Thursday Morning--Revisions

Many eyes have been watching the progress of the Psalter Revision Committee to see how the new book will differ from the current Book of Psalms for Singing, first printed in 1973. The committee appeared before Synod today with the hope of having its plan approved for finalizing the psalter.

The committee’s primary recommendation was approved overwhelmingly, and with little discussion. The recommendation was that “as directed by [a previous] Synod, the Psalter Revision Committee continue its work to 'prepare and publish the next Book of Psalms for Singing’ according to past custom." The committee plan would place a near-final version before Synod next year, with publication in the following year.

Though there was little discussion on that recommendation, there was a long discussion of the revision in general, with dozens of delegates speaking to various issues. Many of the comments addressed tunes being used, and how “singable” they would be for congregations. There was little discussion of the texts themselves, with the texts and principles of translation having been discussed at length in earlier Synods.

The Synod also took up this morning a draft of a new Directory for Worship. Discussion of this, too, was brisk. This being the first year for the committee, they brought in a draft for input rather than a proposal for approval. The report was not completed prior to the lunch break.