Well Chosen Words

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to a new way of life—and a new way of speech. Our faith tradition reminds us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21). Language is not value-neutral; the words we choose communicate our beliefs, carry our culture, and can create systems of insiders and outsiders. Well-chosen words have the power to build up, offer life, and reflect the fullness of God's love to everyone in our community.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly has repeatedly affirmed the importance of inclusive and expansive language across fifteen assemblies—spanning from 1971 through 2018—encouraging its use in worship, education, theological reflection, and the broader life of the church.

Here is why adopting inclusive and expansive language in worship, sermons, scripture, prayer, and daily conversations matters, along with practical ways we can put it into practice.

Why Inclusive and Expansive Language Matters

Reflecting the Fullness of God (Expansive Language)

God cannot be limited to a single human category or a narrow set of traditional titles like "Father," "Lord," or "Almighty". The Old and New Testaments provide a rich reservoir of imagery describing God:

• Mother: Numbers 11:12–13, Deuteronomy 32:18, Isaiah 42:14, 46:3–4, 49:15

• Hen: Matthew 23:37 / Luke 13:34, Psalm 57:1, Psalm 61:4

• Woman: Luke 15:8–10, Psalm 123:2

• Rock, Water, Eagle, I Am: Isaiah 17:10, Jeremiah 17:13, Exodus 19:4, Exodus 3:14

Historic confessions and theologians also point to these expansive images, such as Anselm of Canterbury and Julian of Norwich portraying Jesus as a mother, and A Brief Statement of Faith noting God is "like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child".

Honoring All People as God's Creation (Inclusive Language)

Galatians 3:28 reminds us that "there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus". Using language that acknowledges all gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and racial/ethnic backgrounds ensures that historically marginalized groups feel full dignity, recognition, and belonging.

Practical Language Guides for Church Life

Making simple shifts in our everyday vocabulary helps create a welcome table for all.

1. Language for the People of God

Instead of Exclude Choose Words That Include

Brothers and sisters, brotherhood Siblings, people of God, kindred, family of faith, humankind

Men, mankind, men and women Humanity, humankind, people, folx, friends

Kingdom Kin-dom, realm, reign

Laymen, clergyman, chairman Laity/congregant, clergy/minister/teaching elder, chair/moderator

Sons of God Children of God, people of God

Husband and wife, man and wife Spouses, partners

Forefathers Ancestors, forebears

Mother and father Parents

2. Accessible & Affirming Language in Worship & Community

• Physical Invitations: Instead of saying "Stand as you are able," invite the congregation to "Rise in body or spirit".

• Disability Awareness: Use person-first or respectful terminology such as "visually impaired" instead of "blind", or "person with a disability" / "differently abled".

• Racial & Global Awareness: Use "people of color" or "marginalized populations" instead of "minority", and "developing countries" instead of "third world". Use "immigrant" or "visitor from another country" rather than "foreigner" or "alien".

• Gender Identity & Sexuality: Affirm the full humanity of all individuals by using preferred names and pronouns, honoring terms like LGBTQIA+ or queer as individuals prefer, and avoiding derogatory language.

3. Inclusive Scripture Translations & Resources

When reading scripture in services or small groups, consider using translations and resources designed with inclusive language in mind, such as:

• New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

• The Inclusive Bible: First Egalitarian Version

• Inclusive Language Lectionary & Inclusive Language Psalms

• The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Version

By choosing well-chosen words in our preaching, praying, scripture readings, and daily greetings, the Denver Presbytery can continue to embody a community where all people know they are made in God's image, deeply loved, and fully included.