This page provides a set of links to useful materials on the law of liturgy in the Church of England. This includes the law of the Eucharist, but the law of baptism, marriage, burials, and ecumenical projects can be found on other pages either already available or in preparation.
Whereas it is hoped that these links will be of assistance to those applying the law in this area, each case has its own specific set of facts and so where ambiguities or uncertainties exist it is suggested that assistance may be sought from the relevant Diocesan Registrar. Contact details for your Diocesan Registrar can be found at http://www.diocesanregistry.co.uk.
Statutory Materials
- Church of England (Worship and Doctrine) Measure 1974 (the most important statute for modern purposes)
- Sacrament Act 1547
- Universities Tests Act 1871 (pertains to services in certain universities and colleges)
Canons
Authorized Liturgy
- The Book of Common Prayer
- Canons B2, B4, and B5 refer to Approved and Commended forms of service. A list of such can be found here.
- The texts and rubrics of Common Worship can be found here
Regulations and Guidance
- Admission of Baptized Children to Holy Communion Regulations 2006
- Administration of Holy Communion Regulations 2015 and the associated Guidance
- Public Worship with Communion by Extension: Guidelines issued by the House of Bishops
Legal Opinions of the Legal Advisory Commission of the Church of England
- Worship (Part 13)
- Holy Communion (Part 15)
- The use of non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread
- Parish music: organists and choirmasters and church musicians
Books
- Bursell, R. D. H. Liturgy, Order and the Law(Oxford, 1996)
- Doe, N. The Legal Framework of the Church of England(Oxford, 1996)
- Hill, M. Ecclesiastical Law 4thedition(Oxford, 2018) Chapter 5.
Caselaw
- Re St Thomas, Pennywell[1995] 2 WLR 154 (reservation of the Sacrament, ius liturgicum)
- Re All Saints Monkwearmouth[2011] 14 Ecc LJ 318 (communion by extension)