In Every Corner Sing

I remember when I was a child sitting in the sanctuary of the Wellston, Ohio, congregation listening to a discussion of the “new hymnal.” My grandfather and other leaders were talking about its high cost and whether, in fact, such a radical new book was needed. This “new hymnal” was The Hymnal (1956).

I remember when I was a young adult hearing congregational discussions of the next “new hymnal,” bemoaning its high cost and whether, in fact, such a radically new book was needed. This “new hymnal” was Hymns of the Saints (1981).

Now, as a retired appointee minister and general officer, I have the opportunity to participate in the creation of the church’s first international, multi-language hymnal and the production of the next major English-language hymnal. This two-piece set will be presented to the church at the 2013 World Conference. We hope discussions about high cost and radical newness will not be issues this time around.

The Community of Christ is currently in the process of clearly articulating its message, mission, and identity. As we journey more deeply into what it means to be disciples of Jesus Christ, the need becomes more apparent for texts and music that inspire us in the areas of justice, peace, elimination of poverty, sanctuary, earth stewardship, and sacramental life, to name just a few. The diversity of the human family needs to be celebrated as never before. Beautiful new texts and tunes are being written that can help us sing what we believe. It is indeed time for new hymnals and for prudent use of our resources in order to create them.

Please note that although the term “hymnal” is used repeatedly here, it is not sufficient, for these books will be a collection of songs, chants, praise choruses, and hymns. No longer can the church’s music be described by just one word.

What will we call these two books? How much will they cost? Who will make all the decisions? How can we possibly represent all the world’s cultures in a book of songs? Will we only use traditional hymns? Will we continue the inclusive language policy? What about praise choruses and chants? The questions go on and on. Here is what we know so far.

In September 2007, a hymnal exploration team that I led completed its work and made recommendations to the World Church Leadership Council. The leaders endorsed the project in principle and called for it to move forward. Under the leadership of Jane Gardner, a hymnal project team was chartered, a preliminary budget completed, and a general process design put in place. Currently assisting Jane with the organization of the project are Jan Kraybill, Peter Judd, and myself.

We will use four methods to gather information for the hymnals. First, through the use of a Web survey, we will ask the entire church to take part in an evaluation of Hymns of the Saints, Sing for Peace, Sing a New Song, and By Request. Be sure to watch the Herald and the church’s Web page for upcoming details.

Second, we will ask a team of more than fifty musicians, authors, and worship planners to evaluate Worship and Rejoice, a Christian hymnal produced by Hope Publishing Company. This hymnal was selected because of its reputation among Christian music leaders as an outstanding new collection of songs. In addition, the font and layout of Worship and Rejoice is clear, crisp, and readable, and Hope Publishing already owns many of the copyrights and has permission to use many of the hymns that could be included in our collections. The team of reviewers will recommend the hymns from Worship and Rejoice that should be considered for inclusion in the two new Community of Christ hymnals.

Third, during a certain time period, we will accept submissions of any text or tune, provided the source of the text and tune can be documented. We have long been a singing people, rightfully proud of our outstanding musical heritage. Thus, members of the Community of Christ are encouraged to be creative and develop new texts and tunes for inclusion. Again, watch for upcoming submission details.

Fourth, research teams will look for specific songs by topic so that a complete, broad range of material is included in the hymnals.

We will gather information until May 15, 2009. From then until the end of 2010, those who will be charged with the responsibility of final selection will perform their task, giving deference to the work already completed by these groups.

The process for the international book will involve musicians and leaders from all over the world who will be asked to assist in gathering songs that are sung in our churches around the globe. It is anticipated that the international collection will also be able to serve as the hymnal for World Conference and other gatherings.

There are several major features that will be different from the process that produced the 1981 hymnal. First, based on the size of International Headquarters staff, the legal complexities now involved, major changes in Herald Publishing House, and the wide range of technical skills needed, the church will contract with Hope Publishing Company of Carol Stream, Illinois, USA to produce the books. The church will be responsible for text and tune selection, thematic order of the books, scripture references, name, color, and size. Hope Publishing will handle technical matters such as permissions and copyrights, typesetting and note setting, printing, binding, distribution, and recording of the accompaniment tracks.

Second, the international book will be soft bound, designed to last about a decade, and contain about 100 selections in a wide range of languages. The English-language hymnal will be hard bound and contain about 500 selections and have an active life expectancy of about twenty-five years. The two hymnals will be packaged and sold together.

Third, recorded accompaniments for every selection, suitable for use in settings where there is no accompanist, will be available. A musician’s edition for both hymnals will include guitar chords for each song.

The cost of the two-book set will be determined and then publicized in the future. Knowing that the books will be released at the 2013 World Conference, congregations can begin now to plan ahead for this additional expense in 2013.

As I sat there in the Wellston, Ohio, church as a little boy, I turned to the very first hymn in the new book. It was “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing, My God and King.” For thousands of years the people of God have done just that. In just a few years, those who worship in the Community of Christ will have two important new resources so that they can honor God in every corner of this wonderful world.

—Ken McLaughlin reporting 
Herald, May 2008