Common Praise

Common Praise is an Anglican hymnal compiled for use across the Church of England and other Anglican Communion provinces, intended to provide a comprehensive resource of hymns, psalms, canticles and liturgical material. It succeeded earlier hymnals and was designed to bridge traditional sources such as the Book of Common Prayer and the English Hymnal with contemporary worship found in collections like Hymns Ancient and Modern. The volume brings together historic texts linked to figures like Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley alongside modern contributions by hymnwriters associated with institutions such as St Martin-in-the-Fields and organizations like The Royal School of Church Music.

History

The development of Common Praise emerged from liturgical and musical conversations within bodies such as the Church of England liturgical commissions and the Royal School of Church Music during the late 20th century. Debates around revision followed precedents set by publications like the Book of Common Prayer (1662) and the Alternative Service Book 1980, and had parallels with compilation processes used for Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861) and the New English Hymnal. Consultation involved diocesan music advisers, cathedral chapters including Canterbury Cathedral and St Paul's Cathedral, and university departments with expertise in hymnology such as units at University of Durham and University of Oxford. Editorial policy reflected discussions at synods including sessions of the General Synod of the Church of England, and drew on copyright negotiations with publishers including Oxford University Press and Church House Publishing.

Content and Structure

Common Praise is arranged to follow the liturgical year and provides indexed material for seasons observed in cathedrals like York Minster and parish churches across the Diocese of London. Sections include metrical psalms rooted in translations by figures associated with the King James Bible tradition and modern versifications influenced by contributors affiliated with Iona Community projects. Canticles and anthems are organized alongside settings used in choral foundations such as Westminster Abbey and chapels at King's College, Cambridge. The hymnal's indexes cross-reference tunes, meters and authors, linking melodies by composers connected to establishments like the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Liturgical aids include settings for Eucharistic prayer patterns comparable to rites from the Book of Common Prayer and resources used in the Anglican Church of Canada and Episcopal Church (United States) parishes.

Usage and Editions

First issued around 2000 by Church House Publishing, Common Praise is available in multiple formats used in parish contexts, cathedral choral services and academic study. Editions include full pew, choir, and companion volumes reflecting similar publishing models used for the New English Hymnal and Hymns Old and New. Adoption decisions have been discussed at diocesan synods such as those in the Diocese of Exeter and Diocese of Gloucester, and parishes have compared Common Praise with alternative resources like Mission Praise and supplements produced for use in mission initiatives associated with Spring Harvest and Greenbelt Festival. Sales and licensing have been handled through bodies including Church House Publishing and legal arrangements involving organizations such as the Christian Copyright Licensing International.

Musical Contributors and Composers

The hymnal assembles tunes and arrangements by composers with links to institutions such as the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music, and cathedral music posts at Winchester Cathedral and Durham Cathedral. Contributions include settings by hymnwriters connected to movements and figures like John Mason Neale and later hymnologists in the tradition of O. R. B. (Osbert) Bayldon and others involved with the Oxford Movement. Contemporary composers represented include those active in parish music scenes and ecumenical initiatives connected to Iona Community and evangelical gatherings at venues like Haymarket Theatre in London. Editorial work drew on expertise from established choirmasters who have served at institutions such as Chichester Cathedral and music scholars from University of Durham and King's College London.

Reception and Influence

Reception of Common Praise among cathedral chapters, parish music directors and academic hymnologists has ranged from endorsement for its comprehensive scope to critique over selections and omissions compared with historic volumes such as the English Hymnal and Hymns Ancient and Modern. Music departments at conservatoires including the Royal Academy of Music and church music advisers in dioceses like Coventry have cited its usefulness for choral training and liturgical planning. The hymnal has influenced later supplements and diocesan resources across the Anglican Communion and has been referenced in discussions at gatherings such as meetings of the Church Music Society and conferences hosted by the Royal School of Church Music. Its presence in cathedrals and parish churches has contributed to debates about textual revision, tune attribution and ecumenical hymn exchange involving partners like the Methodist Church and United Reformed Church.

Category:Anglican hymnals