The Correct Usage of 'Her' or 'Its' in Referring to the Church

When discussing the church, it is a common question whether to refer to it as 'she' or 'it', and which verb form is correct. While there is no strict grammatical rule that dictates the use of one over the other, popular belief and context can play significant roles in how the church is described.

Popular Belief and Context

For many, especially believers, the church is seen as a mother figure. This view is often reflected in using the pronoun 'she'. When the church is referred to as 'she', it infuses a sense of personal connection and nurturance, evoking warm and familiar imagery. This perspective is especially relevant within the context of Christian teachings, where the Church is often described as the Bride of Christ, a highly personalized and reverent phrase.

On the other hand, some prefer to use 'it', treating the church as any other organization. This approach is common in formal or secular contexts where a more objective and impersonal tone is desired. For many, 'it' removes the personal element and maintains a professional distance, making it suitable for a wide range of scenarios.

Grammatical Considerations

From a purely grammatical standpoint, the choice of pronoun should align with the form of the verb. The church, as a singular subject, requires a singular verb. However, there is a common error in written English where a plural verb form is mistakenly used. In this case, the correct verb form would be 'celebrates', not 'celebrate'. This error can be easily avoided by ensuring that the subject and verb agree in number, i.e., 'the church celebrates its anniversary'.

Common Usage Options

Here are a few common ways to structure sentences when referring to the church and its anniversary:

The church celebrates its anniversary...

The church is celebrating its anniversary...

The church has celebrated its anniversary...

The church celebrated its anniversary...

Conclusion

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether to use 'her' or 'its', it ultimately depends on the context and the intended tone of the sentence. If the church is being treated as a mother figure in a personal and Christian context, 'her' might be more appropriate. Conversely, in more formal or organizational contexts, 'its' would be the better choice. Additionally, ensuring the verb agrees with the subject (singular in this case) is crucial for grammatical correctness.

The content and tone of the sentence should guide the choice of pronoun and verb, but the grammar rules that underlie this choice are essential for clarity and professionalism.