Inclusive and expansive language
When writing a prayer or creating liturgy, do you use father to describe God, or do you use additional or other words such as creator or shepherd to describe God? Or maybe you think all of those suggestions are unfamiliar or impractical. Whether expansive, or extensive, language is something you embrace or something that is new to you, the church has often debated its necessity and appropriateness.
In Peace and Justice Links, an online publication of Presbyterian Women, Jean Vietan writes, “In the church, language about people should reflect the belief that all persons, regardless of gender, race, ability and so on, are made in the image of God. Language about God should reflect our understanding that all names for God are metaphors” (2005, Issue 6). At times, total inclusive language may not be possible, but in most cases language can be broadened to reflect, as Vietan writes, “the richness of scripture.”
Well Chosen Words, a guide to understanding and using inclusive language, developed by the Racial Ethnic and Women’s Ministries/PW ministry area in consultation with the Advocacy Committee on Women’s Concerns, cites Galatians 3:27-28 in which Paul asserts, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ ... You are all one in Christ Jesus.” Inclusive language allows all God’s children to be one in Christ Jesus.
The guide encourages language choices that proclaim the Fullness of God, outlining traditional depictions, as well as newer images to describe God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Learn more
Download Well Chosen Words brochure, a guide to for inclusive language in speaking and writing. 
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