Blessed Are They is a congregational hymn based on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12), expanded to proclaim that LGBTQIA+ people are fully included in God’s blessing, grace, and beloved community. Set to the well-known tune FINLANDIA, this hymn invites congregations to sing the Gospel of justice, mercy, and belonging with both beauty and courage.
This PDF contains:
- The full hymn text and musical score
- A clearly written worship-use license
- Permission statements for projection, printing, and livestreaming
- Instructions for both affirming and non-affirming congregations
Download the PDF here: Blessed Are They (w/License Info)
Who may use this hymn for free
Congregations that are Reconciling in Christ (RIC), Open and Affirming (ONA), or otherwise publicly affirm LGBTQIA+ people in worship, leadership, marriage, and ordination are granted free permission to use this hymn for five consecutive days of worship services (for example, a weekend or special liturgical season). This includes printing in bulletins, projecting on screens, and including it in livestreams or recordings of those services.
For other congregations
Congregations that are not affirming are asked to obtain a paid worship license, with fees based on average weekly attendance. This allows use of the hymn for the same five-day worship period under the same printing, projection, and streaming terms.
What is not allowed
In all cases, this hymn may not be placed in permanent or reusable songbooks, hymnals, or downloadable collections, or posted online as a reusable file. Each new set of services requires a new license.
Important note
Because the tune FINLANDIA may not be in the the public domain in other countries, this hymn is licensed for use within the USA only.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact me, Richard Weingartner, at mathwhiz@mathwhiz.org