The Acts of Convention
| Resolution Number: | 2022-A059 |
|---|---|
| Title: | Amend Constitution Article X [Of the Book of Common Prayer-First Reading] |
| Legislative Action Taken: | Concurred as Substituted and Amended |
| Final Text: | |
Resolved, That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church repeal Article X in its entirety and replace it with the following:
Sec. 1. The Book of Common Prayer is understood to be those liturgical forms and other texts authorized by the General Convention in accordance with this article and the Canons of this Church.
The Book of Common Prayer in this Church is intended to be communal and devotional prayer enriched by our church’s cultural, geographical, and linguistic contexts. The Book of Common Prayer shall contain both public worship and private devotion.
The Book of Common Prayer, as now established or hereafter amended by the General Convention, shall be in use in all the Dioceses of this Church.
Sec. 2. No alteration thereof or addition thereto shall be made unless the General Convention approve the same on first reading in one regular meeting of the General Convention and, by resolve so directing, be sent by the Secretary of the General Convention to the Secretary of the Convention of every Diocese, to be made known to the Diocesan Convention at its next regular meeting, and be adopted on second reading without alteration by the General Convention at its next succeeding regular meeting by a majority of all Bishops, excluding retired Bishops not present, of the whole number of Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by an affirmative vote by orders in the House of Deputies in accordance with Art. I, Sec. 5 of this Constitution, except that concurrence in the affirmative by the orders shall require the affirmative vote in each order by a majority of the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies.
Sec. 3. No alteration thereof or addition thereto shall be made unless it has previously been authorized for Trial Use in accordance with this Article and the Canons of this Church.
Sec. 4. The General Convention may at any one meeting, by a majority of the whole number of the Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by a majority of the Clerical and Lay Deputies of all the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies, voting by orders as previously set forth in this Article:
a. Amend the Table of Lessons and all Tables and Rubrics relating to the Psalms.
b. Authorize for Trial Use such alterations or additions in whole or in part to the established Book of Common Prayer as may be proposed in accord with the Canons of this Church and duly undertaken by and implemented according to the directives of the General Convention.
c. Authorize for use throughout this Church, as provided by Canon, alternative and additional liturgies to supplement those provided in the Book of Common Prayer.
Sec. 5. Nothing in this Article shall be construed as restricting the authority of the Bishops of this Church to take such order as may be permitted by the Rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer or by the Canons of the General Convention for the use of special forms of worship.
And be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention direct the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop to appoint a working group of nine members to include the Custodian of The Book of Common Prayer, some members of Committee 12 of the 80th General Convention, some members of a Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, and others as needed to review the Canons relevant to the implementation of this Article and propose revisions to the 81st General Convention. An initial framework is provided as a starting point for this work; and be it further
Resolved, That an allocation of $30,000 be made to support the work of the working group.
| Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Baltimore, 2022 (New York: General Convention, 2023), pp. 921-922. |
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Legislative History
| Author: | Task Force on Liturgical and Prayer Book Revision |
|---|---|
| Originating House: | House of Bishops |
| Originating Committee: | Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music |
House of Bishops
The House of Bishops Committee on Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music presented its Report #60 on Resolution A059 (Amend Article X of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church (First Reading)) and moved adoption with amendment.
Original Text of Resolution:
(A059)
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church amend Article X of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church as follows:
Sec. 1. The Book of Common Prayer, as now established or hereafter amended by the authority of this Church the General Convention, shall be in use in all the Dioceses of this Church. The
Book of Common Prayer is understood to be those liturgical forms
authorized by the General Convention as provided for in Section 2 of
this Article. No alteration thereof or addition thereto shall be
made unless the same shall be first proposed in one regular meeting of
the General Convention and by a resolve thereof be sent within six
months to the Secretary of the Convention of every Diocese, to be made
known to the Diocesan Convention at its next meeting, and be adopted by
the General Convention at its next succeeding regular meeting by a
majority of all Bishops, excluding retired Bishops not present, of the
whole number of Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by
a vote by orders in the House of Deputies in accordance with Article I,
Sec. 5, except that concurrence by the orders shall require the
affirmative vote in each order by a majority of the Dioceses entitled to
representation in the House of Deputies.
