I am the church (We are the church)

I am the church (We are the church). Richard Avery * (1934-2020) and Donald S. Marsh* (1923-2010).  This child-like song has been embraced by all generations as a clear description of the nature of the Christian church. First published in the composers’ Songs for an Easter People (1972), the music reflects the growing use of informal folk styles influenced by the Vietnam era protest song, and the folk masses of the post-Vatican II (1962-1965) era. The text succinctly expresses a no-nonsense message that breaks with the refined poetry of classic hymnody in favor of simple language and a candid, even blunt, message. A close examination of the text reveals that, though child-like, this hymn...