Book of Alternative Services
The Book of Alternative Services (BAS) is the Anglican Church of Canada’s primary contemporary prayer book, offering structured prayers, liturgies and guidance for worship in a Canadian Anglican context. It provides services for Eucharist, baptism, marriage, funerals, daily prayer and other occasions.
Beyond a prayer book
The BAS also serves as a liturgical and pastoral resource. It includes guidance for adapting services to local and cultural contexts, multiple options for prayers and liturgies and expanded pastoral services not found in the Book of Common Prayer. Its contemporary language and inclusive approach make worship more understandable and participatory.
Supplementary resources
A number of additional resources have been created since the BAS was first published, including:
- Excerpts in other languages
- For All the Saints
- Pray Without Ceasing
- Inclusive Language Liturgical Psalter
- Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the Revised Common Lectionary and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion
- Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings
Suggested uses
- Planning and leading parish worship
- Personal or small group prayer and devotion
- Studying liturgy in seminary or continuing education
- Adapting services for special occasions, pastoral needs or diverse communities
Key themes
- Sacramental and Eucharistic worship
- Daily and seasonal prayer
- Pastoral care and life-cycle services
- Inclusive and contemporary liturgical language
Best suited for: clergy, lay worship leaders, parish teams, newcomers, church members, seminary students and anyone seeking guidance for Anglican worship or personal devotion.
