Why is Episcopal worship so structured and formal?
A. Anglicans have a propensity to want things to be done “decently and in good order.” Worship is a corporate affair, an activity of the whole gathered fellowship. Great emphasis is placed on congregational participation in the service. The Prayer Book is arranged in such a way that people, by noting the rubrics, or directions, may easily follow and participate. As Anglicans, we believe that God is the Creator of all things and is constantly revealed through the materials of creation. We express this truth by enriching our worship with beauty, the beauty of music, vestments and rich symbols, such as candles, crucifixes, crosses and seasonal colors. We worship in spirit, mind and body. One way of enhancing this worship is through our body language. Therefore, many bow their heads at the name of Jesus or when the processional cross passes by. We often kneel for prayer and confession. Many genuflect, or drop to one knee, in reverence to the consecrated bread and wine, acknowledging the pr
