“…the Prayer Book is not just a manual of public devotions, it contains the most complete statement of the Church's teaching”. This understanding of the Prayer Book as the dominant treatise of Anglican belief is central to this essay's argument that the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer (1979), and in particular its rite of Baptism, radically changed Anglican thought and liturgical practice in relation to the Eucharist and the Anglican Church. ministry. We will explore this topic by first clarifying what is said in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), especially in its preface to the rite of Baptism, comparing it with the Book of Common Prayer of 1662, to bring out differences and subtle nuances within the theology expressed. The consequences of these changes in relation to Eucharistic practice and invitation will then be explored, in particular the way in which confirmation is understood in the new scheme. Next, we will seek to understand the impact this has had on the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia and how it has influenced our Anglican identity liturgically and ecclesiologically, especially in regards to ministry. Finally, we will offer a small critique of the liturgical understanding of Baptism as a full initiation into the Eucharistic table, drawing on biblical images and Church teaching to ask questions about its appropriateness. Holy Baptism is full initiation through water and the Holy Spirit. in the body of Christ, the Church." These few words are the initiatory comments from the Book of Common Prayer (1979) regarding the rite of Baptism and the purpose of the service. Within them lies an understanding that, while perhaps implicit, in previous prayer books had not been made clear, or was deliberate… middle of the paper… canon style. 10 July 2010. http://anglocatholic.net/2010/07/10/communion-anglican-style/ (accessed 14 May 2012). The Church of England. The Book of Common Prayer and of the Administration of the Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church according to the use of the Church of England. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1662. The Church of the Province of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. A New Zealand Prayer Book/He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa. Auckland: Collins, 1989.The Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer and of the Administration of the Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church: together with the Psalter or Psalms of David according to the use of the Episcopal Church. New York, NY: Church Hymnal Group and Seabury Press, 1979. White, James F. Introduction to Christian Worship. 3rd edition. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2000.