Do Anglicans Call Church Mass

The Anglican tradition, known for its rich history and diverse practices, often prompts questions about the terminology used during worship services. One common inquiry is whether Anglicans refer to their main worship gathering as a "Mass." Understanding the terminology and liturgical practices of the Anglican Church can help clarify this point and provide insight into its worship identity.

Do Anglicans Call Church Mass

In the Anglican tradition, the term "Mass" is historically rooted and still used by many congregations, especially those with high church or Anglo-Catholic leanings. However, the usage varies widely across different Anglican communities worldwide. To understand whether Anglicans call their main worship service "Mass," it is essential to explore the historical background, regional differences, and contemporary practices within the church.

Historical Roots of the Term "Mass" in Anglican Worship

The word "Mass" originates from the Latin term "Missa," which means "sending forth." It has been used for centuries to describe the central act of Eucharistic worship in the Roman Catholic tradition. When the Anglican Church emerged during the Reformation, it inherited many liturgical elements from Catholic traditions, including the use of the term "Mass" in certain contexts.

Historically, the Anglican Book of Common Prayer (1549 and subsequent editions) used the term "Holy Communion" or "The Lord's Supper" to describe the principal service. However, the term "Mass" was also employed, especially in the High Church or Anglo-Catholic segments of Anglicanism, to emphasize the sacrificial aspect of the Eucharist.

Terminology in Different Anglican Traditions

Within the global Anglican Communion, there is a spectrum of worship styles, which influence the terminology used:

• High Church / Anglo-Catholic Anglicanism: Many of these parishes and communities retain the use of the term "Mass" for their Eucharistic service, reflecting their Catholic liturgical heritage. For example, in the Church of England, some churches still refer to their main service as "Sung Mass" or simply "Mass."
• Low Church / Evangelical Anglicanism: These communities tend to prefer terms like "Holy Communion," "The Eucharist," or "The Lord's Supper," aligning with their emphasis on scripture and simplicity in worship.
• Global Variations: In countries like Nigeria, Uganda, and parts of the Caribbean, the use of "Mass" remains common in Anglican liturgies, especially where Catholic influence is strong.

In regions such as the United States, the Episcopal Church (the American branch of Anglicanism) typically uses "Holy Communion" or "The Eucharist" in its liturgical language, though some churches still refer to their main service as "Mass."

Contemporary Practices and Official Liturgical Texts

The official liturgical texts of the Anglican Communion, such as the Book of Common Prayer and the modern Anglican liturgies (e.g., the Anglican Service Book, the American Episcopal Church's "Holy Eucharist" services), tend to avoid the term "Mass." Instead, they favor language like "The Holy Eucharist," "Communion Service," or "The Lord's Supper." This shift reflects a desire to emphasize the communal and memorial aspects of the Eucharist rather than its sacrificial connotations.

For example, the Anglican liturgy often includes phrases such as:

• "The Holy Eucharist" (used in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church)
• "The Lord's Supper"
• "The Communion Service"

Nevertheless, many Anglican churches, especially those with a high liturgical tradition, still refer to their services as "Mass," particularly during special celebrations or in their traditional liturgical language.

Differences Between "Mass" and "Holy Communion" in Anglican Worship

While both terms refer to the same core sacramental act, their connotations can differ:

• "Mass": Often associated with a more formal, sacrificial, and Catholic-style liturgy. It emphasizes the act of the priest offering the sacrificial elements, reflecting Catholic theology.
• "Holy Communion": Focuses on the communal aspect of sharing the Eucharist, emphasizing participation by the laity and the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.

Many Anglican churches blend these perspectives, understanding that the terminology can reflect theological emphasis and liturgical style.

Examples of Anglican Usage Around the World

Different regions and denominations within Anglicanism demonstrate varied practices:

• Church of England: Historically used "Mass" in some parishes, especially those with Catholic traditions. Today, "Holy Communion" is more common, but "Mass" is still used in some high church contexts.
• Episcopal Church (USA): Prefers "Holy Eucharist" or "Holy Communion," with "Mass" rarely used in official documents but still colloquially in some communities.
• Anglican Church of Canada: Similar to the Episcopal Church, with a focus on "Holy Eucharist," though some high church parishes refer to it as "Mass."
• African and Asian Anglican Churches: Frequently use "Mass" in their liturgical language, blending Anglican and Catholic traditions.

Summary of Key Points

In conclusion, whether Anglicans call their main church service "Mass" depends largely on the liturgical tradition, regional practices, and theological emphasis of individual congregations. Historically, the term "Mass" has deep roots in Anglican worship, especially among high church and Anglo-Catholic communities, reflecting their Catholic heritage and understanding of the Eucharist as a sacrificial act. However, many Anglican churches today prefer terms like "Holy Communion" or "The Eucharist" to emphasize the communal and memorial aspects of the service.

Overall, while the use of "Mass" persists in certain contexts within Anglicanism, it is not universally employed across all Anglican churches. The terminology continues to evolve, reflecting the diversity and richness of Anglican worship practices worldwide.

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