The Institutionalization of the Congregational Singing of Metrical Psalms in the Elizabethan Reformation

Previous scholarship has often employed the categories of ‘voluntary’ and ‘established’ religion when studying lay involvement in parish religion; yet these categories do not provide adequate space for the vitality of lay religious initiatives during the English Reformation. Through a study of the singing of metrical psalms, this article argues that the categories of ‘inspiration’ and ‘institution’ provide a more nuanced understanding of lay religious initiatives during the English Reformation. It outlines the ways in which the singing of metrical psalms, taken from the Sternhold and Hopkins Whole Booke of Psalmes, moved from its origins in domestic devotions, through inspirational initiative, to become an institutionalized part of the worship of English congregations. This process developed over many years, coming to the fore during the reign of Elizabeth I, yet even once institutionalization had occurred, inspiration could still arise, providing fresh direction and development.

People, power and communities.

This book chapter seeks to: (i) explore 'the community' as a vital context for health promotion; (ii) explore different meanings of community participation, engagement, community involvement and community development; (iii) discuss the importance of social capital; (iv) explore the role of lay involvement in health promotion; and (v) suggest that working with communities and not merely in communities is essential for resilience and wellbeing.

People, power and communities.

This book chapter seeks to: (i) explore 'the community' as a vital context for health promotion; (ii) explore different meanings of community participation, engagement, community involvement and community development; (iii) discuss the importance of social capital; (iv) explore the role of lay involvement in health promotion; and (v) suggest that working with communities and not merely in communities is essential for resilience and wellbeing.

13. Lay Justice

This chapter focuses on lay justice. The use of laypersons is widespread in criminal trials in England and Wales. Summary trials (i.e. those that take place in the magistrates’ court) often take place before three lay justices of the peace. Whilst Crown Court trials take place before a judge, those who are responsible for making decisions of fact are the jury—twelve laypersons chosen for that case. The chapter presents the different types of lay justice that exist and compares the two forms of lay involvement.

‘The Consent of the Faithful’ from 1 Clement to the Anglican Covenant

The origins of the term consensus fidelium lie in the rhetorical tropes of pagans who exhorted unity between friends and within cities – tropes supporting the hierarchy of imperial elites. The earliest Christians adapted this language for the same purpose within churches: to speak of unity and lay involvement in support of Church hierarchy. After the Reformation, Church of England writers used this rhetoric to enforce conformity to church polity and morality. The Tractarians and their successors employed a rhetorical ‘voice of the laity’ as a bolster for episcopal power. While the early twentieth century saw some in the Church of England and Anglican Communion use this same rhetoric to bring the laity into actual decision-making processes, the rhetoric of recent statements by the Communion has left power firmly with bishops.