I appreciate that the Eugene Sacred Harp Singers got some special attention in the Dec. 20 Eugene Weekly (“Getting in Shape [Note Singing]”), which probably boosted the attendance at our open sing-along, making up for our inadvertently having been left out of the Holiday Happenings.
But I had some serious issues with the accuracy of some things said in that article, especially the “quote” attributed to me that said “Eugene Sacred Harp Singers have removed many of the references to Jesus Christ to
make the hymns more inclusive.”
That is not something we do or that I would ever say. While the music is spiritual, from a Christian tradition, we are not a religious group and are welcoming to others whatever their religious beliefs, while at the same time doing our best to honor the tradition out of which the Sacred Harp arose.
The few minor words we do change have to do more with references to things like “man” being changed to “us” or “all,” and in that respect, yes, we do try to be inclusive.
Beyond that, it is up to each participant as to how they relate to the words and thoughts expressed in the music.
Had I had any idea that such a misrepresentation might occur, I think I would have requested to see the article before it got published. I am sad to see us presented this way, when we love this music and want to feel we are contributing to it, not detracting from it.
Karen Stingle
Eugene Sacred Harp Singers
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
Comments are closed.