School Pupils Across the Country
Memorise Book of Common Prayer Passages
£1,000 Prize for Winner
By Tim Stanley
Hundreds of school pupils across the country are busy this term studying prayers and readings from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer in a bid to win a prize at the 2022 Cranmer Awards contest.
During the finals to be held at Hampton Court Palace on February 26 they will recite from memory their chosen passages in front of an audience of more than 100 comprising parents, teachers, clergy and members of the Prayer Book Society.
The annual national competition is organised by the Prayer Book Society which encourages rediscovery and use of the majesty and spiritual depth of the Book of Common Prayer at the heart of the Church of England’s worship.
The event, which has taken place annually since 1989 (excluding the Covid years) introduces young people to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer created by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer during the Reformation.
Regional heats will determine the finalists aged between 11 and 18 who will compete.
Winners are set to share £1,000 in prize money and each will receive a certificate with a copy of the Book of Common Prayer.
Presenting the winners’ awards will be Canon Anthony Howe, chaplain of the Chapel Royal in Hampton Court Palace.
