Prayer Book Society Celebrating 50th Anniversary
The Prayer Book Society is readying for the celebration of its 50th Anniversary. Formed in 1972 to promote the continued use of the Book of Common Prayer, a special service will be held in October at Westminster Abbey. It will be led by the former Bishop of London, Richard Chartres.
“The Book of Common Prayer is seeing a real revival in churches across the country,” says Bradley Smith, the PBS’ chairman. “New generations are discovering the beauty, depth and majesty of the BCP, many through services of Choral Evensong,” he says.
A new website and branding for the Society have marked the start of the year. “Our members can stay in touch with events, both local and national, through the website and our social media channels,” says Bradley.
Other highlights of the year for the Society include, Covid permitting,, the annual Cranmer Awards for school students at Hampton Court Palace in February and the Society’s Conference to be held in Liverpool in September.
“The exciting growth in the use of the Book of Common Prayer in churches across the UK highlights the eternal appeal of Thomas Cranmer’s prose and poetry,” says Bradley.
“The Book of Common Prayer remains the standard text for worship and belief in the Church of England and in most other Churches in the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is used in over 50 countries across the world and has been translated into 150 languages.”
HRH Charles, Prince of Wales is the Patron of the Prayer Book Society.
