Common Worship

Common Worship is a Church of England worship service that was introduced in 2000, replacing the Alternative Service Book and the Book of Common Prayer. It was developed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, and the General Synod of the Church of England, in collaboration with the Liturgical Commission and the House of Bishops. The service is used by Anglican churches in the United Kingdom, including St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and York Minster, as well as by Anglican Communion churches around the world, such as the Episcopal Church in the United States, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Anglican Church of Australia.

Introduction to Common Worship

Common Worship is a flexible and adaptable worship service that allows for a range of liturgical practices and traditions. It is based on the Book of Common Prayer, but also incorporates elements from other Christian traditions, such as the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. The service is designed to be used in a variety of settings, including parish churches, cathedrals, and chapels, and can be adapted for use in different cultures and languages, such as Spanish, French, and German. Common Worship has been influenced by the work of Thomas Cranmer, John Calvin, and Martin Luther, and has been shaped by the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation.

History of Common Worship

The development of Common Worship began in the 1990s, when the Church of England recognized the need for a new worship service that would be more flexible and adaptable than the Alternative Service Book. The Liturgical Commission was established to oversee the development of the new service, and worked in consultation with the House of Bishops and the General Synod. The service was influenced by the work of Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, and the Lambeth Conference, as well as by the Vatican II and the World Council of Churches. Common Worship was introduced in 2000, and has since been used by Anglican churches around the world, including the Diocese of London, the Diocese of York, and the Diocese of Canterbury.

Structure and Content

Common Worship is a comprehensive worship service that includes a range of liturgical elements, such as prayers, hymns, and scripture readings. The service is structured around the Eucharist, which is the central act of Christian worship, and includes elements such as the Kyrie eleison, the Gloria in excelsis Deo, and the Agnus Dei. The service also includes a range of optional elements, such as the Collect, the Epistle, and the Gospel, which can be used to tailor the service to the needs of the local congregation. Common Worship has been influenced by the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Karl Barth, and Paul Tillich, and has been shaped by the theology of the Reformed churches and the Lutheran churches.

Liturgical Practices

Common Worship includes a range of liturgical practices, such as the use of incense, candles, and vestments. The service also includes a range of musical elements, such as hymns, psalms, and anthems, which can be used to enhance the worship experience. The service is often led by a priest or bishop, who is assisted by deacons, readers, and servers. Common Worship has been influenced by the work of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, and has been shaped by the traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

Denominational Use

Common Worship is used by Anglican churches around the world, including the Church of England, the Episcopal Church in the United States, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Anglican Church of Australia. The service is also used by other Christian denominations, such as the Lutheran Church, the Methodist Church, and the Presbyterian Church, which have adopted elements of the service into their own worship practices. Common Worship has been influenced by the work of John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield, and has been shaped by the evangelical and charismatic movements.

Criticisms and Controversies

Common Worship has been the subject of some criticisms and controversies, particularly with regard to its use of inclusive language and its departure from traditional liturgical practices. Some conservative Anglicans have criticized the service for being too liberal and progressive, while others have argued that it does not go far enough in terms of inclusivity and diversity. Common Worship has also been influenced by the work of Feminist theology and Liberation theology, and has been shaped by the social justice and human rights movements, including the work of Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela.