We are planning some reordering in our church, but realise that we know little about how the liturgical furniture and locations should be determined. What is worship "in the round"? Who worships in that way, and why? Should we plan movable seats for the congregation?

THE history of the Church in the 20th century has included significant changes in the locus of worship: nave altars versus high altars; where the priest stands while officiating; where the congregation sits.

In earlier decades, it was common for the priest to lead the ministry of the word from his stall beside the choir, to preach from the pulpit, and then to ascend the steps to the altar, and preside over the great thanksgiving and consecration with his back to the people.

The developments of the post-war period led to a greater sense of the priest's being always a servant, one of the people performing the requisite work of president; and of the immanence of God. Therefore, bringing the altar down among or near the people, with the priest behind it for the consecration, and using a lectern, not a pulpit, were all meant to encourage a sense of "in-it-togetherness". The microphone was meant to help inclusiveness, everyone being able to hear, as well as see the priest's gestures.

There were one or two unforeseen issues. Most of our churches continued with serried ranks of pews, not "in the round"; so, with the priest behind the table, the communion of fellow-worshippers was present in the minds of some, but not really in the experience of all.

The position of the priest behind the table, often there also for leading the gathering and the ministry of the word, led to a common perception of the priest as being in an elevated position - not one of us, the people, leading from among us. The priest who faced the same way as the people was less elevated, despite his particular function.

To what or whom do we bow these days - should it be to the altar where the Sacrament is celebrated, or to the east, from where Christ will come when he returns? Instead, we appear to bow to the priest as the focus of our liturgy. The priest performs a Christly function, but is not the Christ whom we worship.

As it reorders, each church has to resolve its own theological and liturgical dilemmas. For those with a nave altar, it makes liturgical sense to be seated on chairs, so that the sense of our common life is seen. Seating the president at one side for the gathering and the ministry of the word may again be the choice.

If, however, we are seated in serried ranks, at least sometimes a celebration where the priest prays the eucharistic prayer facing east (having a microphone, and therefore audible), would seem to alleviate some of the over-emphasis on the priest as Christ.

Can the font go back to its symbolic position of being close to the main entrance to the church? With chairs, you can arrange the church so that people can see and participate more fully.

Look at all the possibilities, try out locations and perceptions, and let all of these inform you. There are reasons why many understand that the whole liturgy (not simply the words) informs and forms us in our faith. What you do will form you as Christians - or not!

Send your questions and issues to maggiedurran@virginmedia.com