“Language does not create a problem, nor does language solve a problem, but language may contribute to both – sometimes in obvious ways, more often in quite subtle ways. It is the intent of the following guidelines to help sensitize the Asbury Theological Seminary community and to provide help in moving beyond our present habits to more just expressions.” (Portion of the Preamble, “Guidelines On the Use of Inclusive Language,” ATS Faculty)
While it is hoped that the ATS community is sensitive to all people through the use of inclusive language (i.e.: race, ethnic background, disabilities, age), it is the intent of this pamphlet to discuss only language pertaining to gender.
The recommendations included in this pamphlet were developed with the understanding that differentiation between the sexes is rooted in God’s creative act. The use of inclusive language is not intended to undermine this view of God-ordained gender differences. However, males and females, while different in being, are both created in the image of God and share the same worth. Employing inclusive language reflects a commitment to affirming women’s presence and worth in our community.
There are many substitutes which may be used in the generic sense for words such as man and mankind that now have an exclusively male connotation. Among these are: humanity, humankind, human beings, humans, persons, people, all, and everyone.
INSTEAD OF:
“A man shows his faith in God by”
REPLACE THE MASCULINE PRONOUN:
“One shows one’s faith” or
“You show your faith” or
“A person shows his or her faith” or
“I show my faith”
-OR-
RECAST INTO THE PLURAL:
“People show their faith” or
“We show our faith”
-OR-
RECAST INTO THE PASSIVE VOICE:
“Faith in God is shown by”
INSTEAD OF:
“A person shows his faith in God by” or
“The average American drinks his coffee black”
“How do people demonstrate their faith?”
“The average American drinks black coffee.”
INSTEAD OF:
“We compliment people saying, “he’s very compassionate, or “he’s a powerful speaker-¦”
“We compliment people saying, “he’s very compassionate, or “she’s a powerful speaker-¦”
Nouns that refer to women or men but include the word “man” or “men” should be replaced with neutral terms. It should never be assumed that any occupation or group is composed only of men or only of women. The following list includes some nouns with male gender connotation and suggests how they may be replaced.
Instead of: | Use: |
Chairman | the chair, head, presiding officer, leader, moderator, chairperson, or the committee chaired by |
Clergyman/men | clergy, minister, elder, pastor |
Layman/laymen | laity, layperson, laypeople, member of the congregation, lay Christian |
Congressman | member of congress, senator, representative, delegate |
Salesman | salesperson, clerk, sales representative |
Mailman | mail carrier |
Brothers in Christ | brothers and sisters, Christian, friends |
Brotherhood | union, unity, community, company, family/fraternity |
Airline Hostess | flight attendant |
People want to be identified by their own names, not by their roles, race, gender, economic status, etc. In the case of gender, avoid using woman as an adjective before a title, such as “woman minister” or “woman teacher” unless there is a specific intention to point to sex rather than to role. For example, “A board member raised the issue of inadequate student financial aid” is preferable to “A woman board member raised the issue of inadequate student financial aid.”
When designating men and women in the same sentence, parallel terms should be used. Some examples of this are:
1. ”The men and women” or “the ladies and the gentlemen” – not
“the men and the ladies.”
2. Husband and wife – not man and wife.
Anecdotes, illustrations, and humor greatly enhance the content of lectures, addresses and writing. It is very important, however, that these reinforcements of the message encourage readers and listeners to see themselves and others as full human beings. The negative impact of stereotypical prejudices needs to be recognized and avoided.
* * * * * *
As members of Christ’s Church, ministers of love and reconciliation, let us commit ourselves to using language which expresses the full value of both women and men in all our teaching, writing, speaking and worship.