The Book of Common Prayer and Anglican Identity

Abstract The elusive notion of identity is first treated in this chapter in relation to the definition of church, its call to worship, and its social vocation. Some key Anglican emphases and characteristics are identified across the wider terrain of Prayer Books of member churches of the Anglican Communion. The view of the Prayer Book by member churches marks both a contested history of the church as well as an acknowledged sense of connection with the Prayer Book tradition. The relationship between the Bible and the Prayer Book and the place and use of psalms in worship receive more detailed attention. The consensus regarding the shape and structure of liturgical worship, in both digital and in-person forms, is considered and evaluated. Finally, the chapter returns to the initial premise of the social vocation of Anglicanism and illustrates how social responsibilities and obligations are correlated to corporate worship.