What exactly is the matter?
The Church of England is reportedly looking into alternatives to addressing God as ‘Him, Him and Father’. A commission has also been constituted for this purpose. This commission will consider the whole matter. However, the decision of the Church (the decision of the Synod having the power to determine the decision of the Church of England) will be considered supreme in the case of any alternative wording. Why is God addressed as male or female? This was questioned. Some observed that more ‘liberal’ terms should be used in addressing God without making any gender distinctions.
In that case, what words will be used in place of words like ‘Our Father’ is yet to be specified. It should be noted that discussions have already started on this. God is called ‘Father’ in Christianity. In that case, it cannot be replaced by the word ‘mother’ in any way, the claim is one-sided. A spokesman for the Church of England said: “This is nothing new. Christians have long said they did not want to confine God to male or female addresses. But in worship, the opposite is often the case.” However, strict vigilance will be exercised to ensure that sentiments are not hurt in any way in search of liberal words. No decision shall be accepted as final unless concurred in by the Synod.
