Olver publishes series on Prayer Book revision and General Convention
The Rev. Dr. Matthew S. C. Olver, Associate Professor of Liturgics and Pastoral Theology, recently published a four-part series on The Living Church’s Covenant blog concerning the Prayer Book revision and the General Convention.
Part I outlines the legal place of the Book of Common Prayer in the Episcopal Church, providing background to understand the proposed revision to Article X and the potential effects on the Episcopal Church’s understanding of the Book of Common Prayer and its own self-understanding.
Read part 1 here.
Part 2 is a summary of the ways that the General Convention has authorized liturgical texts, including ways that are clearly in accord with Article X as well as ways that are well beyond what it and the canons permit. “This is important,” said Olver, “because at times TEC has been working beyond the Constitution and Canons when it comes to liturgical revision. The reason this is important is because A059 is, in part, an attempt to solve this problem.”
Read part 2 here.
Part 3 explores Resolution 2022-A059, the first reading of a complete revision to Article X of the Constitution, the section that establishes the Book of Common Prayer and outlines the process for its amendment and possible revision. This essay walks through the history and process of the resolution that was passed and what it means.
Read part 3 here.
Part 4 looks to the future in two movements. First, Olver considers the rather extensive rationale that accompanied 2022-A059, which outlines intentions and hopes for the next General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2023 by the bishops. Finally, Olver offers some specific proposals for a moderate path forward.
