BYU students shared their thoughts on the new hymns and children's songs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Two years ago, the Church announced that new hymns would be released from 2024-2026. The new hymn book, “Hymns — For Home and Church," was said to include old hymns, new hymns and children’s songs. Leaders said they hoped it would strengthen individuals' testimonies of Jesus Christ.
“'Hymns — For Home and Church' will help deepen conversion to the Lord and His work,” Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve said. “We pray that it will bless, edify, comfort and cheer you in the coming years.”
Abby Stratford, a BYU student studying pre-business, said she saw the new hymns influence her mission experience while serving in Oklahoma. Stratford explained that the new hymns helped with teaching since many of the songs have been traditionally sung in other Christian denominations for years.
“I think it's so inclusive for those people to come to our church and still feel that childhood homeyness,” Stratford said.
Students also felt the hymns could help foster relationships with other Christian faiths. Christopher West, a pre-mechanical engineering major, said the new hymns have a way of establishing common ground with others.
"I think (the Lord) wants us all, regardless of what faith we are, to realize that we are all children of God just trying to do our best every day,” West said.
Melissa Ogden, an elementary education major, said she appreciated the diversity in the new hymns, including the gospel style of the song "This Little Light of Mine."
“I like that the Church is going towards a more global church, and embracing gospel type music, like in the South, or making sure that it’s translated in every language,” Ogden said.
West shared how he felt about the new hymns being chosen by church leaders as he reflected on the growing global community of the Church.
“It’s very clear they're taking the time to seek revelation and ask the Lord which hymns we need to have for the global church,” West said. "When you sing those new hymns, it’s very clear the Lord approves of those.”
West and others also said they felt a greater connection to the Savior because of how the new hymns represent the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
“All these new hymns are doing exactly what we need to make them more personal, focused on the Savior's grace and how He can heal us,” West said.