A New Commandment | GodSongs.net [Video]

For many years, the author and composer have been listed as “unknown”. However recent information is that it was written in the early 1970s at Bryn Goleu Fellowship, Llanfairfechan in North Wales by member and pianist, Roy Crabtree (b approx 1930).

Recent versions of Hymns Old and New include two additional verses by Indian Roman Catholic priest, musician, liturgist and composer Aniceto Nazareth (1938-2021).

With irregular meter, the tune does not have a name.

There are some variations in the words and tune in use throughout the world. The original lyrics included “by this shall all men know that you are my disciples”. The word “men” is now usually omitted and the tune adjusted to fit. Some people change the whole phrase to “by this the world shall know”.

There are several other hymns with very similar titles, but this one is widely used in liturgical churches, across various denominations.

Downloads

Examples

Lyrics