The services and resources in The Iona Abbey Worship Book reflect the Iona Community’s commitment to the belief that worship is all that we are and all that we do, both inside and outside the church, with no division into the ‘sacred’ and the ‘secular’.

They draw on many traditions, including the Celtic, and aim to help us to be fully present to God, who is fully present to us , in our neighbour, in the political and social activity of the world around us, and in the very centre and soul of our being.

Each year, thousands of visitors make their way to Iona and many are changed by their time on this small Hebridean island which has been a powerful spiritual centre over the centuries.

The Iona Community does not believe that we are brought to Iona to be changed into ‘religious’ people, but rather to be made more fully human. Our common life, including our services, is directed to that end.

This new edition of The Iona Abbey Worship Book (previously The Iona Community Worship Book) has been extensively revised and rearranged and includes much new material developed over the past two years by the resident group on Iona.

Previous editions of the Worship Book have been used with enthusiasm by groups and congregations all over the UK and in other parts of the world. It is hoped that this new edition will provide similar inspiration.


See also Iona Abbey Music Book for 50 songs from the Worship Book