Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Kirk turns back on 'Jerusalem'

Sunday 28 April 1996 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sing it softly, but the Church of Scotland plans to turn its back on Jerusalem. And God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen may also to be put to rest - for good.

They are among more than 200 hymns deemed to be past their sell-by date, and recommended for exclusion from the church's new hymn-book.

The list, published yesterday, forms part of a report to be discussed at the kirk's ruling general assembly in Edinburgh later this month.

It is the first report of a committee charged with the lengthy task of drawing up a new hymn-book to replace the current version published in 1973, and which will appear some time after 2000.

Some were dropped on grounds of obsolescence - Jerusalem lost here; others on grounds of "exclusivity or obscure language"; and yet others on grounds of "obtuse or outdated theology".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in