RITES AND CEREMONIES

Rites and Ceremonies: translation

The Rites and Ceremonies of the Church are based on the Apostolic injunction, "Let all things be done decently and in order." Byritesare meant certain prescribed ordinances, and byceremoniescertain sacred observances, as distinguished from Sacraments. These when prescribed by lawful authority are instrumental in promoting uniformity of worship and are conducive to regularity and edification. We learn from the Twentieth Article of Religion that the power to decree Rites and Ceremonies rests with the Church, and, as set forth in the Twenty-fourth Article, "every particular and national Church hath authority to ordain, change and abolish ceremonies, ordained only by man's authority." The Rites and Ceremonies of the American Church, are set forth and implied in the Book of Common Prayer, marked out in the rubrics and the Tables prefixed to it.