Liturgical Texts for Evaluation

A booklet containing adapted liturgical texts for the Daily Office and the Holy Eucharist, along with a musical supplement. These adapted texts reflect concern for use of liturgical language that is widely inclusive and representative of the variety of the human community. References to the human community are inclusive in all instances. Masculine pronouns are not used for general human reference. Two canticles drawn from Wisdom literature use feminine imagery for God, and an alternative form for the Gloria Patri was provided for optional use. The alternative form of the Gloria Patri states, “Honor and glory to God, and to God's eternal Word, and to God's Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.” The term “Lord” is retained but used with less frequency than in previous liturgical texts because “it is often seen as a term of masculine domination in our society.” This booklet was printed by the Church Hymnal Corporation for the Standing Liturgical Commission in 1987. It was intended for use in worship in selected evaluation centers from Sept. 20 through Oct. 14, 1987. Evaluation of these liturgical texts was considered in subsequent preparation of liturgical texts for use in the Episcopal Church.