Response to Presbyterians Today's "Prayer and the feminine nature of God"

On behalf of PC(USA) Women's Ministries, I would like to affirm Kris Haig's column on "Prayer and the feminine nature of God." We learned that several readers responded with concern; I would point them toward our denomination's policy on inclusive language, adopted in 1984, "Definitions and Guidelines on Inclusive Language."

As a church, we recognize the biblical/historical context of masculine portrayals of God and continue to affirm the Triune God. However, as Reformed and always being Reformed, perpetual guidance by the Spirit has taught us to challenge exclusive language, lest we make an idol of God as Father alone. Our denomination has continually striven to grant both expansive language to images of God, and inclusive language to the people of God-embracing every race, gender, class, age, and ability. Let us continue to challenge one another, as we take heart in the Divine Mystery that is our faith.

Ann Crews Melton
Interim Associate of Women's Advocacy, July 2004–July 2005