Danielle M. Hartman
Worship Resources for LGBTQ affirming worship
Friday, August 11, 2023 by Danielle M. Hartman | Worship
As a music director at a church and denomination that is progressive and LGBTQ affirming, I often find myself needing worship material that honors God's creation of humans in all expresivity. Because of this, I have compiled a resource for worship leaders and musicians who may be needing such a resource.
LGBTQ music resources for worship
Where to look for…
Inclusive and expansive language for gender, referring to both people and God.
Hymns and worship music affirming and highlighting humanity in all forms of gender expressions.
This is a resource of 50 hymns to supplement worship. Some are familiar tunes with new words like “All The Colors of The Rainbow” (ABBOT’S LEIGH) or “Jesus You Have Truly Called Us” (BEACH SPRING) While others, like For All The Children are newly composed melodies that are easily singable by a congregation.
This is a collection of songs suitable for congregational use by Mark Miller. The collection is not specifically targeted for LGBTQ+ worship, however, it is overall geared toward inclusiveness and welcome. Congregational favorites to sing include “Welcome” and “I Choose Love” These also make lovely small ensemble, solos, or choral anthems.
For Everyone Born
This is a hymn by Shirley Erena Murray. There is a choral anthem version, and it can now be found in some mainline hymnals. The chorus ”And God will delight when we are creators of justice” pulls people in, singing a rousing chorus together.
David Lohman
David Lohman is a minister of music at a Presbyterian church in Minnesota. He wrote “For All The Children” which is included in The Songs for the Holy Other” and many other songs for solo or group singing. His music tends to have a bit of a musical theatre influence, which likely is from his time as a Broadway tour conductor. “The Last, the Lost and the Least” is a lovely song very appropriate for a solo in worship.
Multitude of Voyces Hymn Project
This resource is Anglican-focused, with classically composed hymns with words reflective of today’s needs. The hymn project is not yet complete, but the plan is to have about 40 new hymns for use in worship.
Another book that is more broadly geared toward justice and inclusivity overall, but can be very effective in worship or in gathering. “Love is Love Is Love” incorporates “All You need is Love,” “Ubi Caritas” and an originally composed tune by Abby Betinis to form a partner song/canon that is easily picked up by congregations or gathered groups. “We Choose Love” is a zipper song that you can make focus on whatever you need.
CMP is a resource for musicians of progressive Christian churches. Here, you can purchase individual congregational or choral songs for use, or you can buy a subscription for a year for $199, which gives you access to download all the music for free. “We are a rainbow” by David Kai is a good congregational song for open and affirming congregations.
Paul Vasile is a minister of music in New York, who has written many songs for inclusive worship and justice gathering. “God Calls You Good”
Other webpages and resources to explore: Liturgy of Welcome , Progressive Christianity,
Queer Sacred Music? Is a resource of music by Amanda Udis-Kessler.
Institute for Composer Diversity
“ICD works in three main areas: databases, analysis, and action. Our databases encourage the musical community to discover works by composers from historically excluded groups. Our analytical studies show where diverse programming is occurring and where it is needed. Finally, we provide straightforward and effective ideas toward more diverse and inclusive repertoire decisions.”
