Counting the Sheep

A Gallup poll recently released by the Society for the Preservation of the Book of Common Prayer reveals that a substantial majority of Episcopalians—63 per cent—prefers the traditional, 1928 Book of Common Prayer to the proposed revised prayer book. This information should have a major effect on the legislative action of the Church’s triennial General Convention in Denver next month. But many think it will not—and that way lies danger: the unmaking not only of the four-hundred-year-old Book of Common Prayer, but also perhaps of the Episcopal Church.

Some of the Church’s leaders may find Gallup’s information surprising. At a meeting of the Church’s bishops last October it was reported that there was only “spotty interest” in the 1928 Prayer Book, that “possibly 5 per cent” of Episcopalians are concerned about the traditional book.

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Daniel Oliver

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A Gallup poll recently released by the Society for the Preservation of the Book of Common Prayer reveals that a substantial majority of Episcopalians—63 per cent—prefers the traditional, 1928 Book of Common Prayer to the proposed revised prayer book. This information should have a major effect on the legislative action of the Church’s triennial General Convention in Denver next month. But many think it will not—and that way lies danger: the unmaking not only of the four-hundred-year-old Book of Common Prayer, but also perhaps of the Episcopal Church.

Some of the Church’s leaders may find Gallup’s information surprising. At a meeting of the Church’s bishops last October it was reported that there was only “spotty interest” in the 1928 Prayer Book, that “possibly 5 per cent” of Episcopalians are concerned about the traditional book.