Two books of sacred music published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are about to undergo significant changes. A letter has been sent to Church leaders around the world announcing a revision to “Hymns” and the “Children’s Songbook” used in worship services.
The new music collections will be created over the next several years to unify members and reflect the needs of members around the world. Selections will include core hymns and songs that teach the doctrines of the gospel.
Under the direction of the First Presidency, committees have been assembled to recommend revisions to the current music collections.
The new music will be compiled into one hymnbook and one children’s songbook, offering the same hymns and songs in all languages. In addition to the printed books, new audio of the hymns and songs will be recorded. The music will be available online once the new books are available. National anthems will not be included in the printed hymnbooks.
Sacred music has been important to Latter-day Saints from the earliest days of the Restoration. The current hymnbook was revised in 1985.
Additional hymns and songs applicable to specific languages and areas will also be distributed through digital channels.
New original hymns, children’s songs, song texts without music or music without text can be submitted for consideration at newmusic.lds.org. Up to five hymns and five children’s songs may be submitted by an individual for consideration. Feedback can also be provided about the current music through an online survey. New submissions must be received by July 1, 2019.
A composer or author will need to create a profile using his or her LDS Account to submit music or lyrics. Anyone (member or nonmember) may obtain an LDS Account free of charge at ldsaccount.lds.org.