The deadline has been extended for submitting comments through an online survey to the Episcopal Church Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (SCLM) about a possible revision of The Hymnal 1982 through Saturday, April 30.
The online survey in both English and Spanish is available at here.
The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, chair of the SCLM, noted comments are invited from the entire church in this discussion. She previously said, “We have established this survey as part of the Episcopal Church’s ongoing work with liturgical materials and in compliance to Resolution B004 as approved at General Convention 2009. This is important work in the life of our church and we are grateful for participation as our church embraces this task.”
Resolution B004 “authorize(s) Church Publishing Incorporated, working with the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, to conduct a feasibility study on the need for revision of The Hymnal 1982 by speaking to congregations, dioceses and all seminaries of this Church, and to report its findings to the 77th General Convention.”
The survey is coordinated by the Church Pension Fund’s Office of Research.
The survey results, along with recommendations for next steps, will be presented to General Convention 2012 as part of the SCLM report.
I did the survey the day it came to my inbox. In essence, I said that the present one is bad enough without having to be saddled with a new one that’s even worse.
Me too. We’re why they’re extending the deadline. I feel so responsible.
I much prefer the Hymnal 1940, but I do like some of the Service Music and Canticles found in the Hymnal 1982. And I don’t like the way in which some of the beautiful old hymns were eliminated, while others were sexually neutered.
And that was done at the behest of the feminists in TEC…..may a pox descend on them!
I have my beefs with the 1982, and the text emasculations are on that lists, along with their baffling decision to drop most of W.D.’s plainsong accompaniments in favor of decidedly inferior new arrangements and the scattershot arrangement of the service music. But before we go too nostalgic over 1940 I would recall that the places I went to church before the 1982 got well-established had stopped using large sections of the 1940 hymnal, and of course the service music section was useless if you weren’t doing Rite I. It needed an overhaul. I don’t think the 1982 needs as much work, other than culling all those dreadful “I’m a friend of someone on the committee” tunes that nobody can sing.
And I assume that you [i]do[/i] mean all of them…..right? If you do, then [i]good,[/i] because I can’t stand them, either!
#6
Is there another Rite?
I am very sad for all of you. In the 80s and 90s I was fortunate enough to be on the staff of a wonderful church that had an outstanding music program. The organist/choir director had a strong commitment to helping the congregation learn the 1982 Hymnal.
Sure, the revisers took out some things out of the 1940 Hymnal that I wish they hadn’t. They changed some things in ways I didn’t care for. But there are some marvelous hymns in 1982. I thought of these 11 just off the top of my head—without peeking:
All my hope on God is founded 665, God is love 379, Look, there, the Christ, our brother, comes 196 (May be the most difficult hymn in the book. Needs strong choir support. But any congregation can learn the refrain. I’ve twice taught it to preschoolers.) A stable lamp is lighted 104, Now quit your care 145, Wilt thou forgive the sin 140 (and 141), To mock your reign, O dearest Lord 170, Now the green blade riseth 204, Jesu, Jesu 602, This joyful Eastertide 192, Christ is made the sure foundation 518
Not to mention Lift high the cross 473, and some wonderful tunes at 653, 557 (and 392), 636, 456 (and 659), and 517
Hey bwd45 — that’s great that you like the 1982. I prefer the 1940.
I would be “very sad” for you — but I’m not that condescending and self-affirming.
I apologize if my note came off as condescending. I assume that the people who have commented appreciate the richness of Episcopal/Anglican worship. The Hymnal 1940 is terrific, but there is a great richness in the 1982 that I think people are missing
What people are missing is what what never needed revising, like BCP1928. Sorry, very sorry, just miss it all still. Never will be anything like it.
I have a hard time, especially at Christmas, singing out of the ’82 hymnal, in fact, I often ignore the words changed by the committee and sing the Christmas songs as written. Which either gets me funny looks or broad grins with a ‘thumbs up’ by those around me. And an elbow in the ribs from my wife.
As for “I Am the Bread of Life” (aka I will raise him up), I just sit silent with the horrid way they butchered that song to make it ‘inclusive’.
True, there are some good selections in the book, but not enough to cover over the truly bad.
Peace
Jim E <><
correction:
I sing the Christmas songs and carols “AS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN” or as familiarly remembered? At any rate, I refuse to sing the neutered versions. Same with ‘Be thou my vision’. Silly revisers.
JE
“And that was done at the behest of the feminists in TEC…..may a pox descend on them! ”
You know Cennydd, comments like this expose you and your brethren for what you all are. Hate filled individuals who are more concerned about destroying TEC then being uplifting examples of Christ.
Really? This is the example you put forth? And this isn’t isolated. I’ve seen plenty, plenty of your posts. You are combative and at times hateful.
I would like to think we are all on the same path. Finding our way towards God. But apparently you aren’t quite there.
Take a moment, take a deep breath and freaking realize the people you apparently are at war with are not the children of Satan.
Really?
Chill man. You come across as ridiculous.