Liturgy, Order and the Law

This book provides an in-depth and substantial statement of the legal principles involved in a wide range of Ecclesiastical Law matters. It examines and analyses current controversies in the liturgy of the Church of England and addresses the problems which can arise when those who are involved with taking services are seen to deviate from the established rules. The potential difficulties are very great and there is understandable concern among the clergy as well as lay members of the church. Indeed, in these days when the clergy may once again be faced with the possibility of being sued in the civil courts for a delay in celebrating a wedding or taking a funeral, the advisability of understanding the law becomes even more apparent. The aim of this book is to make the rules surrounding liturgy more understandable to clergy and to those who are involved in administering the Church of England and its laws.