Guidance on hymn favourite
Vicars should not ban the favourite hymn Jerusalem at weddings but use its words as a springboard to explain the Christian faith, according to guidance issued by the Church of England.
New advice on the hymn says although opinion is strongly divided on whether it is appropriate for worship, the words can be used to highlight the Christian faith.
The Rev Peter Moger, national worship development officer for the Church of England, said the hymn – a favourite at Last Night of the Proms, the Women's Institute, weddings and football matches – was "very much" part of the British "cultural fabric".
He warned against a too literal response to the words, written by William Blake.