‘God is neither male nor female’: Church of England is considering gender-neutral terms | UK News

The Church of England is considering whether to stop calling God “he” after priests raised questions regarding the use of sexist terms.

The subject, which has been discussed by Christians for years, is being explored by two committees in a new joint project.

The project was launched in response to a question from Rev Joanna Stobart, the representative of Ilminster and Whitelacington in Somerset at the synod, who wished for an update on a “more comprehensive language” in the services of the synod. Church of England and refer to God in a “genderless way”.

Although the specifics of the project’s goals and outcomes are still unclear, some have reassessed the possibility of change.

Pastor Dr Ian Paul told the Telegraph that any change would represent a rejection of the Church’s own doctrine. That means moving Church doctrine away from “biblical-based,” he said.

The newspaper said there have been calls to stop calling God “He”, “He” and “Our Father” for decades.

A Church of England spokesman told Sky News there had been more interest in discovering new languages ​​over the past 20 years, but wanted to clarify that there were no plans to “repeal or substantially modify the rituals”. liturgy is currently permitted”.

They say: “Christians have recognized since ancient times that God is neither male nor female, yet the variety of ways in which God is called and described is found in the scriptures. Saints are not always reflected in our worship.

“As part of its regular program of work over the next five years, the Liturgical Commission asked the faith and order committee to work with them to consider these questions.

“No such change could be made without extensive legislation.”

Any potential change would mark a departure from traditional Jewish and Christian teachings dating back millennia, and would have to be approved by the synod, i.e. Churchdecision-making body.

Pastor Dr. Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield and vice-chairman of the Liturgical Commission, which prepares the forms of service, said the project will begin this spring.

It will involve the Liturgical Commission working with another body of the Church of England, the Faith and Order Commission – the theological adviser – to examine these questions over the next five years.

In 2018, the Archbishop of CanterburyJustin Welby, says that God is not a father like man, with descriptions of God being a bit “metaphorical”.

Speaking at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, he said “God does not distinguish between male and female. God cannot be determined”. Instead, Rev Welby said that to him, God is perfect and “loves me unconditionally”.