What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Expansive language” and the phrase “inclusive language?”
This question is at the heart of the WordsMatter project as we have explored the words, images, language, and symbols used in worship and every day life to talk about God, self, and other human beings.
The term “expansive language” is used in some circles to indicate that respectful language that honors all of God’s people is more than just gender inclusive. It also seeks to find words, phrases and images that neither offend nor reinforce stereotypes that may be harmful to anyone.
As church communities consider worship in contexts such as — diverse ethnicities, the ordination of women, sensitivity to gay, lesbian, bi, and transgendered members, the physical abilities of the
people in our pews, and the experiences of people, regardless of age, in an increasingly diverse and interactive world, a call for more expansive language is rising to the surface.
This “WordsMatter Expansive Language Conversation Guide” has been created to move the WordsMatter project into small group discussions. The guide is intended to assist you in hosting a sacred, healthy, and trust-building conversation, on the various issues and concerns that you may be facing in your context. Click here to download a copy.
WordsMatter is a project of the National Council of Churches, the Episcopal Church, and The Women for Justice Working Group’s Expansive Language Committee. To learn more, visit http://wordsmatter.org, the WordsMatter.Episcopal Facebook page, and a blog at http://expansivelanguage.blogspot.com.
Please direct questions and feedback on this project to revterricpilarski@gmail.com.