By Ven. David Chimezie Nwanekpe
One area of our worship that needs serious attention today is how we read the Holy Gospel. Many things are gradually entering our services, and if we are not careful, we will lose the sacredness that makes Anglican worship what it is.
Let me say this clearly: it is not proper, and it is not Anglican, for anyone to read the Holy Gospel from a printed service program, a phone, or an iPad. The Gospel is the heart of our worship. It carries the very words and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of this, it must be handled with decorum, reverence, and deep respect.
- The Gospel Must Come From the Holy Bible
When you read the Gospel from a service leaflet, what message are you sending to the congregation? Anybody can print anything. Any printer can make mistakes or even distort the text. But when the Gospel is read from the Holy Bible, the people see it coming from a sacred and trusted source.
The physical Bible in your hand is itself a symbol of authority. It tells the congregation:
“This is the Word of God. This is not my opinion. This is not a photocopy. This is Scripture.”
- The Book Matters Not Just the Words
Some people argue that “the words are the same.” But that is not the point. The Anglican tradition places value on the book itself. The Jews respect the Torah scroll. The Muslims reverence the Qur’an. Even traditional societies treat sacred books with honor.
How then can we, who carry the Gospel of Christ, handle it casually?
- Phones, iPads, and Printed Bulletins Undermine the Sacred Act
Using a phone or gadget to read the Gospel may be convenient, but it reduces the sense of holiness. Worship is not about convenience it is about reverence.
A phone can ring. A notification can pop up. A device can shut down. It also gives the impression that the Gospel is something “ordinary” like reading text messages.
This is why I say it boldly:
Reading the Gospel from a phone or printed program is unanglican.
- Decorum Is Part of Our Formation
In Anglican liturgy, everything we do is intentional. Our gestures, our vestments, our movement to the lectern or pulpit all these teach reverence.
When we lift the Bible before the people, they see that we honor God’s Word. When we kiss the Gospel after reading it, it is a sign of love and respect. How can someone kiss a paper or a phone? It makes no sense.
- A Call to Return to Proper Practice
Let us return to the right tradition. If you are assigned to read the Gospel:
a.Carry the Holy Bible
b.Stand with confidence and reverence
c.Read clearly and slowly
d.Let the people see that the Gospel is coming from Scripture itself
This is not just about tradition; it is about honoring Christ, whose words we proclaim.
My appeal is simple:
Let us protect the sacredness of the Gospel reading. Let us keep Anglican worship Anglican.
