the 3.2-million-member U.S. Episcopal Church. But the new compilation of prayers and services waters down essential doctrine, according to Hughes, an Episcopal priest and theologian.
The seriousness of sin is diminished in the new Book, Hughes says, apparently in response to complaints that the old version (last revised in 1928) was too gloomy. For example, the Confession of Sin has been made optional in rites for Holy Eucharist and morning and evening prayer. Also optional is the reading of the...