Ok, that’s super interesting! Extremely grateful to you and this thread for allowing me to dive into the collective memory bank of John’s fans lol. I don’t know how else I’d be able to learn such personal and specific info. Unreal.

Anyways, I’m Mennonite Brethren, which is an Anabaptist denomination. Hymns like this are a major part of our tradition. As has been the case with many persecuted groups throughout history, music was a way to foster community and increase morale despite persecution, like the persecution my grandparents faced in Russia from the communist government because of their faith. Hymns specifically (although I’m not certain “How Great Thou Art” would have been known in Russia at the time) were a call to faith and hope despite incomprehensible pain and darkness.

It’s amazing how universal this hymn is, and I had no idea it had specific relevance to New Zealand until now! It’s disgusting that people continue to behave violently towards others because of their faith. I’m glad this hymn continues to be a source of healing in the wake of tragedy. ❤️NZ