy, plus habits requires a special openness to each Anglicans are at once more status con- others as needed to help with communion. The challenge others’ preferences and traditions, as well science and more careless about hierarchy They are the deacon of the mass (gospel, as to new forms that may give expression than our Roman Catholic brothers and intercession, table service, and dismissal), to our common experiences. sisters. The result is a confusion of liturgi- and the two deacons attending the bishop It is well to remember that liturgy is an cal roles – laypeople proclaim the gospel, (one handles the mitre, one the crozier), of organizing large act of the Church, and is not “for” anyone bishops lead intercessions, presbyters read who follow the bishop in procession and but the entire church locally assembled. At the first lesson. Large liturgies, at least, are sit near enough to help with these things. Large liturgies at conferences or synods can be occasions for Synod or conference liturgies, this means occasions when ministers can be used in Other deacons can be communion spe- · that hospitality is extended equally to their appropriate roles, especially as they cialists – during the fraction anthem, they liturgıes modelling the fullness and diversity of the church’s life and members, staff, cleaners, exhibitors, and are more likely to bring together people fetch sufficient cups and pour wine, and ministry and can also set an example of good liturgy to be used in local communities. day visitors. It means that when a celebra- qualified to fill their assigned functions – at communion they assist by bringing the Liturgies at ordinations or funerals can be occasions for the community to express their joy or tion takes place in the plenary hall, a clear bishops and presbyters to preside, deacons sacrament to stations, refilling cups, and transition is made in the use of space, that to attend, proclaim, and interpret, laity to overseeing ablutions. sadness, while at the same time connecting the personal with the corporate within the larger non-members are invited to the eucharist, read, sing, serve, and participate. Canadian Anglicans have become ac- story of Christ’s death and resurrection. By Maylanne Maybee and that care is taken to provide for a larger customed to having laypeople lead the number precisely so that hospitality can Deacons intercessions, and I thought it especially be Kavanagh cites confusing or ignoring the appropriate that the chair of the EcoJustice n the spring of 2004 I observed over the prerogative of presiding? Who in- much tact and sensitivity, we hope. liturgical role of the deacon as one of the Committee did this at the primate’s instal- several liturgies on a grand scale, vites other ministers to participate? Who Planning is best done by a team of peo- common mistakes of liturgy. “Unlike super- lation. Large liturgies are also a good occa- including the usual round of or- decides when there are conflicts – as there ple with experience, knowledge, and a va- numerary ministers such as concelebrants sion for sung intercessions – by a deacon dinations, the opening worship inevitably will be – over design, music, ac- riety of talents in the area of liturgy – and or extra servers, the deacon is not added to if one is present and able to sing – or hav- of General Synod which was tors? And who pays the expenses? who are also clearly authorized for the task. the liturgy as an occasional enhancement ing petitions read in different languages to meeting at Brock University in The matter of authority extends to Including the musician from the start is a but is presumed to be regularly present and reflect the diversity among us. Regardless St. Catharines, the installation music and musicians. Those present at sure way to guarantee interpersonal as well functioning in all liturgical events.” 2 of who is leading, a simple rule is to an- of the new primate at Christ’s the Anglican Church of Canada’s General as aural harmony. Dr. Eileen Scully, the At General Synod, deacons were visible by nounce briefly to the assembly what it is Church Cathedral in Hamil- Synod in June of this year experienced the current consultant for worship and minis- their absence – a sore point to my, granted, they are asked to pray for (“Let us pray for ton, and the memorial service positive contribution of a sensitive musi- try for General Synod, served in 2001 as a biased eyes. This was a big disappointment, those suffering from AIDS”) followed by a for Archbishop Ted Scott at St. cian who was truly a servant of the liturgy: volunteer on the worship team for General given that the Anglican Church of Canada time of silence so that the people can make James’ Cathedral in Toronto. Though the music may have been flawed Synod, which met that year in Waterloo, has gone on record as supporting the res- their prayers. If there is no silence, there is They have given me pause for in some ways, all could be forgiven because Ontario. She attributes the widely recog- toration of the diaconate and there are now no prayer. After a substantial pause, a cue reflection about the special of the simple joy of our making, and hear- nized success of the liturgies of that synod more than 200 deacons functioning