GREAT OCCASIONS

Intended for use by, primarily, clergymen, this interesting anthology of poetry and prose might also serve as inspirational reading for a liberal audience. Grouped under ""occasions""-public celebrations of birth, coming-of-age, marriage and death--the selections have been chosen to underscore the emotional responses of most participants in each circumstance. The literary quality is high, and the pieces are chosen from contemporary writers, although there are selections from earlier English and foreign works, as well as ancient and Biblical sources. In his preface the author stresses that these works should be honest and ""speak to the human condition today""--for all religious affiliates and the non-religious. An appendix suggests ceremonies for child-adoption, a memorial service and an initially shocking, but surprisingly moving, ceremony for divorce. Of liberal Protestant persuasion, this is of special interest to church leaders and involved laymen.