Service to dump God the Father

Press, 6 October 1989, Page 10

Service to dump God the Father

By

ANABRIGHT HAY

References to God as a King, Father or Lord will be absent from an Inclusive Language Eucharistic Celebration to be held the Christchurch Cathedral on Sunday. These expressions and others that reinforce a hierarchical, domineering or .overtly masculine image of Christianity will not be used. Terms which emphasis God’s role as a caring creator will replace them. The service has been organised by a group of Anglican women who meet and worship monthly in each other’s Christchurch homes. One of the service’s organisers, Ms Linda McGilvary, said many women felt alienated by the hierarchical nature of many churches and by the type of language used. Others were not both-

ered by it and opinion on the issue was varied even within the group, she said. Many of the women in the group did not have their needs fully met by their parish churches, the attitudes of which varied greatly. A .glicanism is known for its diversity. “Some clergy, including the Dean of Christchurch, the Very Rev. Dr David Coles, are very sympathetic in their attitude to these concerns,” Ms McGilvary said. The service’s being held in the Cathedral was important as it was taking a lead and providing an example to other churches.

Ms McGilvary said she did not think the changes lessened or distorted the impact of the Christian message. The service was for all men and women and reflected the view that God was both male and female, she said.