'How Great Thou Art' is the hymn of choice to inspire hope during Covid-19

'How Great Thou Art' is the most popular hymn for inspiring hope during the coronavirus pandemic, a poll by CAFOD has found. 

The hymn is based on a 19th century Swedish poem that was translated into English in 1949 by missionary Stuart K Hine. 

It came out on top in a Twitter poll by the Catholic aid agency to find out the hymn people are finding most helpful during the pandemic.

Over a third of respondents (37.7%) chose 'How Great Thou Art', beating 'Christ, Be Our Light' (30.2%), 'Be Not Afraid' (20%) and '10,000 Reasons' (12.1%). 

The latest poll points to its enduring popularity after it came second place in the BBC Songs of Praise survey of the UK's favourite hymn last September, coming second only to 'Jerusalem'. 

CAFOD's Head of Fundraising and Participation, Jo Kitterick, said: "Hymns inspire and express hope; whether those who enjoy them associate with a faith or not.

"Throughout the coronavirus lockdown we have seen so many people turning to hymns and prayer to help them through this difficult time.

"People have sorely missed attending Church over the last few months. Listening to, or singing hymns at home, helps us to continue to feel part of a community and connected to faith. We have also seen high numbers tuning in for our live-streaming of Mass and to the Sunday morning children's liturgy sessions CAFOD has been running online.

"How Great Thou Art is a really rousing hymn, and reminds us that we can put our trust in God, because God has made such an amazing world for us all to live in and take care of.

"As the impacts of coronavirus are increasingly felt around the world in developing countries – where communities have fewer resources to deal with the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic and lockdowns – by singing hymns and saying prayers we can stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are also facing these challenging times and share hope."

 

News
Trussell Trust urges urgent policy change as food bank use hits record high
Trussell Trust urges urgent policy change as food bank use hits record high

Food bank use in the UK has soared by more than 50 per cent over the past five years, raising fresh concerns over the effectiveness of Universal Credit and wider welfare reforms in addressing the growing poverty crisis. 

Franklin Graham wraps up European evangelism congress with call to be unashamed of the Gospel
Franklin Graham wraps up European evangelism congress with call to be unashamed of the Gospel

Europe needs an "army" of "unafraid" and "unashamed" evangelists to reach it with the Gospel, Christian leaders heard this week. 

Adventurer Bear Grylls details how faith has changed him 'from the inside out'
Adventurer Bear Grylls details how faith has changed him 'from the inside out'

Prominent TV personality and adventurer Bear Grylls says his faith in Jesus changed him "from the inside out" and encourages people to give Christ a chance as he did. 

North Korean defectors tell of growing Christianity, despite savage persecution
North Korean defectors tell of growing Christianity, despite savage persecution

North Korea is regularly ranked as the number one country for persecution of Christians.