(xviii) Christian Initiation
https://archives.anglican.ca/link/official8449
- Date
- 1972 December 4-8
- Source
- House of Bishops. Minutes
- Type
- Resolution
- Mover
- Bishop Stiff (Keewatin)
- Seconder
- Bishop Goodman (Calgary)
- Prologue
- At the request of the Primate, Bishop Valentine then read a paper asking the Doctrine and Worship Committee for some picture of what they see as a result of the introduction of the new rite into the life of the Church. He was not asking for anything in canonical form, rather a picture for bishops, clergy and laity of what this part of the Church's life would be like. (See Appendix D).
- Text of motion
- "That the essay produced by Bishop Valentine concerning the proposed Initiation service be sent to the Committee on Doctrine and Worship." CARRIED
- Notes
- Appendix D
- A STATEMENT AND A REQUEST
- (The Rt. Rev. Barry Valentine)
- One of the functions of liturgy over the centuries has been to express the needs and aspirations of society and, in doing so, some of the styles and assumptions of the contemporary People of God.
- It has also been true, however, in a complex dialectic, that liturgy -- embodying the essential truths of Our Lord's redeeming Life and Presence -- has constantly shaped and informed the ideas and life patterns of the community.
- Liturgy has, then, always been both symbolically expressive and powerfully shaping of contemporary Christian society.
- In studying this liturgy for initiation, we perceive, and express our gratitude for all the careful, thoughtful and challenging work that has been done. The form has an attractive simplicity, a demanding personal dimension and a strong assertion of the sacramental gifts of God's Holy Spirit. In these things and in many other ways, we see a most helpful expression of the needs and perceptions of people today.
- We would find it helpful if the Committee could, in addition, provide a picture of the custom and practice which they envisage and intend will sooner or later emerge in the Church as the formative impacts of the liturgy take effect. We do not suggest that this should be done in a canonical shape or even in formal notes and preambles. But if, in a somewhat narrative and discursive style, the Committee could sketch in a picture, for bishops, clergy and laity, of what this part of the Church's life would be like, it would guide us among the several interpretations of which this rite is patient. Thus, for instance, would baptism "normally" take place in infancy, at age 6-8, at puberty, or in late teens and early adulthood ? Would communicant status depend upon it and, if it did not, at what age and with what preparation and in what circumstances, would communicant status be granted ? Would there be some Service for adult commissioning in the Church ? What roles must or might the bishops play ?
- We seek, that is to say, not only a form of Service -- which you have admirably provided, -- but a somewhat clearer picture of what you anticipate as the custom and prescriptive rule of the community of our people.
- Subjects
- Christian initiation - Anglican Church of Canada
- Baptism - Anglican Church of Canada
- Liturgical renewal - Anglican Church of Canada