Office Bearers

GS 2025 Article 120 – Appeal against GS 2022 art. 111: Modernization of Hymn Language

1.   Material

  • 1.1    Flamborough (Redemption) appeal re: GS 2022 Art. 111 (8.6.7).

2.   Admissibility

  • 2.1    The appeal was declared admissible.
    • Grounds: the appeal is against a decision of a general synod and it was received on time.

3.   Observations

  • 3.1    The Flamborough (Redemption) CanRC appeals the decision of GS 2022 (art. 111) to approve modernized wording for three hymns:
    • 3.1.1    “Come, Thou Almighty King” (changed to “Come, O Almighty King”);
    • 3.1.2    “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (changed to “Come, O Fount of Every Blessing”);
    • 3.1.3    “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” (changed to “Come, O Long Expected Jesus”).
  • 3.2    Flamborough (Redemption) argues that:
    • 3.2.1    The traditional wording of these hymns remains standard and beloved in widely used hymnals across the English-speaking world;
    • 3.2.2    Changing the wording unnecessarily disrupts the common memory and classic status of these hymns;
    • 3.2.3    The Standing Committee’s own guidelines suggest that archaisms should be left intact when they do not hinder understanding and when they preserve a hymn’s classic status;
    • 3.2.4    Other hymns with traditional language (“Be Thou My Vision,” “How Great Thou Art”) have retained their original wording, showing that retaining traditional phrasing is both possible and appropriate.
  • 3.3    Flamborough (Redemption) requests that Synod 2025 overturn the decision of GS 2022 and restore the classic traditional wording of the three hymns in question.

4.   Considerations

  • 4.1    Concerning Liturgical Stability and Common Memory:
    • 4.1.1    Retaining traditional, widely recognized wording helps maintain unity of worship across generations and churches.
    • 4.1.2    Familiarity with the classic wording aids congregational singing and allows believers to join more easily with the broader Christian community when singing these hymns.
  • 4.2    Concerning the Standing Committee’s Guidelines:
    • 4.2.1    The Standing Committee itself advised that archaisms should be retained if they do not significantly hinder understanding and if they preserve a hymn’s classic nature.
    • 4.2.2    The minor use of “Thou” in these hymns does not create misunderstanding and contributes to their dignified, historic character.
  • 4.3    Concerning Precedent and Consistency:
    • 4.3.1    Other beloved hymns such as “Be Thou My Vision” have preserved their traditional wording.
    • 4.3.2    Inconsistency in handling different hymns undermines the credibility of the editing process.
  • 4.4    Concerning the Desirability of Change:
    • 4.4.1    Changing familiar texts introduces unnecessary disruption to congregational worship.
    • 4.4.2    There must be compelling reasons to alter historic texts, and no sufficient cause has been demonstrated in this case.

5.   Recommendations

That Synod decide:

  • 5.1    To sustain the appeal of the Flamborough (Redemption) CanRC regarding GS 2022 art. 111;
  • 5.2    To restore the traditional wording of:
    • 5.2.1    “Come, Thou Almighty King”
    • 5.2.2    “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
    • 5.2.3    “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

ADOPTED

J. Torenvliet and R. Bremmer abstained as per CO art. 32.