The Book of Common Prayer, a work considered by many to be as influential as the King James Bible and the plays of William Shakespeare, turned 350 this month.

The Rev. Richard Hoyal, vicar of Christ Church in Bristol, England, told a British publication that even in an increasingly secular England the BCP holds an appeal.

"The people who come here to worship do so because they enjoy hearing this traditional form of service – there is a continuity and beauty to it that the more modern versions of Anglican service just don't have," said Hoyal to the Western daily Press. more >>

The Church of England took a step toward allowing women to become bishops on Monday when the House of Bishops approved some widely-debated legislation after making only a few amendments.

During the meeting, the House approved some key amendments for those who hold to more conservative theological views, The Telegraph reports, including an exception that would allow those who are opposed to women bishops to submit themselves to an alternative male bishop if they felt the need to do so.

"The legislation now addresses the fact that for some parishes a male bishop or male priest is necessary but not sufficient," the House said in a statement. more >>

A Massachusetts clergyman has been elected the successor to the controversial New Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson, who is retiring at the end of the year.

The Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld, rector at Grace Episcopal Church of Amherst, was elected in a vote taken on Saturday. Among three nominees, he received 145 of 252 votes. The other two candidates were the Rev. Penelope Maud Bridges of St. Francis Episcopal Church, Great Falls, Va., and the Rev. Dr. William Warwick Rich of Trinity Church in Boston, who is openly gay.

"I am honored to join you in the holy work of bearing witness to the power of Christ's forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection in this time and in this place," said Hirschfeld in a statement. more >>

As Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, which marks her 60-year anniversary as head of the British monarchy, a poll has found that most British people agree that she should continue to have an important faith role in the country.

Around 73 percent of respondents to a poll conducted by Comres agreed that the queen should keep her title as "Defender of the Faith," which was first given to Henry VIII. The title makes her the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, making her formally superior to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Only 25 percent of respondents said that they do not think Queen Elizabeth II should play any faith role or have any faith title at all.

Earlier this year, the queen celebrated the first of her Jubilee events with a multifaith reception at Lambeth Palace, where she shared that she believes the Church of England's role in the country is often misunderstood and underappreciated, the BBC reported. more >>

Controversial televangelist Pat Robertson recently told audiences that it was only "a question of time before" The Episcopal Church would be declared "apostate" by the Anglican Communion.

In remarks made on the 700 Club on Wednesday, Robertson stated that "the whole Episcopal Church in America has left its roots" and that it being declared apostate "is on the way."

Robert H. Lundy, communications officer for the American Anglican Council, a conservative movement hoping to return The Episcopal Church to "an apostolic faith," told The Christian Post that he agreed with Robertson's assessment. more >>

In honor of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible, every state primary and secondary school in England is set to receive a copy of the holy text distributed by the Department for Education.

Close to 24,000 Bibles are being distributed all across England, with Education Secretary Michael Gove insisting that every child should have the chance to read "the most important book written in the English language." According to The Daily Mail, the initiative was being backed by religious leaders across different religions, as well as academics, historians and cultural figures.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has reportedly shared with Grove that he supports the idea, but wanted to make sure that the project is not being funded by taxpayers' money, in order to avoid conflicts with non-religious groups opposed to the plan. Grove has expressed that it was with the help of charity money that the project got funded. more >>