C031 Minimize Gendered Language in the BCP
Language matters. The 231st Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut “acknowledged that using only male language for God distorts and impoverishes our theological vision” (Resolution #12). Our principal worship resource, the Book of Common Prayer, contains thousands of references to God, virtually all of which are male. As we increasingly understand the fluidity of gender, assigning a male gender to God reinforces patriarchy, androcentrism and clericalism. The 78th General Convention required the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to present a plan for BCP revision to the 79th General Convention. This is an unprecedented opportunity to further our commitment to equality of all genders.
Explanation
Language matters. The 231st Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut “acknowledged that using only male language for God distorts and impoverishes our theological vision” (Resolution #12). Our principal worship resource, the Book of Common Prayer, contains thousands of references to God, virtually all of which are male. As we increasingly understand the fluidity of gender, assigning a male gender to God reinforces patriarchy, androcentrism and clericalism. The 78th General Convention required the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to present a plan for BCP revision to the 79th General Convention. This is an unprecedented opportunity to further our commitment to equality of all genders.