Ruth Duck

Ruth Duck is an American liturgical scholar, minister, and hymn writer whose texts have influenced contemporary congregational worship. Born in the United States, she studied theology and liturgy and later taught worship studies at several seminaries. Duck has written numerous hymns addressing themes such as justice, community, and inclusive language in worship. Her work emerged during a period of liturgical renewal in many Protestant churches during the late twentieth century. Her hymn texts have been included in several modern hymnals and are often used in ecumenical worship settings. While her approach has occasionally generated discussion among hymn scholars regarding language and interpretation, her contributions are widely recognized as part of the ongoing development of modern hymnody.