Do you have the Glory to God hymnal in your PCUSA church? We have a resource for you! We love that beautiful collection of hymns for our church, but it has a section of hymns under the unfortunate heading: “God’s covenant with Israel.” The use of the phrase “God’s covenant with Israel,” is open to interpretation by the reader/singer. Is this “biblical Israel”? Is it the “modern State of Israel”? As one Palestinian American Presbyterian who is a ruling elder said in a letter to those responsible for the publication of the hymnal at the time: “Because I am a Palestinian Christian, I am uneasy with the word “Israel” in “God’s Covenant with Israel”—I am always told, however, that what is meant by “Israel” is Biblical Israel and not today’s Israel; but do all Christians know this? With the prevalence of Christian Zionism, which the G.A. repudiated in 2004, I highly doubt it. Even if not intentional, this language is inflammatory, misleading, and hurtful” (Open Letter, October 2, 2013).

We believe it is important to be specific and intentional about language, especially in worship, so we offer you this printable hymnal insert sticker to insert in your Glory to God hymnal. (This template fits with Avery Shipping Labels 3-1/3" x 4" (6 per sheet.) Groups are most welcome to adopt the language of this insert in your bulletin as an alternative way of seeking a more just worship environment.

Click here or on the photo to access a downloadable, high-resolution version of the sticker.