ABSTRACT
Hymnody is often perceived as one of Methodism's defining characteristics by Christians of other traditions, typically drawing on the contribution of Charles Wesley to the ecumenical corpus of English-language hymnody, and Methodism's tradition of frequent, enthusiastic, and heart-felt congregational hymn singing within worship as evidence. This chapter focuses on two frequently-cited attributes to examine the influence of Methodist hymnody on the repertoire, worshipping practices, and attitudes towards hymnody of other Christian traditions. Consideration of the influence of Charles Wesley's hymnody on other British denominations since the late nineteenth century allows an examination of the role of hymnody in an era of gradually increasing ecumenical awareness and interaction. A relationship between Methodism and contemporary worship in a variety of traditions may be discerned in the role of music in liturgical structures. Through its authorised hymnals, British Methodism's repertoire of hymns can be seen as increasingly ecumenically influenced.
