Pastoral musicians "shaping the faith of God's People"

"It's a privilege to be in the presence of people shaping the faith of God's people" was the opening remark of John Bell, of the Iona Community's Wild Goose Resource Group, speaking at this weekend's conference of the National Network of Pastoral Musicians (NNPM). A Church of Scotland minister, he is an inspiring preacher and prolific hymn-writer. He pointed out that popular hymns can be used many times - unlike a homily, for example - nurturing faith, and broadening understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Many famous hymn writers were in a packed room of around 150 pastoral musicians at the High Leigh conference centre in Hertfordshire - Marty Haugen and Christopher Walker among them - and Martin Foster of the Liturgy Office of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.

In a conference titled, 'Forgive us, Lord, as we forgive' John Bell titled his talk 'The burden of guilt and the heap of happiness'. He delivered it in bare feet and interspersed it with music from the world Church. He was critical of "privatisation of sin", which focuses narrowly on the individual's relationship with God, and of what he called "fake guilt" and "fake sin". He was unhappy about the imposing of guilt for petty misdemeanors and yet neglecting the structural sin highlighted by the Justice and Peace movement. And he said, "I thank God for Jean Vanier" who challenged any notion that disability and sickness are linked to sin, and showed that loving relationships between people and with God are what is important. He led the singing of 'Senzeni Na' - a South Africa hymn asking 'What have we done? What is our sin?' which was originally sang in the context of apartheid South Africa by the black community.

Such a musical audience picked up four-part harmonies in music immediately and could sight read perfectly when music was put in front of them. But Bell insisted that any congregation will sing "if we encourage congregations to believe they can do it". And he said that social justice work and faith interactions often prompt Christians to link with people of other faiths, and that can happen partly thorough music. "God's grace is operative in people of other faiths" he said and pointed out that Jesus "had no problem dealing with the other".

A Kyrie from Paraguay was translated as 'On the poor, On the Poor, show your mercy O Lord'. And he talked about the link which Iona has with English theologian Margaret Hebblethwaite's project in Paraguay, where young indigenous people spend time on Iona. "The poor don't need forgiveness" he said "but they want graciousness and mercy to allow their lives to be more fulfilled". Different cultures remind us of joyfulness" he said, and we should avoid being like the Pharisees, which he called, 'sin-sniffers'. His session concluded with a rousing and joyful 'Halleluia' from Palestine.

The conference of the National Network of Pastoral Musicians has taken place every two years for the last 20 years. Stephen Dean, the Suffolk-based President of the NNPM, is a composer himself, and editor and publisher of Laudate, a successful hymnal which is used in many parishes.

Another speaker at the conference was Marty Haugen, who is based in the US but his music is popular internationally. "Music is a deep form of expression" he said, "and has a special role at this time of loss of faith in political parties and the media". He felt "Pope Francis has done a wonderful job alerting us to this" and described Laudato Si' as "the sacraments spilling out into the world". He suggested that faith communities seek truth and they look to liturgy to reflect the 'good news' and the reign of God, where compassion and reconciliation reign. When asked what 'good news' means to the vulnerable in the world, such as migrants, he felt it was about social justice and being aware of God's special love for the marginalised and outcasts. Haugen said the psalms taught him about mercy and he has a sensitivity to the link between faith and what Vatican II called the 'signs of the times'. His hymn 'All are welcome', for example, reflects the Church's policy towards welcoming migrants and was sung at last week's annual National Justice and Peace Network conference. His new hymn 'For God so loves the world' mentions saving 'the aching planet', a pertinent hymn for Creation time this Autumn.

Christopher Walker, a former Director of Music at Clifton Cathedral who is now based in Los Angeles, ran a popular workshop. Compositions of his that many called favourite hymns include, 'Because the Lord is my shepherd', which is regularly heard at funerals. He reported being told in his own parish that Bernadette Farrell's 'Christ be our light' made one parishioner return to the Church and start engaging again with his faith after a two-decade lapse. Many talked about their connection with Church music and a desire to use some of the great new material being produced back in their parishes and schools. It is not just music, the words help people too see the relevance of their faith to the modern world.

All the musicians leading sessions at the conference had an energy and deep spirituality that enthused all present, who then showed warm appreciation. Big sings led by Bill Tamblyn and Geraldine Latty left everybody stunned at how wonderful the hymns sounded.

The NNPM magazine Accord is published three times a year and includes information on all the events which are happening around the country for all denominations. All subscribers to the NNPM (£15 for two years) receive Accord free of charge while they are members.

For more information about the NNPM visit: www.nnpm.org

Marty Haugen's 'For God so loves the world' - www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g-f8BfmwUg