Posted Monday 06 September 2010
Reports in the media over the past 24 hours have suggested that permitted changes to the text of the 1982 Scottish Liturgy have altered the Church’s understanding of God. The permitted changes are, in fact, a small selection of alternative words to replace those which may be considered to be gender specific, particularly those which refer to people in general. The suggested alternatives use language in a way that reflects everyday speech and writing. Since the 1982 Scottish Liturgy was drafted, conventions have changed concerning the use of words which express gender, and the Church is merely seeking to reflect these in its worship. No change in our understanding of God is taking place.
Other churches have been addressing the use of inclusive language in liturgy for some time now and therefore these developments are neither new nor unique to the Scottish Episcopal Church.
A survey was carried out amongst clergy on the use of the 1982 Liturgy three years ago – feedback from this survey requested that the use of inclusive language in liturgies be considered and appropriate alternatives be offered. The production of the list of permitted changes was a response to this request.
The list of Permitted Changes can be downloaded here.
Category: Liturgy
