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Principles for liturgical revision

These principles offer a framework for revising contemporary language common worship texts in the Anglican Church of Canada. They outline theological, liturgical and pastoral considerations that support faithful and contextually grounded liturgical development across the Church.

Suggested uses

  • Reference tool for clergy and worship planners involved in evaluating or revising liturgical texts
  • Study resource for diocesan or parish liturgy committees
  • Formation material for students and leaders exploring Anglican liturgical identity

Key themes

  • Relationship between liturgy, culture and context
  • Transcultural and local elements of Christian worship
  • Theological grounding for liturgical development
  • Pastoral and linguistic considerations in contemporary worship texts
  • Commitment to common prayer across diverse communities

Best suited for: clergy, liturgists, diocesan committees, worship planners, theological students and others involved in shaping, studying or revising Anglican liturgy.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.