Peace is Her Song: The Life and Legacy of Hymn Writer Shirley Erena Murray

New Zealand hymn writer Shirley Erena Murray began writing poetry at a young age. She found her niche in later life as a hymn poet, initially to provide her minister husband John Murray with hymns of contemporary relevance to match his progressive theology.

Many of her 400 hymns have been published in hymnals across denominations in North America, Oceania, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Her hymns and the themes she expressed - peace, social justice, human rights, inclusivity, ecology - helped change the way people understood their faith in an increasingly secular world. A woman of warmth and compassion, with a strong sense of her own identity from Aotearoa New Zealand, she is considered one of the most influential international hymn writers of our time.

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Step into the life of Shirley Erena Murray, a pioneering hymn writer whose words have touched hearts and inspired minds across the globe. This engaging biography delves into the journey of a woman whose nearly 400 hymns have become a beacon of peace, justice, and hope in worship. The book includes 17 full colour and 21 b/w photos.

Shirley’s hymn-writing journey began in the 1970s, driven by a dual passion: supporting her husband John’s progressive theology and championing the causes of Amnesty International. Frustrated by the lack of contemporary relevance in traditional hymns, she embarked on a mission to create texts that resonated with the modern world. Over the next four decades, her hymns found their way into over 30 major denominational hymnals worldwide, translated into numerous languages, including Braille and sign language.

A proud New Zealander, Shirley infused her work with the ethos of her southern hemisphere environment. Her hymns reflect a unique blend of cultural awareness and contemporary issues, including connections to Māori culture and themes of social justice. Through her simple, direct language, Shirley’s hymns offer a ＂jolt of reality,＂ addressing the pressing concerns of her society and the wider world.

This biography highlights Shirley’s hymns and paints an intimate portrait of her personal and spiritual journey. Her hymns served as a form of spiritual autobiography, reflecting her deep faith and theological stance. Personal anecdotes and reflections from close friends and family reveal a woman of remarkable warmth, compassion, and intelligence.

Shirley’s ability to draw people to her, coupled with her supportive nature and enthusiasm, endeared her to all who knew her.

Shirley was a trailblazer in creating inclusive language and imagery in her hymns, embracing all people regardless of gender, ability, or background. Her commitment to inclusivity and social justice is evident in her texts, which address issues like ecological care, human rights, and the search for peace. Her collaboration with musicians and hymn writers worldwide, particularly with Colin Gibson, brought fresh life to the church’s musical heritage, challenging old traditions and creating a new body of work that continues to inspire.

Shirley’s made an impact on the global stage. Her hymns, celebrated for their ability to connect deeply with diverse audiences, have made her one of the most influential hymn text writers of our time. Filled with personal stories, reflections, and excerpts from Shirley’s own writings, this book offers a vivid and heartfelt tribute to her legacy.

Peace is Her Song is not just a story about a remarkable woman; it is an invitation to reflect on how each of us can contribute to a more just and peaceful world through our own voices and actions. Dive into Shirley’s life and discover the beauty, depth, and transformative power of her hymns.