It is immaterial. The manner of worship is not in itself sacred, but it is supposed to be symbolic. For the life of me I don't know what symbolic meaning there is by turning one's back to God and facing the congregation! I am pinging Deacon Augustine in hope he can provide an insight.
It is is supposed to be the re-enactment of the Mystery Supper, then we should all sit at one giant table with the priest in the middle! One should not be offended by anyone facing the Cross, and turning his or her back on the person behind them, or else we should stand in single rows in circles facing each other as we pray. Sound pretty ridiculous, doesn't it?
The whole point is that a shepherd leading his flock should not do that walking backwards, by facing the flock. But for some it seems being "recognized" has higher priority that immersing oneself in contemplation and worship.
I am glad to hear that Lutheran and some Anglican churches remain traditional in knowing what comes first.
"For the life of me I don't know what symbolic meaning there is by turning one's back to God and facing the congregation! I am pinging Deacon Augustine in hope he can provide an insight."
You expect me to have an insight on the "benefits" of one of the biggest liturgical mistakes that Rome has ever authorised? ;)
Celebrating Mass versus populum was one of the most facile and juvenile innovations to come out of Vatican II (although the Council itself never authorised this). IMHO this was a greater crime than abolishing the use of Latin in the Mass. Unfortunately the "liturgical experts" were effectively given carte blanche to introduce whatever novelties that were required to make the Mass more acceptable to Protestants (of the liberal don't believe anything much variety).
Personally I hate to pray facing the people, I should be facing God. However, while the current madness reigns in the Vatican, I don't expect it to be corrected any time soon.
You're right of course that it's the symbolism that is precisely the problem. I'm a writer, I pay attention to these things. :)