HymnWiki:Helps for Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Revision as of 02:18, 30 December 2007 by Veramet (talk | contribs) (Q: Are all hymns on HymnWiki suitable for use in musical numbers in sacrament meeting?)
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FAQs

Q: Is HymnWiki a church site?

  • A: HymnWiki is not an official church site. It is designed to be Latter-day Saint friendly. It is not only for LDS users. It is hosted by the More Good Foundation, and therefore is devoted to promoting positive LDS content on the Internet. It is, however, here for hymns of all faiths. Pages should reflect views generally (LDS-specific information should go under its own heading).

Q: Are all hymns on HymnWiki suitable for use in musical numbers in sacrament meeting?

  • A: See the church's policy on musical numbers, from LDS.org. In short, musical numbers performed in sacrament meeting must be in accordance with LDS doctrines, and they should be worshipful. HymnWiki is designed to encompass all hymns, and so some are not in accordance with LDS doctrines (even some of the hymns used in the early years of the church may not be suitable, per se, as it seems many things then were not so widely known as they are now). In truth, however, there should be nothing wrong with most of the hymns on this site—but be careful (most is not all)! Remember also that the bishop of a ward may prohibit songs that would otherwise be okay if he decides it is best.
    • Prayerfully review songs before choosing them for such a purpose. There are songs on HymnWiki which are not appropriate for sacrament meeting (either due to mood, doctrine, or some other reason; and, there could potentially be songs that might not be suitable for latter-day saint use; remember, anyone can edit HymnWiki—even those who might put up songs about things radically different from the LDS point of view; you might startle the audience if your ward choir sings about transubstantiation, being saved no matter what you do/choose or some such). Review the doctrines carefully. Also, just because it was in an early LDS hymnal does not mean it is suitable today, let alone for every occasion. Likewise, the contrary may also be true: just because it's not in the new hymnbook doesn't mean it is not suitable for today. Be wise.

Q: Are hymns from HymnWiki suitable for congregational use in the LDS church?

  • A: In current times, except in perhaps very special circumstances, only the hymns found in the current LDS hymnal are suitable for congregational use.