Peace is Her Song - Print.

Peace is Her Song:
The life and legacy of hymn writer Shirley Erena Murray

By Anne Manchester

An intimate and inspiring biography of hymn writer Shirley Erena Murray, whose powerful, justice-focused hymns have shaped contemporary worship worldwide.

Discover how Shirley Erena Murray’s hymn writing:

• Captures themes of peace, social justice, and inclusivity in worship.
• Has influenced global worship across denominations and cultures.
• Bridges faith, activism, and contemporary theological thought.
• Integrates Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural and spiritual identity.
• Reflects her commitment to human rights and ecological care.
• Offers a prophetic voice in modern hymnody.
• Continues to shape faith communities through her lasting legacy.

Features

• A comprehensive biography enriched with personal stories and reflections.
• In-depth exploration of Murray’s hymn writing process and collaborations.
• Analysis of how Murray’s hymns have influenced modern worship practices.
• Examination of her contributions to inclusive language and progressive theology.
• Insights into her integration of Māori culture and New Zealand identity in hymnody.
• Reflections from musicians, theologians, and colleagues on her legacy.
• A detailed timeline of Shirley Murray’s life and major works.
• Exploration of the theological and cultural significance of her most well-known hymns.
• Discussions on how her work continues to inspire new generations of worshippers.

Softcover 338pp, 6” x 9”
ISBN 9781991027818
Philip Garside Publishing Ltd (2024)

[In stock 13 February 2025]

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Description

Step into the life of Shirley Erena Murray, a pioneering hymn writer whose nearly 400 hymns have resonated with congregations across the world. This compelling biography, written by journalist Anne Manchester, traces Murray’s journey from young poet to one of the most influential hymn poets of our time.

Murray’s hymns address contemporary issues such as social justice, human rights, peace, and ecological care, providing a fresh and inclusive voice for worship. Her deep connection to Aotearoa New Zealand is evident in her work, integrating Māori culture and perspectives into her texts. Her influence spans denominations and countries, with her hymns included in over 140 hymn collections worldwide.

This book offers an in-depth exploration of Murray’s creative process, her collaborations with composers, and her impact on modern theology. Through personal anecdotes, reflections from friends and colleagues, and insights into her hymn writing, readers gain an intimate understanding of the woman behind the words.

Peace is Her Song is both a tribute to Shirley Murray’s remarkable legacy and an invitation to explore the power of hymns in shaping faith and action in today’s world.

About the Author

Anne Manchester is a journalist and former editor of Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand. She has authored two children’s books and a memoir, Memory Stick. Passionate about storytelling and theatre, she directed a photographic tribute to Katherine Mansfield’s At the Bay in 2023. She lives in Eastbourne, Wellington, with her husband and family.

 

 

 

 

Contents

Introduction

Part I – Early Life
1 – In the Beginning
2 – Growing Up
3 – Meeting John Murray
4 – First Years Together

Part II – Finding Her Voice
5 – Tumult of the ’60s
6 – Parish Demands
7 – A Centre for Radical Action
8 – Claiming Space for Hymn Writing

Part III – Publishing in New Zealand and Abroad
9 – Birthing New Zealand Hymns (1979–1993)
10 – Restless for More (1994–2014)
11 – Embraced in America
12 – The Art of Hymn Writing I
13 – The Art of Hymn Writing II
14 – Introducing New Hymns

Part IV – Beyond Parish Life
15 – From Mother to Grandshe
16 – A Home of Their Own
17 – Too Many Goodbyes
18 – Living Without John

Part V – Working with Shirley
19 – An Instinctive Poet
20 – Liberated from Patriarchy
21 – Weighting the Love Side
22 – Affirming Our Faith
23 – Meeting of Minds
24 – A Prophetic Voice
25 – Something Beautiful for God
26 – In Tune with Asia

Part VI – Shirley’s Legacy
27 – Mixed Responses in New Zealand
28 – The Human Cost of War
29 – Hymns of Special Note

Final Word

Appendices
1 – Sing for Life and All its Goodness – A Farewell Song for John
2 – Eulogy by Colin Gibson
3 – Video Renditions of Shirley’s Hymns
4 – Himene mō te Rā o Anzac
5 – Timeline of Shirley’s Life

Acknowledgements
Bibliography, Sources, Abbreviations, and Illustrations
Index of Names and Subjects
Index of Hymn Names and First Lines

• • •

See Anne speaking at the launch of Peace is Her Song

Click this link to see a video of Anne Manchester speaking at the launch of her book Peace is Her Song: The life and legacy of hymn writer Shirley Erena Murray https://youtu.be/bseoF2fiFoU?t=894

Other speakers at the launch, on 7 September 2024 at St Andrew's on the Terrace in Wellington, included Shirley's son Alastair, The Very Rev Pamela Tankersley who officially launched the book, Rev Dr Fei Taule’ale’ausumai and publisher Philip Garside.

• • •

Shirley 2009 (Photo: Alastair Murray)

Praise for Peace is Her Song

Click here for all the independent reviews and endorsements we have received for Peace is Her Song

"…Anne Manchester has done a fine job in documenting a committed life and in representing the wonderfully warm and generous person that was Shirley Murray." – Adrian Skelton in NZ Methodist paper Touchstone Aug 2024.

Read the full review here:
https://hail.to/methodist-church-of-new-zealand/publication/8C0NLiu/article/WJP6IN4

“This biography is grounded in Aotearoa  New Zealand, anchoring Shirley’s hymns in the life and the faith that inspired them. It will ensure the woman who wrote them is remembered as she deserves to be. Shirley's work continues to have a huge impact on the way Christianity is experienced in Aotearoa. She gave us something to sing that captures what shalom is about within the contours of our landscape and our churches.” 
– John Bluck, retired Anglican bishop and writer

“Shirley’s works display the concern she has for people, for peace, and for the planet. It is God’s truth that compels her writing, and we are pleased to be part of her wider ministry.”
– Scott Shorney, Vice President, Hope Publishing Company, United States 

"Anne Manchester presents many rich sources of material on Shirley’s life and legacy. Shirley’s own recollections, together with those of her colleagues and friends, paint a fascinating picture of her emergence as a leading poet of the church in Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.

This book is a fine tribute to a woman who has given us the words and images we need today to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” 
– Hymn writer Marnie Barrell, MNZM, board member of the New Zealand Hymnbook Trust 

Front cover image

White Poppy by Martin Ophuc, Pixabay 

Shirley and her husband John had a lifelong commitment to the White Poppies for Peace movement. This dates back to 1933 and remembers all the casualties of war, promotes peace and commits to finding non-violent solutions to conflict.