Approval List for Liturgical Texts & Bible Versions

Full Approval

The following texts are fully approved for use in worship:

Liturgical Texts:

    • The English Missal
    • The First English Prayer Book (1549)
    • The Book of Common Prayer (1662 & 1928)
    • An Australian Prayer Book (1978)

Bible Versions:

    • The Tyndale Bible (1534)
    • The King James (Authorised) Version (1611)
    • The Amplified Bible (1958)
    • The Revised English Bible (1989)
    • The Third Millennium Bible (1998)
    • The New American Bible
    • The New King James Version (2002)

Limited Approval:

The following texts may be used under specific circumstances:

Common Worship (CW):

    • Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Compline
    • Order 2 Holy Communion (Traditional Language)
    • Proper Prefaces (pp. 246–247), Seasonal Prefaces (pp. 294, 300–329)
    • A suitable Post-Communion Prayer may be added to a BCP service

Pastoral & Seasonal Services:

    • Common Worship: Pastoral Services – Holy Communion for the Sick and Housebound (more suitable than BCP for the seriously ill)
    • Lent, Holy Week & Easter (ISBN 07151370500)
    • The Promise of His Glory (All Saints to Candlemas, ISBN 0715137387)

Bible Versions:

    • The Jerusalem Bible
    • The Revised Standard Version (1946–1971)
    • The New Revised Standard Version
    • Good News Bible (for children’s services only)
    • The New Living Translation

Not Approved

The following texts are not approved for use in worship:

  • The Alternative Service Book (1980)
  • The New International Version Bible
  • The New English Bible (1961)

Guidelines for Usage

  • The BCP Lectionary (found in the BCP, SPCK Lectionary, and other publications) should ordinarily be used.
  • When covering a service where the CW Lectionary is typically used, it may be appropriate to follow local practice.
  • Ministers may use other liturgies or versions if they align with church principles and are pastorally necessary. In cases of doubt, refer to a bishop for guidance.
  • Ecumenical services may require the use of locally approved texts.

This list serves as a reference for normal worship practice while recognising the need for flexibility in theological study and interdenominational contexts.

 
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