In liturgical terms, which item refers to the congregation's response during worship?

• A. Acclamation
• B. Canticle
• C. Doxology
• D. Litany

Answer: (A)

In worship, a brief, verbal expression of praise or affirmation from the congregation is called an acclamation. It’s the short, spontaneous or prompted exclamation the people offer in response to a statement, blessing, or portion of the service—think of quick affirmations like “Amen” or similar exclamations of praise that accompany the liturgy.

Canticle refers to a sung or spoken hymn drawn from Scripture, often used in particular parts of the service but not the everyday responsive action of the congregation. Doxology is a specific short hymn of praise to the Trinity, usually a fixed form sung at a set point in worship. Litany is a longer, structured call-and-response prayer with repeated invocations and responses from the congregation.

So the term that best captures the congregation’s general response during worship is acclamation.