Church of England rethinking God’s pronouns: report

The Church of England is reportedly rethinking referring to God as “he” or “Father.”

A new commission will review the religious institution’s use of “gendered language” in the spring, then present its findings to the church’s governing body, according to British newspaper the Guardian.

“Changing the wording and number of authorized forms of absolution would require a full synodical process for approval,” according to liturgical commission co-chair Rev. Dr. Michael Ipgrave.

Rev. Joanna Stobart reportedly put the idea in play by asking the church to consider “more inclusive language.”

Conservatives wondered how gender-neutral sermons might sound.

“The fact that God is called ‘Father’ can’t be substituted by ‘Mother’ without changing meaning, nor can it be gender-neutralized to ‘Parent’ without loss of meaning,” Rev. Dr. Ian Paul told the Telegraph.

Phrases like “His only Son” or “Our Father who art in Heaven” could become complicated, though a Church of England spokesman told the Guardian, “There are absolutely no plans to abolish or substantially revise currently authorized liturgies. ”

The process would require “extensive legislation,” the Church of England stressed.

According to Rev. Ipgrave, religious leaders have explored “the use of gendered language in relation to God for several years.”

The top of the Church of England’s homepage states a “belief in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit is at the heart of our faith.”

It is described by Parliament as a church that has evolved over the past two centuries to recognize “the growth of religious diversity amongst the British population.”