Ornaments Rubric

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The "Ornaments Rubric" is a passage in the various editions of the Book of Common Prayer. Since the 19th century, the exact meaning of the rubric has been disputed. Anglo-Catholics have traditionally pointed to this rubric for the justification for their restoration of the traditional Eucharistic vestments of western Christianity in the Anglican Communion, whereas Evangelicals have insisted that they permit the choir habit only. The text of the rubric is as follows:

"THE Morning and Evening Prayer shall be used in the accustomed Place of the Church, Chapel, or Chancel; except it shall be otherwise determined by the Ordinary of the Place. And the Chancels shalt remain as they have done in times past.

And here is to be noted, that such Ornaments of the Church, and of the Ministers thereof, at all Times of their Ministration, shall be retained, and be in use, as were in this Church of England, by the Authority of Parliament, in the Second Year of the Reign of King Edward the Sixth."