The use of gender-linked terms to refer to God during worship makes some panelists feel more included and others less included in the worship experience. Male and female members typically hold similar opinions. Male and female elders are also express similar views on many items, but more differences are apparent. Female elders are more favorable than male elders toward modifying the language of the Lord's Prayer or other Scripture to make it more gender neutral. And female elders are more likely than male elders to feel less included by the use of masculine terms and pronouns to refer to God.
Differences are even more widespread between men and women who are pastors and specialized clergy .
On almost every question, more female clergy than male clergy favor increased use of gender-neutral language. Significantly, too, more female than male pastors and other clergy also see the issue of gender and language about God as very important to them, personally. Only four in ten pastors, one in three specialized clergy, and one in twenty members and elders, are either generally familiar or very familiar with the set of guidelines on language about God the church approved by the General Assembly in the 1980s. This survey was initially mailed in February 1999, and returns were accepted through March 1999. Results are subject to sampling and other errors.