Sec. 2. No alteration of or amendment or addition to the Book of Common Prayer shall be made unless the General Convention approve the same on first reading in one regular meeting of the General Convention and, by resolve so directing, be sent by the Secretary of the General Convention to the Secretary of the Convention of every Diocese, to be made known to the Diocesan Convention at its next regular meeting, and be adopted on second reading without alteration by the General Convention at its next succeeding regular meeting by a majority of all Bishops, excluding retired Bishops not present, of the whole number of Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by an affirmative vote by orders in the House of Deputies in accordance with Art. I, Sec. 5 of this Constitution, except that concurrence in the affirmative by the orders shall require the affirmative vote in each order by a majority of the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies.
Sec. 3. But notwithstanding anything herein above contained, the The
General Convention may, at any one meeting, by a majority of the whole
number of the Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by a
majority of the Clerical and Lay Deputies of all the Dioceses entitled
to representation in the House of Deputies, voting by orders as previously set forth in this Article:
a. Amend the Table of Lessons and all Tables and Rubrics relating to the Psalms.
b. Authorize for trial use throughout this Church, as an alternative at any time or times to such revisions of or alternatives to the established Book of Common Prayer,
in whole or in part, as may be proposed from time to time by the
Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, and implemented according to
the directives of the General Convention. or to any section or
Office thereof a proposed revision of the whole Book or of any portion
thereof, duly undertaken by the General Convention.
c. Authorize for use throughout this Church, as provided by Canon, alternative and additional liturgies to supplement those provided in the Book of Common Prayer.
Sec. 4. And provided that nothing Nothing
in this Article shall be construed as restricting the authority of the
Bishops of this Church to take such order as may be permitted by the
Rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer or by the Canons of the General
Convention for the use of special forms of worship within their jurisdiction.
Committee Amendment:
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church amend Article X of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church as follows:
Sec. 1. The Book of Common Prayer, as now established or hereafter amended by the authority of this Church the General Convention, shall be in use in all the Dioceses of this Church. The
Book of Common Prayer is understood to be those liturgical forms and
other texts authorized by the General Convention as provided for in
Section 2 of this Article. No alteration thereof or addition
thereto shall be made unless the same shall be first proposed in one
regular meeting of the General Convention and by a resolve thereof be
sent within six months to the Secretary of the Convention of every
Diocese, to be made known to the Diocesan Convention at its next
meeting, and be adopted by the General Convention at its next succeeding
regular meeting by a majority of all Bishops, excluding retired Bishops
not present, of the whole number of Bishops entitled to vote in the
House of Bishops, and by a vote by orders in the House of Deputies in
accordance with Article I, Sec. 5, except that concurrence by the orders
shall require the affirmative vote in each order by a majority of the
Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies.
Sec. 2. No alteration of or amendment or addition to the Book of Common Prayer shall be made unless the General Convention approve the same on first reading in one regular meeting of the General Convention and, by resolve so directing, be sent by the Secretary of the General Convention to the Secretary of the Convention of every Diocese, to be made known to the Diocesan Convention at its next regular meeting, and be adopted on second reading without alteration by the General Convention at its next succeeding regular meeting by a majority of all Bishops, excluding retired Bishops not present, of the whole number of Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by an affirmative vote by orders in the House of Deputies in accordance with Art. I, Sec. 5 of this Constitution, except that concurrence in the affirmative by the orders shall require the affirmative vote in each order by a majority of the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies.
Sec. 3. But notwithstanding anything herein above contained, the The
General Convention may, at any one meeting, by a majority of the whole
number of the Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by a
majority of the Clerical and Lay Deputies of all the Dioceses entitled
to representation in the House of Deputies, voting by orders as previously set forth in this Article:
a. Amend the Table of Lessons and all Tables and Rubrics relating to the Psalms.
b. Authorize for trial use throughout this Church, as an alternative at any time or times to such revisions of or alternatives to the established Book of Common Prayer,
in whole or in part, as may be proposed from time to time by the
Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, and implemented according to
the directives of the General Convention. or to any section or
Office thereof a proposed revision of the whole Book or of any portion
thereof, duly undertaken by the General Convention.
c. Authorize for use throughout this Church, as provided by Canon, alternative and additional liturgies to supplement those provided in the Book of Common Prayer.
