IEAB’s 2015 Book of Common Prayer: The Latest Chapter in the Evolution of the Book of Common Prayer in Brazil

Abstract

This article provides a first look at the 2015 Book of Common Prayer produced by the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil (in English, Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil). This is the newest Book of Common Prayer published by an Anglican province, featuring some aspects that go beyond what has been done in terms of liturgical revision around the Anglican Communion, and suggesting some further steps that other provinces and churches might take, as they assimilate better the principles of the Liturgical Movement. It is a fully gender-neutral worship book, with expansive language to address the Divine, and a considerable amount of liturgies that deal with local customs. It also features prayers that address themes such as gender equality, environmental preservation and social justice for minorities.

Postcolonialism and Anglican Theology

“…For example, Most Eucharistic prayers and litanies are new and touch issues akin to contemporary Brazilian needs, such as inequality, economic justice, and creation care, without obliterating other theological points that comprise our tradition, and remind us of the faith that was transmitted from generation to generation. 48 According to Coelho, the new BCP has several vital features. It reflects an expansive view of God and adopts an inclusive ecclesiology, which seeks to overcome the tradition of sexism and homophobia in the church.…”

“…Coelho concludes, the new BCP "could be seen as an attempt to produce liturgy that is fully embraced by all the baptized and that is adaptable to a variety of local contexts while keeping up with the essence of Anglican prayer book theology and practice." 49 Other provinces in the Anglican Communion have also engaged in sustained conversations about liturgical renewal, and some have produced new versions of BCP, such as the Anglican Church in Southern Africa and the Anglican Church of Kenya.…”