In 1954, the Church Assembly* asked the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to write a short guide to the duties of church membership. They produced the following list. It makes for interesting and challenging reading for church members today.
A Short Guide to the Duties of Church Membership
All baptized and confirmed members of the Church must play their full part in its life and witness. That you may fulfil this duty we call upon you:
- To follow the example of Christ in home and daily life, and to bear personal witness to Him.
- To be regular in private prayer day by day.
- To read the Bible carefully.
- To come to Church every Sunday.
- To receive the Holy Communion faithfully and regularly.
- To give personal service to Church, neighbours, and community.
- To give money for the work of parish and diocese and for the work of the Church at home and overseas.
- To uphold the standard of marriage entrusted by Christ to His Church.
- To care that children are brought up to love and serve the Lord.
* The General Assembly was the legislative body which existed before General Synod.