Swiss and German Mennonites
Collaborating on New Hymnal
by Ed van Straten
A hymnary committee with German and Swiss members is at work on a new Mennonite hymnal to serve congregations in both countries. Committee members, ranging from ages 27 to 69, began meeting in 1998 and continue to meet about four times a year, hoping their work will produce a songbook of some 400-500 hymns by about 2005.
The committee started by compiling criteria and sent that to the congregations, along with a request for hymns they suggest be included. Most want to keep many traditional favorites from the present hymnaries (Switzerland, 1975; Germany, 1972). The committee had hoped instead to include hymns that reflect Mennonite theology and experience, although they are scarce.
Another problem that confronts the committee is the kind of songs young people like to sing. Experience tells them these songs have a rather short shelf life.
Committee members come from places as far apart as Hamburg in northern Germany and Tramelan in Switzerland, making meetings expensive. Between meetings, members communicate via email and do homework. They sometimes meet in small, regional groups and then bring the results to the general meeting.
A German church leader, Peter Foth, once said his dream would be a multilingual hymnbook that could be used by Mennonites all over Europe. That may remain a dream because there are too many languages, but to have at least the Swiss and German sisters and brothers sing the same hymns in their churches is a good beginning.
Ed van Straten, El Leidschendam, The Netherlands, is Europe Editor for Courier.
