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.
Small differences should be interpreted cautiously. Included is a data appendix that presents the percentage responses to each survey question separately for members, elders, pastors, and specialized clergy.