Sec. 4. And provided that nothing Nothing
in this Article shall be construed as restricting the authority of the
Bishops of this Church to take such order as may be permitted by the
Rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer or by the Canons of the General
Convention for the use of special forms of worship within their jurisdiction.
The Bishop of Long Island, the Rt. Rev. Lawrence Provenzano, moved an amendment:
Proposed Amendment:
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring that Article X of the Constitution is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 1. The Book of Common Prayer is understood to be those liturgical forms and other texts authorized by the General Convention in accordance with this article and the Canons of this Church.
The Book of Common Prayer in this Church is intended to be communal and devotional prayer enriched by our church’s cultural, geographical, and linguistic contexts. The Book of Common Prayer shall contain both public worship and private devotion.
The Book of Common Prayer, as now established or hereafter amended by the General Convention, shall be in use in all the Dioceses of this Church.
Sec. 2. No alteration thereof or addition thereto shall be made unless the General Convention approve the same on first reading in one regular meeting of the General Convention and, by resolve so directing, be sent by the Secretary of the General Convention to the Secretary of the Convention of every Diocese, to be made known to the Diocesan Convention at its next regular meeting, and be adopted on second reading without alteration by the General Convention at its next succeeding regular meeting by a majority of all Bishops, excluding retired Bishops not present, of the whole number of Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by an affirmative vote by orders in the House of Deputies in accordance with Art. I, Sec. 5 of this Constitution, except that concurrence in the affirmative by the orders shall require the affirmative vote in each order by a majority of the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies.
Sec. 3. No alteration thereof or addition thereto shall be made unless it has previously been authorized for Trial Use in accordance with this Article and the Canons of this Church.
Sec. 4. The General Convention may at any one meeting, by a majority of the whole number of the Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by a majority of the Clerical and Lay Deputies of all the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies, voting by orders as previously set forth in this Article:
- Amend the Table of Lessons and all Tables and Rubrics relating to the Psalms.
- Authorize for Trial Use such alterations or additions in whole or in part to the established Book of Common Prayer as may be proposed in accord with the Canons of this Church and duly undertaken by and implemented according to the directives of the General Convention.
Sec. 5. Nothing in this Article shall be construed as restricting the authority of the Bishops of this Church to take such order as may be permitted by the Rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer or by the Canons of the General Convention for the use of special forms of worship.
And be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention direct the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop to appoint a working group to include the Custodian of The Book of Common Prayer, some members of Committee 12 of the 80th General Convention, some members of a Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, and others as needed to review the Canons relevant to the implementation of this Article and propose revisions to the 81st General Convention. An initial framework is provided as a starting point for this work.
The President Recessed the House to allow time for table conversations.
The House moved into a committee of the whole to discuss the differences between Resolution A059 and the proposed amendment.
Debate ensued.
The House moved out of a committee of the whole to open debate. Vote was taken on the amendment.
Motion carried
Amendment adopted
The Parliamentarian advised that work was needed to be done before a final vote is taken. The Presiding Bishop made a motion to postpone consideration.
Motion carried
Consideration postponed
The Bishop of Ohio, the Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, made a motion for the resolution to be postponed until a later date for further clarification.
Motion carried
Consideration postponed
A review and discussion was continued regarding Resolution A059 and the proposed amendment to provide further clarification and allow time to discuss.
The House of Bishops Committee on Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music presents its Report #60 on Resolution A059 (Amend Article X of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church (First Reading)) and moved adoption with amendment.
The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Bishop of Ohio, moved to amend Resolution A059.
Proposed Amendment:
Debate ensued.
A vote was taken on the amendment.
Motion carried
Amendment adopted
A vote was taken on the amended resolution.
