Explanation

The 78th General Convention Resolution A-068 directed that the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music begin work on translations of the Book of Common Prayer “and/or other materials” in Spanish, Creole, and French. However, following that Convention, the implementation of the resolution was not funded. The current Spanish, Creole, and French translations are quite outdated, and no longer fill the needs of contemporary worshippers. Nor do they meet the criteria for translations set by Canon II.3.5, which was amended by Resolution 2012-A-062 to allow the Custodian of the Book of Common Prayer to “exercise due discretion in reference to translations of the entire Standard Book or parts thereof, into other languages so that such translations reflect the idiomatic style and cultural context of those languages.” The Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music had proposed that amendment to the 77th General Convention, in light of the calls for new translations already being expressed. Moreover, the Spanish and French versions of the Book of Common Prayer are widely used outside The Episcopal Church. Fresh idiomatic translations will be of real use around the Anglican Communion, as well as by other churches who use The Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer as a liturgical resource. Making Enriching Our Worship available as well would be an invaluable asset. It is widely used in the Convocation’s services, and others, such as the Diocese of Haiti, will benefit from access in French and Creole to it. Furthermore, the translations would serve as examples of inclusive-language liturgies in languages other than English.