As a writer, I sympathize with those who want to preserve the integrity of a work of art. Hymns are a unique work of art, because they are not the voice of the artist alone. They also become the voice of the congregation before God. They have always been subject to change. The original text was a call to return to the Catholic faith and repudiate Protestantism.
Music gives words an emotional power and a mnemonic quality that reaches our hearts and minds.
That is why so many congregations resist changing music, whether in style or content. But for the sake of generations of Christians to come, those of us who understand the necessity of inclusive language must work hard to incorporate it into our worship. That may mean altering familiar hymns, or learning new ones, or both. Spoken Language in Public Worship. If your worship style is one that involves laypeople in worship leadership, the task may become more complicated, especially when the laypeople lead in public prayer.