Motion carried
Resolution adopted with amendment
(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #244)
House of Deputies
Deputy Mellott of New Jersey, Vice-Chair of the House of Deputies Committee on Dispatch of Business, moved to suspend the rules in order to place Resolution A059 on the Day 3 Legislative Calendar.
Motion carried
Rules suspended
The House of Deputies Committee on Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music presented its Report #98 on HB Message #244 on Resolution A059 (Amend Article X of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church (First Reading)) and moved adoption with amendment.
Committee Amendment:
That the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church amend Article X of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church as follows: repeal Article X in its entirety and replace it with the following:
Sec. 1. The Book of Common Prayer is understood to be those liturgical forms and other texts authorized by the General Convention in accordance with this article and the Canons of this Church.
The Book of Common Prayer in this Church is intended to be communal and devotional prayer enriched by our church’s cultural, geographical, and linguistic contexts. The Book of Common Prayer shall contain both public worship and private devotion.
The Book of Common Prayer, as now established or hereafter amended by the General Convention, shall be in use in all the Dioceses of this Church.
Sec. 2. No alteration thereof or addition thereto shall be made unless the General Convention approve the same on first reading in one regular meeting of the General Convention and, by resolve so directing, be sent by the Secretary of the General Convention to the Secretary of the Convention of every Diocese, to be made known to the Diocesan Convention at its next regular meeting, and be adopted on second reading without alteration by the General Convention at its next succeeding regular meeting by a majority of all Bishops, excluding retired Bishops not present, of the whole number of Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by an affirmative vote by orders in the House of Deputies in accordance with Art. I, Sec. 5 of this Constitution, except that concurrence in the affirmative by the orders shall require the affirmative vote in each order by a majority of the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies.
Sec. 3. No alteration thereof or addition thereto shall be made unless it has previously been authorized for Trial Use in accordance with this Article and the Canons of this Church.
Sec. 4. The General Convention may at any one meeting, by a majority of the whole number of the Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by a majority of the Clerical and Lay Deputies of all the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies, voting by orders as previously set forth in this Article:
- Amend the Table of Lessons and all Tables and Rubrics relating to the Psalms.
- Authorize for Trial Use such alterations or additions in whole or in part to the established Book of Common Prayer as may be proposed in accord with the Canons of this Church and duly undertaken by and implemented according to the directives of the General Convention.
- Authorize for use throughout this Church, as provided by Canon, alternative and additional liturgies to supplement those provided in the Book of Common Prayer.
Sec. 5. Nothing in this Article shall be construed as restricting the authority of the Bishops of this Church to take such order as may be permitted by the Rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer or by the Canons of the General Convention for the use of special forms of worship.
And be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention direct the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop to appoint a working group to include the Custodian of The Book of Common Prayer, some members of Committee 12 of the 80th General Convention, some members of a Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, and others as needed to review the Canons relevant to the implementation of this Article and propose revisions to the 81st General Convention. An initial framework is provided as a starting point for this work.
Debate ensued.
Deputy Steadman of Northwestern Pennsylvania moved an amendment.
Proposed Amendment:
In the first Resolved, add "of nine members" following "working group" and add "; and be it further" to the end of the Resolved. Add a following Resolved to read, "Resolved, That an allocation of $30,000 be made to support the work of the working group."
A vote was taken on the amendment.
Motion carried
Amendment adopted
Debate on the resolution as amended continued.
A vote was taken on the resolution.
Motion carried
Resolution adopted with amendment
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #282)
House of Bishops
The House of Bishops Committee on Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music presented its Report #100 on HD Message #282 on Resolution A059 (Amend Article X of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church (First Reading)) and moved concurrence.
Debate ensued.
Motion carried
The House concurred
(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #411)
Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 11.
| Report Reference: | Task Force on Liturgical and Prayer Book Revision, Reports to the 80th General Convention, 2022, pp. 620-650. |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | The 80th General Convention replaces the entirety of Article X of the Constitution to specify that The Book of Common Prayer is to be a communal and devotional prayer enriched by the Church’s cultural, geographical, and linguistic contexts; and directs the appointment of a working group to review relevant Canons and propose revisions to reflect this intention. |