If Music be the Food of Love, Play on
|
"If music be the food of love, play on...." The words of Shakespeare re-echoed in my mind as delegates discussed the Church Manual revisions on music. |
|
"If music be the food of love, play on...." The words of Shakespeare re-echoed in my mind as delegates discussed the Church Manual revisions on music. Adventists love their music but many also see music within their church as an evangelistic tool, not just for the congregation, but for the musicians themselves.
Debate thus focused around a change of wording from "They should be members of the church, or the Sabbath School, or the Adventist Youth Society..." to "It is preferable that they be members..."
Discussion was perhaps focused by Paul Petersen from the South Pacific who testified that he became an Adventist because he was invited to sing in the choir by a member. Many delegates made similar statements, including Brian Mercer, a school principle from Australia who pointed out that half his school choir are excluded by the word "should."
On the other side of the debate, concern was expressed by Duncan Odhiambo Mumbo from East Africa. He represented the concerns of those who felt that liberalizing the wording would cause tensions as it would more easily allow some on the fringe of the church to participate. He was strongly supported by Dioniso Olivo who felt that "should" allowed participation but emphasized an ideal of membership.
However, most delegates emphasized the redemptive nature of non-members participating in the music of the church with an emphasis on keeping the language inclusive. May the music continue.
Digg
del.icio.us
reddit
newsvine
Y! MyWeb
ANN World News Bulletin is a review of news and information issued by the Communication department from the Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters and released as part of the service of Adventist News Network. It is made available primarily to religious news editors. Our news includes dispatches from the church's international offices and the world headquarters.
Reproduction Requirements:
Reproduction of information in this article is encouraged. When reproducing
this material, in full or in part, the words "Source: Adventist News Network" must
appear under the headline or immediately following the article. The words "Source:
Adventist News Network" must
be given equal prominence to any other source that is also acknowledged.
Ground 7 News Podcast:
Ground 7 News is a review of news and information issued by the Communication Department from the Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters and released as part of the service of Adventist News Network. Reproduction of the ANN podcast is encouraged. When rebroadcasting this material, in full or in part, the words "Source: Adventist News Network" must be mentioned before and after the podcast.
ANN
Staff:
Rajmund Dabrowski, director; Ansel Oliver, assistant director; Elizabeth Lechleitner, editorial coordinator; Megan Brauner, editorial assistant. Portuguese translation by Azenilto Brito, Spanish translation by Marcos Paseggi, Italian translation by Vincenzo Annunziata and Lina Ferrara and French translations by Stephanie Elofer.
Top Stories
