New York, NY—The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) is pleased to announce the release of its Principles of Good Practice for Chapel and Worship in Episcopal Schools, the fifth entry in its Principles of Good Practice series. The series is NAES’ on-going effort to identify and publish best practices already at work in its schools from a wide variety of perspectives and positions.
Episcopal schools are called to fulfill two simultaneous commitments: to provide students an authentic experience of Christian worship that is unapologetically and identifiably Anglican; and to welcome, affirm, and support the spiritual development of students of all faiths or no faith at all. Building upon the success of the Principles series and cognizant of the myriad and frequent questions the Association’s staff members receive regarding these simultaneous commitments, the NAES Governing Board and staff developed and adopted the document this past April.
NAES does not offer these principles prescriptively. Rather, the document highlights the crucial components of a comprehensive, meaningful, and age-appropriate approach to worship and chapel in Episcopal schools as reflected in the Association’s diverse membership. It is intended to be used as part of the context in which schools formulate and assess this most crucial expression of their Episcopal identity.
Says the Reverend Daniel R. Heischman, NAES executive director, “Principles of Good Practice for Chapel and Worship in Episcopal Schools is a wonderful addition to this important series. Please join me in thanking Ann Mellow, NAES associate director, for her work in crafting this document. Countless individuals were contacted in the process of drafting these principles. The Governing Board and staff are especially grateful to the many chaplains, rectors, and other school leaders who participated in the conversations that enabled us to create this document. Their feedback and suggestions have been invaluable. These principles are the fruit of our collective efforts and accumulated wisdom.”
A copy of the document, in pamphlet form, has been sent to Episcopal school heads, rectors, and chaplains, as well as to diocesan bishops, school association leaders, and Episcopal school friends. Packets of twenty-five (25) pamphlets are available for purchase from the NAES website at www.episcopalschools.org/bookstore/, or by calling 800.334.7626, ext. 6134, or 212.716.6134.
The other titles in the NAES Principles of Good Practice series are:
- Principles of Good Practice for Furthering Episcopal Identity in Episcopal Schools (2005)
- Principles of Good Practice for Governance in Episcopal Parish Day Schools (2009)
- Principles of Good Practice for Leadership Transitions in Episcopal Schools (2010)
- Principles of Good Practice for the Study of Religion in Episcopal Schools (2010)
The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) is an independently incorporated, voluntary membership organization that supports, serves, and advocates for the vital work and ministry of those who serve over 1,200 Episcopal schools, early childhood education programs, and school establishment efforts throughout the Episcopal Church. Chartered in 1965, with historic roots dating to the 1930s, NAES is the only pre-collegiate educational association that is both national in scope and Episcopal in character. The Association advances Episcopal education and strengthens Episcopal schools through essential services, resources, conferences, and networking opportunities on Episcopal school identity, leadership, and governance, and on the spiritual and professional development of school leaders. For additional information, call us at 800.334.7626, ext. 6134, or 212.716.6134; or e-mail us at info@episcopalschools.org.