The Ordinal from The Alternative Service Book 1980



		Explanatory Note

¶		The Ordinal from The Alternative Service Book 1980 (as amended in 2000)

		This is the text as authorized by the General Synod.

		Canon B 5 provides that 'the minister who is to conduct the service may in his discretion make and use variations which are not of substantial importance in any form of service authorized by Canon B 1 according to particular circumstances'.

		Making Women Visible (GS 859, 1988; Church House Publishing, 1999) offered suggested emendations to put the text into 'inclusive language' and take account of the ordination of women to the diaconate. The Preface commented:

		'The central chapter puts forward recommendations on how ASB texts may be adapted where this is felt to be appropriate. The Commission does not see its suggestions as a total package to be implemented either wholesale or not at all. Much depends on people's perception of how language is understood; and local circumstances vary considerably.'
		Following the decision to ordain women to the priesthood, the Liturgical Commission offered advice to bishops as to how the ordination services might be adapted to take cognisance of the fact that women are to be ordained priest. This advice was circulated to all bishops in paper HB(93)43.

		It is for the bishop to decide whether and how the authorized text should be varied on any particular occasion.