The Presbyterian Hymnal

The General Assemblies of 1980 and 1983 directed that a hymnal be developed “using inclusive language and sensitive to the diverse nature” of the church. The Program Agency and the General Assembly Mission Boards responded by creating a hymnbook committee of eighteen persons, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the church. The group included hymnologists and professional musicians. Members of the committee…were from small and large churches and represented the ethnic diversity of the denomination. They sought to affirm the centrality of the sacraments, ecumenical and mission dimensions, the perspectives of women, and the concerns of youth and age.

American Christians live in a church and a world much changed in the last forty years. Political, social, theological, cultural, and economic changes have brought a different day, a different constituency, and a different agenda to the church. In light of such developments, the committee made conscious efforts to recognize various racial and ethnic musical traditions in the church and to express them, taking into account their influence on past, present, and future hymnody. Committee member consulted groups outside the committee who were asked to suggest music from their traditions.

The aim of the committee has been to provide a book for congregational singing with the expectation that all who use it may be enriched by hymns from gospel, evangelical, Reformed, racial, and ethnic traditions in the church. May all who use this collection be renewed and revived in singing their faith, that worship may call the church in this day to obey Jesus Christ.

Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780664100971