Considering Gender-Neutral Terms
"Moving Away from the Bible" vs "Promoting Gender Discrimination"
The Church of England is considering changing the term 'God the Father' to a gender-neutral expression.
According to the British daily The Telegraph and others on the 7th (local time), the Church of England is expected to launch a project this year in which bishops use language reflecting 'both male and female genders' when referring to God during worship. Details of the plan emerged as a written inquiry on this matter was submitted to the Liturgy Committee ahead of the upcoming General Synod (the church's legislative body) meeting this week.
Reverend Joanna Stobart of the Diocese of Bath & Wells asked in the inquiry, "What measures are being taken to offer alternatives to the congregation regarding the use of masculine pronouns for God?" and "What progress has been made in developing more inclusive language?"
In response, retired Reverend Mike Ingham, vice-chair of the Liturgy Committee, said, "For years, we have been exploring the use of gendered language about God in collaboration with the Faith and Order Committee," adding, "Following some discussions between the two committees, a new joint project on gendered language will begin this spring."
"Cannot Replace Male and Female Meanings" vs "Exclusive Titles Promote Gender Discrimination"
This has sparked sharp reactions within the Church of England. The conservative faction of the church opposed the change, stating, "The images of male and female are not interchangeable."
Reverend Ian Paul, a member of the British Archbishop's Council and the General Synod, expressed concern that this policy might deviate from the Bible, saying, "Using masculine pronouns for God should not be understood as implying that God is male. That is heresy." He also pointed out, "Unlike humanity, God does not distinguish gender."
He further stated, "Without changing the meaning of calling God 'Father,' it cannot be replaced with 'Mother,' nor can it be gender-neutralized as 'Parent.' Father and mother are not interchangeable because they connect with children in different ways."
On the other hand, progressive Christians positively evaluated the gender-neutral titles, arguing, "The exclusive theological reading of God as male has perpetuated ongoing gender discrimination against women." A spokesperson for 'Women and the Church,' a group advocating for gender equality within the church, welcomed the movement to address God with more inclusive language in official liturgy.
However, permanently changing the title 'God the Father' or rewriting the Bible with gendered language requires consensus from church meetings. Professor Helen King, vice-chair of the church's Gender and Sexuality Group, said, "For some, calling God 'Father' is helpful because of positive experiences with affectionate parents," but added, "For others, it may reinforce negative experiences of a strict disciplinarian father."
A spokesperson for the Church of England explained, "Christians have long recognized that God is neither male nor female," and added that any change in titles would not occur without extensive revisions to church law.
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