The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion are the defining statements of Anglican doctrine. They were issued by the Convocation of clergy of the Church of England in 1571 and are printed in the Book of Common Prayer and other Anglican prayer books. From 1673 to 1828, the Test Act made adherence to the Thirty-Nine Articles a requirement for holding civil office in England. Outside the Church of England, Anglican views of the Thirty-Nine Articles vary. The Episcopal Church in the United States regards them as an historical document and does not require members to adhere to them.