NOT IN MY CATHEDRAL
The Dean of Southwark has banned the singing of the hymn 'Jerusalem' in the cathedral, because he claims it is "not in the glory of God".
The words were written by William Blake in 1804 and later set to music in 1916 by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry.
The verses are thought to have been based on a legend that Jesus came to England as a young boy and visited the town of Glastonbury, Somerset, where he established a second Jerusalem.
Christians have subsequently interpreted the meaning of the hymn in different ways and some believe that the word "Jerusalem" could be a metaphor for heaven.
'Jerusalem' has been banned before by clergymen who do not believe Blake's poetry to be Christian.
However, that has not stopped it being adopted by the English football team as their official anthem - and in 1996 Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a memorable appearance on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs in which he listed Jerusalem amongst his ten favourite records.
Of course for many years it was sung at the beginning of all Women's Institute meetings. I am not sure whether it still is.
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark Satanic Mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.
11/04/08 @ 19:49