WALES: The Dean of Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff has ruled out the singing of Merry Gentlemen on Christmas Day, substituting the words God Rest Ye Merry People instead. The alternative version, found in some hymn books, was chosen by the Very Rev John Lewis for the parish choir and congregation.
Mr Don Jessett, deputy chairman of the cathedral Choral Society, said the change to God Rest Ye Merry People "takes all the bounce out of the line. If the cathedral choir had been singing it we would have chosen the other version. So far as I am concerned as a singer I am not worried about this politically correct business. But God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen goes jogging along nicely."
The dean said he had not chosen the newer version to avoid offending women in the congregation.
He added: "To be quite honest, this was done back in November and I came across this version and I thought we haven't sung this carol for some time and it expresses all the feelings of Christmas.
"I don't think I have any memory of wanting to be politically correct. What is the harm in singing God Rest Ye Merry People? And we have printed the service sheets "I am not aware of any great outrage among the choir."now."
Mr Elfed Godding, general secretary of Evangelical Alliance of Wales, said he preferred the original version.
Mr Sion Brynach, Church in Wales spokesman, said the dean was free to choose the order of service. He said: "This Christmas, congregations at Llandaff Cathedral will be singing a recognised version of an old English carol that is used in many parts of the world, including Australia and New Zealand.
"God Rest Ye Merry People is, in any event, probably a closer reflection of the original author's intention since the evolution of the English language has meant that the usage and understanding of the word gentlemen has changed over the centuries and at the time of writing it is likely that women were the chattels of 'gentlemen' - hardly the case these days, thank God." - (PA)