It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the primitive church, to have public prayer in the church, or to minister the sacraments, in a tongue not understood by the people.

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The exclusive use of Latin for the Roman Catholic liturgies made it impossible for most people to understand what was happening when the church gathered for worship. This Article was written to assert that all preaching, prayer, and the administration of the Sacraments must be done in a language that the people can understand and that reflects the Indigenous character of the local congregation. While conducting liturgies in Latin is not an issue for the EMC now, it serves as a reminder that where differences in culture and language exist, it is the responsibility of leadership to be sensitive to these differences and accommodate the congregation’s needs to the extent that doing so is proper. 

Moreover, while this Article was not drafted to address the usage of “Speaking in Tongues” as it is commonly expressed in Pentecostal or Charismatic church worship today, and while John Wesley nowhere wrote of the ceasing of these gifts of the Holy Spirit, this principle of order within congregational gatherings applies to us today in this regard. For unless the gift of tongues edifies the Body when it gathers, then it is a distraction at best, and destructive at worst. Furthermore, it is the consistent testimony of Holy Scripture that any of our traditions and practices that prevent people from being able to fully know God and receive His grace through Christ are contemptible to Him.

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Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader.

Genesis 11:1-9 

Acts 2:1-11 

Romans 10:1-21 

1 Corinthians 14:1-40

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Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader.

Why is it the Church's responsibility to conduct its liturgy in a language that people understand? 

What is the proper understanding of the gift of tongues and what is its purpose in glorifying God and expanding His Kingdom, according to the Holy Scriptures? 

What are the similarities and differences between “Tongues” as described in Acts and 1 Corinthians, compared with the Roman Catholic practice of a Latin-only Mass? 

What are some Modern examples of ways that the Church makes it hard for people to understand God’s purpose and plan for Humanity when it gathers for worship and the teaching of the Word?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith? 

Notes: