Where can we find church music with lyrics that reflect progressive Christian values?
This kind of question is asked of us at The Center for Progressive
Christianity in many emails every day. 

William Flanders,
a church musician who makes his hymns available for free on the web.  He has been a clergyman and songwriter, as
well as a hymn and anthem writer, since the 1960’s.  He is presently one of the adjunct clergy of
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Washington,
DC.

Click here for an example of one of
his hymns.  At his website, you can hear
the tune and see the written music:

This, my song, a skeptic’s hymn,
ode to mystery within,
Sung to you no one can prove,
dwelling there, as real as love.

Of your forms portrayed without,
all evoke a lingering doubt.
Your own presence you bestow.
From experience, I know.

Blind belief and full assent
by maturity are rent,
Questions follow questions asked,
taunt the present, as the past.
Challenge all authority,
scripture, doctrine, history,
Leaving what my heart has known,
what experience has shown.

Nothing more this heart can move
than to know that I do love,
And, as crucial, to believe
I myself can love receive.
Be this but a moment’s grasp,
such conviction long will last,
Firmer than mere faith or guess.
This experience will test.

You, the source of love, I name,
working through my heart and brain.
Be this true for everyone?
Has been so, since life’s begun?
Let religions rise and wane,
love’s compassion must remain.
This is what a seeker learns.
This experience affirms