New Sarum Liturgy

New Sarum Liturgy : Our new missal has now been published and can be previewed by clicking on the image on the left. Below is an excerpt from the introduction by bishop Terry.

In developing this liturgy for the use of the Ecumenical Christian Church of the UK I have drawn on several sources as well as on experience and discussion with the membership of the church, both clergy and laity. A particular vote of thanks goes to Father Stephen and Brother Luke in Australia for their work in producing the New Jerusalem Liturgy, some elements of which have been incorporated into this liturgy. Serious thanks also to Father Nick for his work on the layout and presentation.

Whilst going through the process of development, and several drafts; one thought was constant and for which I thank Bishop Dominic Martin in the USA – he once told me that an independent catholic liturgy should be such that a person seeing the celebration of the liturgy for the first time should recognize immediately that it is a Christian liturgy in the Catholic tradition whilst equally immediately seeing that it is not a Roman Catholic Mass. That has been my guiding thought

There are few rubrics, since the circumstances and settings in which the liturgy is celebrated can often dictate such things as standing and sitting. The layout of the place of celebration should be such that it gives a sense of gathering around the table of the altar, which itself should be decorated simply to focus attention on what happens on it rather than over-ornamentation and masses of candles.

The gifts are prepared before the celebration begins and may either be placed on the altar veiled or on a side table if space and movement demand. There is no lavabo as this was a very late addition and the cleansing of vessels takes place after the celebration is finished, again without finger-washing of the celebrant.

Gestures should be only those which emphasise the words and with which the celebrant is comfortable. Sections of the text are optional, such as the use of incense, and these are in italic script.

The normal vestments are alb, stole and chasuble for public celebration, but realism in praxis demands this be flexible although the stole is the normal essential. Colour may be according to any historical traditional usage or the pastoral need of the moment. The vestments should not be the central visual effect of the liturgy but should give it dignity and a sense of the Divine specialness of the moment.

This New Sarum Liturgy is offered with humility as a symbol of our Catholic Christian identity and recognising that we are who we are – people called by God into the love of His Son and yet, by man’s regulations, unable to find our spiritual home in the great historical denominations. The name Sarum reflects the ancient Christian heritage of these Islands and an ancient liturgy that would be recognisable as orthodox today were it revived. The use of the name is therefore a tribute to and a reflection of past foundations on which we must now build.

The New Sarum Liturgy is offered to any who wish to use it in the same way that its celebration is open to any who wish to approach or who feel called to it by the one great host of all celebration.

It is fitting to promulgate this liturgy on the feast of the Transfiguration in the tenth year of my episcopate since it, like all liturgy and ministry, is meant to show forth the glory of God and offer true praise to the Eternal Trinity.

+Terry Flynn STB MSc.

Bishop Ordinary of the Ecumenical Christian Church UK.

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, August 6th 2011

The Ecumenical Christian Church U.K.

Part of the United Ecumenical Catholic Church - "One Church United in Christ"