in at is given such as “Gracious God, in your challenges of doing large liturgies well. I ing, good music. Yet the opposite can also to the amount of time the planning team be generously extended to all who are pres- least half of the dioceses in Canada. A dis- mercy...” write as an observer rather than a plan- be true. I will not soon forget the accom- spent at the outset discussing the purpose ent. appointment especially in Niagara, a dio- ner or liturgical minister, but also from the plished organist who once stormed into and mood of each service, and ways of cese which has recently ordained a slew of The logisitics of communion perspective of a worshipper linking them to synod Assigning roles The fraction and preparation and a deacon with some ex- “Creating hospitable worship at an event like Synod themes. The care that Remembering that liturgy “...crowds have a certain wisdom about how of elements for distribution, es- perience of formal worship. went into their own pro- is an act of the Church also pecially in large quantities, are Large liturgies, not usu- which draws together people of varying cultures cess as a planning team means that liturgical roles are to organize themselves for communion, given not merely an expediency to be ally found in Anglican par- and worship habits requires a special openness to – beginning each session assigned as a function rather the right combination of space, common rushed through, but a reverent ish churches on Sunday each others’ preferences and traditions...” with prayer and theolog- than a badge of honour. Aidan sense, and non-military intervention...” action, recalling the sacrifice mornings, present problems ical reflection – was ob- Kavanagh, that great Roman of Christ and the release of the that require careful and spe- vious in the final result. Catholic scholar, practitioner, Spirit to the Church. cific attention: for example, decisions need the vestry to pronounce that the interces- One reaps what one sows. and elegant writer of things liturgical, pro- deacons-for-life. Deacons could have been Howard Galley, in The Ceremonies of the to be made about who is in charge, who sions would be said, not sung, thank you nounces what I consider to be a principle readily recruited from among members of Eucharist, prescribes these actions at the assigns liturgical roles, the use of non-tra- very much. Such conflicts and discourte- Hospitality that we Anglicans tend to lose sight of: Synod and from within the diocese. fraction: (1) the presider takes the bread, ditional space and symbols on a large scale sies arise when roles aren’t clearly agreed There is a fine line between performance Liturgical ministry is not primarily an Deacons are not a special-interest min- breaks it over the paten, and replaces it; (2) to ensure good sight lines and high-qual- upon. and liturgy. What makes the difference is honour but a function of service in and to istry. They represent Christ as servant in stands with hands joined and head bowed ity audio capabilities, and how to manage In the case of General Synod, the pre- hospitality, the art of making space for all the Church assembled. Loading sanctuar- the Church. They serve in the liturgy by for a period of silent prayer; (3) assisted large numbers of people at communion. siding authority is the primate, or the pri- participants to feel and be engaged and the ies with special ministers for ideological virtue of their ministry in the world. Their as needed by other presbyters or deacons, mate’s designate in the form of the liturgi- recognition that the assembly shares re- reasons, or to confer status and honour on absence from the liturgy suggests the ab- breaks the rest of the bread into as many Authority cal planning committee. In the particular sponsibility for the unfolding drama and special groups in the assembly, violates this sence from our church’s ministry of those pieces as required for communion. Dea- Large liturgies often happen on ambiguous cases of the new primate’s installation, as wants to claim that responsibility. fact and often has the effect of suggesting whom they, and we, are commissioned to cons bring additional vessels to the altar territory, not clearly within the jurisdiction well as the memorial service for Arch- How is this done? By planning worship that the highest degree of Christian en- serve – the poor, the weak, the sick, and the and fill the chalices. During this action, the of a bishop, dean, or rector. So authority bishop Ted Scott, primatial authority had that includes silence, familiarity, and spa- franchisement is to be found in clerical or lonely. fraction anthem is sung.3 The Book of Al- is an issue. Who is in charge? Who “yields” to interact with the authority of the deans ciousness alongside fanfare, novelty, and quasi clerical status. The general principle Ormonde Plater, a deacon in the Epis- ternative Services rubrics state clearly that their place at the altar, graciously handing of Niagara and Toronto respectively – with scripted roles. Creating hospitable worship is that ministers proliferate according to li- copal Church of the USA who writes ex- the invitation, “The gifts of God...” comes
4 Liturgy Canada Volume X | Issue 3 | All Saints, 2004 5