Q: GIRM 43 calls for “uniformity in gestures and bodily postures.” GIRM 42 and 96 also encourage this. By doing what the liturgical books prescribe and refraining from what they do not prescribe, this uniformity can be achieved.
You sometimes promote it—for example, by having the people sit during the procession of the gifts. At other times the practice appears less consistent, such as the encouragement of a head bow when incensed (see https://paulturner.org/bowing-to-thurifer/).
If everyone simply follows the liturgical books and other documents issued by the Apostolic See, unity will follow. Otherwise we are left with arbitrary decisions and division:
- between those who comply with the liturgical books and those who do not;
- between those who make the Sign of the Cross with the fingers of the right hand straight and together (CB 108) and those who do not;
- between lay people who have their hands joined (right thumb crossed over left, CB 107) during the Our Father and those who use the Orans posture;
- between those who do not make the Sign of the Cross when blessed (GIRM 167) and those who do;
- between those who bow their heads at the name of Saint Joseph on his feast days (GIRM 275) and those who do not;
- between communicants who hold a communion-plate under their mouth for intinction (GIRM 287) and those who do not;
- between those who do not bow when incensed (GIRM 275, 277) and those who do.
Exceptional circumstances must be taken into account, but uniformity should still be the norm. Do you agree?
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A: Uniformity of postures and gestures unifies the assembly at prayer and brings cohesion to the meaning of symbols.
In general, in practice, we have tremendous uniformity.
Where diversity prevails, there may be many reasons for it. Catechesis may help. Charity toward one another always helps.
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