“The hymnal has been a vital tool in carrying the theology of The United Methodist Church for generations,” said the Rev. Tim Bias, General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries. “That function remains important for a new, relevant, and widely used version of The United Methodist Hymnal.” – “New United Methodist Hymnal Endorsed”, United Methodist Reporter, July 31, 2015
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The news that the relevant general agencies have endorsed the compiling and publishing of a new United Methodist Hymnal is most welcome. General Conference 2008 passed legislation to begin the process, but the economic meltdown left no money available. While certainly successful, even innovative for its time, the 1989 hymnal is long overdue for replacement, not least because of the vast changes in worship styles over the past quarter century. Having come to know a few members of the committee who compiled the 1989 hymnal, I feel confident both that the theological understanding of the hymn selection process, as well as recognizing the need for greater racial and ethnic diversity in hymn style will be attended to.
My fear is that the lure of technological innovation for its own sake, as well as the demand from so many voices for attention to “contemporary” worship styles will flood the committee. It might well overwhelm any desire to integrate worship styles through the use of a diverse style of hymnody. I should emphasize that I am less concerned with the committee General Conference will choose than I am with those who will advocate, or perhaps demand would be a better word, for our ongoing bifurcation of worship styles, resulting in an increased segregation in the music as well as highlighting our generational divide that could exacerbate, rather than ameliorate, the tensions within our denomination.
The United Methodist Hymnal is more than just a book of songs. It is more than our primary worship resource. In how it's set out, how hymns are arranged thematically, and the care chosen for doctrinal and theological integrity, our hymnal, historically, has been a guide through our distinctive Wesleyan heritage, a musical statement of who we are as a people. We are a people who confess our faith in song. Whether we sing ancient hymns, the many from Charles Wesley, or contemporary songs, we must be careful not to lose this particular reality of who we are as singing people.
Geoffrey Kruse-Safford of Rockford, Ill., is a seminary-trained United Methodist layman. He blogs at No I Has Heard.