Whose hymns are they anyway?

Writing in The Hymn Society Bulletin at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic was severely limiting the way we worshipped – and in particular how we did or didn’t sing hymns in community – Methodist minister and hymn writer Andrew Pratt asked a number of questions about our need of hymns.  

• What kind of hymns do we need in times of crisis?
• How has the nature of our hymns evolved over time, and where do we go with them in a post-pandemic environment?
• Where can we look for inspiration in our hymn writing?

Andrew’s complete article has much in it to challenge provoke, and encourage. With his permission, we have reproduced extracts that focus on just a few of his questions and thoughts, of value to anyone choosing hymns and music for worship, and those considering writing new hymns for today’s worshipping communities.

Read StF's edited extracts from Andrew's article

Andrew’s original article, “Is there a future for hymnody?”,  was published in The Hymn Society Bulletin (Winter 2021: Vol.23, No.1, pp.9 – 24). It is available to members of the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland.  An uncorrected draft of the full article can also be read on Andrew's own blog page: hymnsandbooks.