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An ELCA social statement on...
Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action 27) Use inclusive language (all genders) for humankind and inclusive and expansive language (other than human) for God. This church is committed to the deepest Christian understanding of the Trinity revealed through Jesus Christ and to the importance of imagining and speaking about God in faithful ways that expand rather than limit the expression of God's self-revelation and mystery. In particular, we support developing liturgies, hymns, prayers, and educational materials that broaden use beyond predominantly masculine language. This practice follows the scriptural witness that God transcends human categories. Therefore, as in the Scriptures, metaphors for and images of God should be drawn frequently from the lives of people of all identities and experiences and gleaned from nature in all its diversity. Employing inclusive and expansive language for and images of God helps human beings approach and encounter the God of beauty and love who reveals God’s self to humanity in rich and mysterious ways. Names for God - A two page document of names for God from both scripture and theologians. |
"Language for God: A Lutheran Perspective" Mary J. Streufert. Fortress Press, 2022 There are 22 pages of "Language and the Christian Assembly" in the ELCA's "Renewed Worship" statement, "Principles for Worship."
ELCA Frequently Asked Questions about Worship Resources including "What is Meant by Inclusive and Expansive Language in Worship" Female Images of God in the Bible - Compiled by the Women’s Ordination Conference
Short Article on How to Talk about God the Mother. |