YP Letters: Vision of a Christian England, at least in song

AN interesting debate is taking place as to what anthem should be adopted by England.

Personally I have no idea what words make up Flower of Scotland but I have looked at the words of Land of My Fathers – wonderful – expressing 
pride in the country of 
Wales. I am unaware of what 
the good people of Northern Ireland sing on national occasions.

Jerusalem was written by William Blake in 1804, at the time of war with France. Its words are based on an unproved tradition that Jesus came to “walk upon England’s mountains green”.

It goes on to reflect on the Industrial Revolution with its hope of a “green and pleasant land”. The words are very expressive.

The tune, by Sir Hubert Parry, was added in 1916, during the First World War. Its hope seems to be that England would become a New Jerusalem, i.e. a Christian country. Now there’s a very good vision to have now, as we face terrorist attacks and as was the case during the wars against France in 1804 and Germany in 1916.

It will be interesting to see what other suggestions come forward.