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We received many letters in response to our front-page letter of 17 August 2014. We've selected some for publication.

Sprint liturgy?

I've attended a 'sprint' service at a local Anglo-Catholic Church up the street from our Cathedral. (All Saints). Exactly the same experience (including the glare).

James Witte
St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
San Diego, California. USA
18 August 2014

You mention the 'sprint liturgy' (which I usually call the 'NASCAR Mass'— speaking as a past master who 50 years ago could do 19 minutes from amice to amice). And then there is the 'Hog-Calling Liturgy' where the celebrant shouts the Mass; and the 'Drama Queen Eucharist' with the arms and body posed in elegant configurations; and the 'Stanislavski Method Mass' where everything is recited with great emotive passion; and the 'Mummy Mass' where the celebrant’s mumble cannot be heard beyond the predella; and the 'Gee-Gosh' rural ceremonial with liturgical hands in virtual pockets; and the 'Pius IX Performance' with biretta, lace to the waist, fiddle-back chasuble, and osculations at the Offertory; and the 'Cool Cat Act' (or 'With It') version with a rainbow stole over jeans and tee shirt.

I think it’s absolute proof of God’s presence with us—if it were not for that no one of the above would tolerate any other of the above.

Fr. John-Julian, OJN
The Order of Julian of Norwich
Hartland, Wisconsin, USA
johnjulianojn@sbcglobal.net
18 August 2014

In contrast to the church you describe, our parish has a very deliberate pace to its liturgy. When I sing, 'The Lord be with you,' there is a distinct pause before the congregation answers with 'And also with you.' Again, after the lector says, 'The Word of the Lord,' a distinct pause before the congregation says, 'Thanks be to God.' Visitors often make their presence known by their rapid comeback. Once, a visitor who attended a funeral complained to a family member that the service would have been over much sooner if our liturgy had been faster. She replied that we maintain that pace because what we say is important to us.

William Bippus
St. Paul's
Marinette, Wisconsin, USA
18 August 2014

Oh dear! Your speed liturgy service brought to mind the most unsatisfying service I have attended. Christmas Day. Visiting family in England and asked for the local CofE church. We were directed to the local Catholic Church. No problem for us, really, we went in. We could not believe the speed of the whole service. (I am sure the priest had a beaut post-Mass Christmas dinner he could not wait to get to) and alas, words without expression. Where was there honouring of the sacred space and time? So far from what I had hoped for as a celebration of the Incarnation. I was relieved to find the local CofE the next day, something that had moderation in pace.

Trevor Sketcher
Logan Anglican
Gold Coast, AUSTRALIA
20 August 2014

Every Sunday at 8.00am, we have a service of Holy Communion according to the rite of the Book of Common Prayer 1662. It lasts just 1/2 hour. There are no hymns, no singing, but I would not call it a 'Sprint Liturgy'. It is contemplative, peaceful and at a measured pace. A wonderful start to Sunday as a day of 'rest'.

Paul Richardson
St John the Baptist
Devizes, Wiltshire, ENGLAND
22 August 2014

As someone whose first experiences with Anglicanism were through short, early morning, traditional language low masses, I was disheartened to read of them referred to as 'sprint liturgies.' Rather, I've found that they often leave a space for contemplation and the shorter length allows for an intimacy and calmness often not found during Solemn High Mass or family-oriented services.

While the Sunday mass I typically attend is full of music and runs roughly 72 minutes, it is not without frequency that I seek this different, but no-less properly 'Anglican' style of service.

Danielle Hicks
Christ Church, New Brunswick
New Jersey, USA
24 August 2014

Earlier letters

We launched our 'Letters to AO' section on 11 May 2003. All published letters are in our archives.