News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Mary-Killen-main_article_image.jpg
Hugo Burnand
UK News

Guide to Modern Manners author labels Book of Common Prayer a 'holy life raft'

The UK's acknowledged expert on social etiquette, who's also starred in Channel 4's Gogglebox, has been speaking of her love for the Church of England's traditional service book.

"We are fortunate in my village as, once a month, our church near Marlborough in Wiltshire has Evening Prayer using the Book of Common Prayer and I respond well to joining others in speaking words that have been spoken in exactly the same way in the same place at roughly the same time on a Sunday for centuries," she said.

"So much mystery and numinosity was lost when the Church of England, in aiming to modernise its message, only patronised.

"The Book of Common Prayer, however, is timeless. It's a type of holy life raft sitting calmly above the turbulent seas."

Created first in 1549, the revised version which is used today was formed in 1662.

Traditionalists have been keen to keep its use despite a move towards more contemporary forms of worship across the Church of England.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate