A More Maternal God

God is not yet Our Mother who art in heaven. But it is just fine to call upon Her/Him as “Mother and Father.” So decided a legislative General Conference in Louisville last week as it endorsed a Book of Worship with innovative options for America’s 8.9 million United Methodists. The most startling new prayer, unearthed from the 11th century writings of St. Anselm, is addressed to Jesus: “. . . In truth, Lord, you are my Mother.”