Following the Reformation, uniformity was a key principle undergirding worship inthe Church of England. The Crown claimed the prerogative to order the use of,and to alter, Church services in spite of the provisions of any Act ofUniformity, the Canons or any Declaration of Assent. This caused confusion amongthe clergy and others as to who had ‘lawful authority’ topermit such usages or changes. This confusion was exacerbated by episcopalclaims to a jus liturgicum. Statute and case law, as well asthe wording of the Declaration, also ensured rigidity in doctrinal adhesion.Since the Church of England (Worship and Doctrine) Measure 1974 and recentamendments to the Canons and the Declaration of Assent, this rigidity has beenrelaxed and clarity provided as to who may authorise services or permitdeparture from otherwise authorised forms of service.
