This article highlights the importance of language in worship and introduces the Language Matters guide, a resource to help parishes use inclusive, respectful, and thoughtful language when preparing worship services.
Language does matter because what we say and the way we say it reflect who we are. Language ispowerful in worship because we use it to communicate with God and express our understanding of God.It’s therefore required that care and attention be given as much as possible so it doesn’t become a barrier to relating with each other and with God in worship.
Language Matters was first created by the Women’s Ministry Task Group and endorsed by
the Synod of the Diocese of Adelaide in 2007, making it a formal diocesan policy.
The current version was updated and endorsed by Diocesan Council in November 2017. It reflects theDiocese’s journey in exploring how language in worship can be more inclusive and welcoming.
The nature of our mission means we want as many people as possible to be included in worship of God. Paying attention to the effect of language goes beyond personal preference and becomes an opportunity for welcome and inclusion.
“I encourage use of this guide by those who are preparing worship so that we are able to communicate the love of God and provide worship opportunities which are appropriate to the context of our contemporary society.” Geoffrey Adelaide November 2017
